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 two games on the slate for Wednesday, June 2nd, featuring the Montreal Canadiens vs Winnipeg Jets.
NHL Predictions
Colorado Avalanche vs Vegas Golden Knights
Series: Avalanche 1 – 0 Golden Knights
The Colorado Avalanche face off against the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 2 of the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, tonight. Coming off a huge Game 1, the Avalanche dominated the Golden Knights on offense and won the game 7-1. A 3 point night for defenseman Cale Makar and two goals from centreman Nathan MacKinnon gave Colorado the first win of this series after they swept the St. Louis Blues in the first round.
As for the Vegas Golden Knights, it took seven games for them to best the Minnesota Wild. Goaltending from Marc-Andre Fleury punched their second-round ticket, as well as a well-timed hat trick from Matthias Janmark. Despite finishing just behind the Avalanche and second in the league rankings, the Golden Knights were fairly inconsistent against the Wild. And, that inconsistency continued on Sunday night. One goal from William Karlsson, weak defense, and spotty goaltending were on display throughout all 60 minutes.
If the Knights want to compete against the Avalanche, goaltending will be key. With Vezina finalist Philipp Grubauer standing solid in the net across the ice, the William Jennings Trophy winners, Fleury and Robin Lehner need to be on top of their game. Vegas will also need to get their offence going, which has proven all season long they can produce. But, with Colorado clicking like they are, Vegas doesn’t stand a chance tonight.
Prediction: Avalanche win 5-2.
Montreal Canadiens vs Winnipeg Jets
Series: Canadiens 0 – 0 Jets
One of the more interesting second-round matchups, the Montreal Canadiens take on the Winnipeg Jets. Seeded 3rd and 4th, respectively, at the end of the regular season, I’m not sure many fans believed this is what the North Division championship would look like. After facing off against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round, the Habs overcame a 3-1 series deficit to shut them out in Game 7.
As for the Winnipeg Jets, they took on the Edmonton Oilers and dynamic duo Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl in round one. The Jets went on to sweep the Oilers and completely shut down Edmonton’s stars. While three of those four games went to OT, the Jets found themselves controlling the series. The question will be if they can do it against the Habs.
With the two weeks of rest, the Jets have had, along with their solid offence, Winnipeg will take this game. But, the key for Montreal will be goaltending. Carey Price was a huge factor in the Habs win over Toronto, and he will need to be as stellar as he has been if they want to move on.
Prediction: Jets win 3-2.
Main Photo:
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