The 2021 NHL season is on the home stretch. The Last Word On Hockey team continues to break down each game and give predictions for each result. These predictions are for the late set of three games for May 5th. Today’s featured is the Winnipeg Jets vs Calgary Flames. Be sure to check out the early and middle set of predictions as teams jockey for playoff position.
NHL Predictions Featuring Winnipeg Jets vs Calgary Flames
Colorado Avalanche vs San Jose Sharks
Head-to-Head: Avalanche 6 – 1 Sharks
The Colorado Avalanche (34-12-4) still have a lot to play for with just six games left in their 2021 regular season. They are second in the West Division just two points back of the Vegas Golden Knights and just two points ahead of the Minnesota Wild. All this despite having the fifth-best record in the NHL. This is the fourth straight game the Avs will face the Sharks. They have won the previous three and have won six of seven overall on the year. Mikko Rantanen has been a Shark killer in the last three wins with three goals and four assists. Philipp Grubauer has won seven of his last eight starts. He also has three shutouts against San Jose this year.
The San Jose Sharks (20-26-6) are not looking to head into golf season quietly. They took the Avalanche into overtime on Monday (losing 5-4) and lost 4-3 the previous outing. Still a team with star power in Evander Kane, Brent Burns, and Tomas Hertl , they cannot be taken lightly. With only two wins in their last 13 games, this would be an upset.
Prediction: Avs need it more and the Sharks are outclassed. 5-1 Avalanche
Winnipeg Jets vs Calgary Flames
Head-to-Head: Jets 5 – 3 Flames
The Winnipeg Jets (27-21-3) play their final game of the season against their North Division rival. The Jets have been leaking oil down the home stretch, losing their last seven games. They have just 10 goals in those contests and have given up 28. Things are not good in Winnipeg and they find themselves tied for third with the Montreal Canadiens. Injuries to Nikolaj Ehlers and Bryan Little haven’t helped, but you need to find a way to overcome this time of year.
The Calgary Flames (22-25-3) season is on life support. They are 10 points back of the Canadiens and Jets with six games left. So basically it is over, but don’t expect them to roll over. They have wins over the Toronto Maple Leafs, Edmonton Oilers and three vs the Habs in their last 10. There are bound to be big changes in Calgary in the off-season and a lot of guys will be playing for roles next year. A dangerous situation for the Jets.
Prediction: Stay off the Jets until they show some life. 3-2 Flames
[pickup_prop id=”5802″]
Los Angeles Kings vs Arizona Coyotes
Head-to-Head: Kings 4 – 3 Coyotes
The Los Angeles Kings (20-24-6) would need to win their final six games and have the St. Louis Blues get less than two points in their last six to make the playoffs. So you’re saying there is a chance. Not with four of their last six against the Avalanche. They won 3-2 Monday vs Arizona and have a four to three edge in the season series. Anze Kopitar once again paces the team with 13 goals and 36 assists in 50 games.
The Arizona Coyotes (22-25-6) have the same situation as the Kings, except they need to win just their last three games with a complete flop by the Blues. They only have themselves to blame with only three wins in their last 14 games. Jakob Chychrun has had a breakout year and leads the ‘Yotes with 17 goals and 21 assists on the year. One of the few bright spots in a disappointing season in the desert.
Prediction: Flip a coin in this one. 3-2 Kings
