Welcome back to NHL Predictions! Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at every game and gives their prediction for the outcome. This also includes a dive into the game of the night or the featured game. Tonight’s featured game is the Calgary Flames vs Vancouver Canucks. Be sure to check out the early slate of NHL Predictions too.
NHL Predictions with Calgary Flames vs Vancouver Canucks
Los Angeles Kings vs Vegas Golden Knights
Head-to-Head: Kings 1 – 4 Golden Knights
The Golden Knights have had the Kings number so far this season. It is no surprise that they are one of the best teams in the league, and nothing should change tonight. LA is going to be in tough if they want two points out of this matchup. However, nothing in the NHL is guaranteed so if Vegas doesn’t bring the game they’ve played with all year, they won’t win. After a 4-1 win on Monday, expect this one to be a close one that goes down to the wire.
Prediction: Vegas wins 3-2.
Minnesota Wild vs San Jose Sharks
Head-to-Head: Wild 2 – 2 Sharks
Let’s hope this game is anything like the one that took place Monday. These two took part in a thriller that ended 4-3 for the Sharks in a shootout. However, that shootout went eight rounds before Erik Karlsson took a slap shot from the hash marks to win it. Karlsson also had two other goals in that game and finally looked like his old self. The Sharks desperately need that not just now, but for the future. Karlsson is on a huge ticket and they need him to produce if they want any chance at winning some more hockey games in the near future.
As for Minnesota, they remain one of the better surprises of this year. A genuinely fun team to watch every night, which has not always been the case. However, this season they are must-watch TV. Minnesota will want some revenge tonight and expect them to come out flying. This should be another solid game.
Prediction: Minnesota wins 5-3.
Calgary Flames vs Vancouver Canucks
Head-to-Head: Flames 4 – 2 Canucks
Many would have thought that the Calgary Flames vs Vancouver Canucks would be critical viewing for the North Division. Heading into the season, both of these teams had legit playoff hopes. However, they have both failed miserably and both their seasons are on the edge of being over. They are both at 35 points with 37 games played. Fourth in the North has 39 points with just 32 games played… To say they have to be almost perfect going forward would be an understatement, and that goes for either team.
Truthfully, both of these teams should be sellers. However, Calgary just hired a new coach and it seems unlikely they will want to admit defeat. That is why this game should still be very entertaining. Two teams fighting for their playoff hopes to stay alive should lead to some dramatic hockey to wrap up March. Heading down the stretch, both teams need every point possible and it needs to start tonight.
Look for Jacob Markstrom to try and stand strong against his old team. Same with Chris Tanev, who has been one of the lone bright spots for Calgary. On the other side, Thatcher Demko will need to stand strong as he has multiple times this year to give them a shot. Looks like Elias Pettersson is still out, which has been a massive loss for Vancouver.
Prediction: Flames win 4-3 in Overtime.
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