Welcome back to NHL Predictions, January 24th edition! Each day, the Last Word on Hockey team will break down every game and give our NHL predictions for each game. This is the late game slate of NHL Predictions for January 24th. Be sure and check out the early games too.
NHL Predictions
New York Rangers vs Pittsburgh Penguins
Head-to-Head: Rangers 0 – 1 Penguins
The New York Rangers continue to struggle this season, with a record of 1-2-1. Despite losing three out of the four games played, only one game has looked awful from them, that being game one of this season. The Rangers’ previous two games have been tight and frustrating games to lose. Blowing a two-goal lead against the Pittsburgh Penguins last game adds to their discourage, as it’s a game they should have and needed to win.
The main focus points to New York’s concern with the team’s top-scoring lines and chemistry. Ryan Strome and Chris Kreider, who finished top four in the Rangers scoring last year, both are off to slow starts, registering just one goal between the two so far. The first overall draft pick of the 2019 draft has also yet to record his first NHL point. It’s only a matter of time before the Rangers offence starts clicking, maybe some line juggling? You can’t just single out the Rangers offence as they have scored 11 goals in four games. The defence has to be better, Jack Johnson and Jacob Trouba have been a liability for New York. On the positive side, youngsters K’Andre Miller, Adam Fox and Filip Chytil have all been quite impressive.
The Pittsburgh Penguins dropped their first two games, and by all means, they were not pleasant. However, since their last loss, they have regrouped and found themselves on a winning streak of three games. Altogether three of those games have two things in common, comebacks and extra time. The Penguins have found ways to get themselves back in the game and forcing overtime or a shootout, which they have been victorious in.
The theme with Pittsburgh starting a hockey game flat-footed and falling behind needs to stop. Pittsburgh needs to figure out a way to be on the same page before a game starts. Pass the memo out, and save themselves the trouble. With veterans such as Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang this team will be able to overcome these early mishaps.
Prediction: Penguins Win 5-2
Colorado Avalanche vs Anaheim Ducks
Head-to-Head: Avalanche 1 – 0 Ducks
The Colorado Avalanche have put the puck in the net 17 times in their first five games. Colorado’s star players have been the spirit of the team’s 3-2-0 start of the season. Some may have expected more offence from players other than the Avalanches top line. Colorado’s defence has been filling in the gap of the missing secondary scoring. Samuel Girard, Cale Makar and Devon Toews have 14 points between the three. While we are on the topic of Colorado’s point production, Bowen Byram recorded his first NHL point last game against the Anaheim Ducks.
Philipp Grubauer has won three out of the four starts and sits on an impressive .931%. Fresh off a 3-2 OT win against the Ducks in their last meeting, they’ll look to add another win to the column. Colorado will look for outstanding goaltending and dominate special teams.
The Anaheim Ducks have just one win this season. However, they have been fortunate enough to grab an extra two points in overtime. With a record of 1-2-2, the Ducks have no reason to look down at themselves. This is a team that isn’t expected to make the playoffs this season, especially when looking at their competition in the West Division this year.
However, Anaheim is competing and doing a great job of battling and keeping themselves in the game. Looking back at game one, this Ducks team has progressed. John Gibson sits at a .929% and is well on his way for a bounce-back season. Anaheim’s goaltending may become an interesting situation to keep an eye on, as both could very well steal some games for Anaheim.
Although the lack of offence is apparent, Anaheim’s goaltending and Defence will lead them through the season unless the veterans or youngsters get something going. A struggling powerplay with a 0-12 record may cause some concerns early in the season. The Duck’s execution on the powerplay did look better as the game progressed against Colorado. It’s only a matter of time now for a finish.
Prediction: Ducks win 3-1
Los Angeles Kings vs St.Louis Blues
Head-to-Head: Kings 0– 0 Blues
The Los Angeles Kings started the season with three straight losses, two of them being in overtime. Their first win would come off back to back games versus the Colorado Avalanche in their second meeting. Los Angeles has started to get the powerplay going and learning from their early mistakes. This is a team with talented youth that will one day take the torch from Veterans Anze Kopitar, Dustin Brown, Jeff Carter and Drew Doughty. However, for the time being, it’s the veterans that are providing the competition. With goaltending being the link weak on the team, expect a well-rounded St. Louis Blues team to take advantage.
The St. Louis Blues might like more offence from their captain and star players. However, at this moment, at 5 on 5, it isn’t their biggest concern. The production from each forward line throughout the beginning of this season has been effective. Each line has been able to put the puck in the net. The biggest concern is the Blues powerplay. Having 14 powerplay opportunities, they have failed to score just once. This is a deep Blues roster with veterans who know how to win and turn it around. Jordan Kyrou has been the best player on the team and leads in points. Robert Bortuzzo remains injured and, this will give Niko Mikkola a chance to prove his spot on the Blues roster.
Prediction: Kings Win 5-3
San Jose Sharks vs Minnesota Wild
Head-to-Head: Sharks 0 – 1 Wild
The San Jose Sharks are coming off a 4-1 loss to the Minnesota Wild. They are 2-3-0 in their first five games both of the Shark’s wins came off a shootout. San Jose has shown early signs of defensive and goaltending struggles, having 18 goals against. Martin Jones started the season with respective numbers and showing possibilities of a bounce-back season. This wouldn’t be the case as his performance has gone nowhere but downhill from there. Devan Dubnyk hasn’t been any better or worse as he joins Jones in the under .900% club. On a positive note, special teams and offence have been the better area for this team. The team sits 12th in PP% and 8th in PK%. Their special teams could be a factor in the next game versus the Wild.
Minnesota Wild are 4-1 to start the season regardless of facing injuries early. Mats Zuccarello has no timeline on his return and remains out with arm surgery. Cam Talbot left the last game early against San Jose after facing a shot that stung the goaltender. With Minnesota’s 5th best point-getter out to start the year, the Wild have Joel Eriksson Ek and Jordan Greenway join Kirill Kaprizov among the top scorers for the Wild with five points. Cam Talbot could be back in the net as his injury has not been reported as serious. Kaapo Kahkonen stepped in as Talbots’ replacement against the Sharks and looked sharp. If Kähkönen were to get the nod in goal, the Wild would still be in good shape.
Prediction: Wild Win 3-2
Nashville Predators vs Dallas Stars
Head-to-Head: Predators 0 – 1 Stars
The Nashville Predators join many of the teams to start the season struggling to get the puck in the net. The team has scored just 10 goals in their 4 games played. Filip Forsberg leads the Predators with 3 goals, all coming at even strength. Mikael Granlund made his season debut, looking to bring more offence to the team. Granlund was held off the score sheet. However, he recorded four shots on net. Despite the hole that remains regarding their offence, the team has shown signs of being a tough team to play against. Before the barn burning loss to the Stars, Juuse Saros has been solid for the Predators. Nashville Predators will look to refocus for a rematch against the Dallas Stars and get their redemption.
The Dallas Stars came out in their first game looking strong, playing with their typical physical style. I was unsure what to expect from Dallas’s first game of the season. All I can say is that it definitely was not putting up seven goals their first night back! All signs point to Dallas not showing any evidence of being rusty.
Dallas made a complete mockery of Nashville and their penalty kill, scoring five goals on eight powerplay chances given to them. Esa Lindell would score a short-handed goal, making that six goals on special teams and just one at 5 on5. Anton Khudobin starting right where he left off after the Stars Stanley Cup run last season. He would stop all 34 shots he faced, earning himself his first shutout of the season. Joe Pavelski would lead the team in points last night with two goals and two assists.
Prediction: 3-1 Nashville
Edmonton Oilers vs Winnipeg Jets
Head-to-Head Oilers 0- 0 Jets
The Edmonton Oilers lost their last game to the Toronto Maple Leafs, leaving them with a 2-4-0 record. Although that looks bad on paper, the Oilers have been much better in their end defensively. Mikko Koskinen has been as solid as any would expect of him. He holds a .905% and has faced more rubber than any goalie has this season.
Edmonton’s powerplay remains to struggle as they have only found the back of the net 3 out of their 23 opportunities. James Neal returned to the lineup last game, giving optimism that his efforts would help the powerplay. Unexpectedly the Oilers offence has been running a bit dry. Could reuniting Ryan Nugent-Hopkins with Leon Draisaitl and Kailer Yamamoto be the answer? I would have to think Zack Kassian gets removed from the first line and is swapped with Jesse Puljujarvi.
The Winnipeg Jets made a blockbuster trade on January 23rd with the Columbus Blue Jackets, swapping star players Patrik Laine for Pierre-Luc Dubois. Winnipeg Jets would also send forward Jack Roslovic to Columbus. Adding Pierre-Luc Dubios will give the Jets a fantastic one-two punch own the middle. The newly acquired center will not be in the Jets lineup against Edmonton.
Winnipeg is 3-1-0 to start the season as they have scored four goals in each of the three wins. Kyle Connor leads the team in scoring with an impressive 7 points in 4 games. The Jet’s powerplay joins the Oilers in terms of struggling. With both teams supplying great goaltending and defensive zone coverage, each powerplay could continue to suffer. This should be a great battle between the two teams. We could see the possibility of the two competing for that fourth spot later down the stretch.
Prediction: Jets win 4-2
That does it for this edition of NHL Predictions. Be sure to check back for more tomorrow!
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