Welcome back to another day of NHL Predictions. Each day, we will take a look at the games that are happening and give our predictions for each one. There are only two games on the slate for Tuesday, May 11th. In addition, we also offer a featured game of the day, which is a game that we think is must-watch TV. Today’s featured game is the Vancouver Canucks vs Winnipeg Jets.
NHL Predictions: Vancouver Canucks vs Winnipeg Jets
Boston Bruins vs Washington Capitals
Head-to-Head: Bruins 4 – Capitals – 3
This game between the Capitals and Bruins is a preview of their first-round matchup which begins Saturday night in Washington. It will be interesting to see who the Bruins will put on the ice now that the third seed is wrapped up. The Bruins played an emotional game on Monday night against the New York Islanders. Will the Bruins be up to play the Capitals with nothing on the line? Will they be resting starters like the Capitals will be? If there was more on the line you have to think the Bruins would be fielding a full squad. Plus, this being a back-to-back game and the Capitals rested, Washington needs to win here going into the playoffs.
It will be interesting what lineup Washington fields. With the playoffs potentially starting this weekend, do they want to keep some of their players rested and not get them injured? These games against Boston have been very physical. And Alex Ovechkin is dealing with a lower-body injury, so if he plays that will be a surprise. Considering he has missed the last several games because of that injury, do not expect him to play in this one. And where is Evgeny Kuznetsov in all of this? They will need him for sure. Washington still has talent, just like Boston does. This will be a fun game to watch for sure.
Prediction: Capitals Win 3-2
Vancouver Canucks vs Winnipeg Jets
Head-to-Head: Jets 5 – Canucks – 3
This is the second of back-to-back games between the Winnipeg Jets and Vancouver Canucks. The Canucks are playing nine games in 14 days after their battle with COVID-19 a few weeks ago. As Vancouver looks to play out the season, the Jets are trying to lock in that third position in the North Division playoffs. The Jets are struggling as the season comes to an end. Offensively they should be better than they are, but injuries have plagued the Jets all season. And yes, Blake Wheeler is back in the lineup which makes Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor go, but the Jets need more from Pierre-Luc Dubois. Not to mention, not having their MVP Nikolaj Ehlers hurts their depth up front.
Defensively the Jets are average, at best. Goaltending will always favour the Jets regardless if it is Connor Hellebuyck or Laurent Brossoit in between the pipes. The Canucks are a team that can give the Jets fits, especially with players like Brock Boeser, J.T. Miller, and Bo Horvat. But how much will Vancouver have left in the tank as they just want to get this season over with? Even with keeping the first game close, look for the Jets to come out firing and get a win in the second to last game of the season before they wrap up with Toronto on Thursday night. Plus, with the third seed on the line any point gets them Edmonton in Round 1.
Prediction: Jets win 4-2
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