Welcome back to NHL Predictions! Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at every game and gives our predictions for the outcome and score. This also includes a featured game that we deem must-watch TV. Tonight’s featured game is the Winnipeg Jets vs Calgary Flames. Be sure to check out our other two NHL Predictions articles for the early games.
NHL Predictions Including Winnipeg Jets vs Calgary Flames
Florida Panthers vs Dallas Stars
Head-to-Head: Panthers 2 – 1 Stars
The Florida Panthers have been one of the best surprises this year showing that they are a legit top-three team in this division. For a bunch of seasons, the potential has been there, but the results were not. Finally, when it looked like a year they maybe take a step back, boom. They have been one of the toughest teams so far this year and that shouldn’t change. Chris Driedger has been huge for them and the confidence boost they have needed as they look to fight back up to the top of the Central.
The Stars on the other hand have had a miserable year. Dealing with COVID outbreaks, power outages, and a massive injury list stemming from their cup run last season. They really need to start putting some wins together here or they will be out of playoff reach sooner than they realize. Tonight, look for Florida to bounce back into the win column after dropping three in a row. They shook things up and waived Anton Stralman, maybe that’ll be a wake-up call to the team.
Prediction: Panthers win 5-3.
San Jose Sharks vs Arizona Coyotes
Head-to-Head: Sharks 1 – 2 Coyotes
The Sharks and Coyotes are both having years that aren’t very excitable. San Jose is trying to retool and Arizona is stuck in the middle. Not a good enough team for playoffs but not bad enough to tank. Overall, it’s not a great situation. These two played each other last night and play each other a lot more to end the year too. Four more times after tonight… Hope they like each other.
In the game, it might be a little sloppier than normal given both teams are on back-to-backs. These games can sometimes be uglier than normal but maybe that’s alright. It could lead to some extra scoring which no one would complain about. Look for the Coyotes to take this one.
Predictions: Coyotes win 4-2.
Winnipeg Jets vs Calgary Flames
Head-to-Head: Jets 4 – 2 Flames
This is game two of three in a row between these two teams, the seventh of the season too. The Flames are having a very disappointing season but hope to turn around with their new coach. So far, it hasn’t gone great as they really haven’t gained too much ground. They really need to get two points here tonight and turn it around for good if they want any hopes at playoffs. If not, one has to wonder if they debate selling at the deadline this year.
The Jets will be a team looking to add at least one defenceman to the team at the deadline. They have been a top team in the North and the division lead really isn’t that far away. Both goalies have been solid for them, but Calgary has two good options as well. Overall, this Jets team is poised to make a run like they did back in 2018. It will be interesting to see if they can add the pieces to do so. Their goaltending is unreal and they have some big pieces upfront.
Tonight it is the featured game because it features two teams desperate for points. Calgary needs the points to stay alive and the Jets want to take that division lead that is so close to them. It should be a thrilling game no matter what.
Prediction: Flames win 3-2.
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