Welcome back to another day of NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are happening and gives our predictions for each one, breaking down head-to-head and other factors that may play in. We also have a featured game of the day, which is considered must-watch TV. Today’s featured game is the Pittsburgh Penguins vs Washington Capitals.
NHL Predictions with Pittsburgh Penguins vs Washington Capitals
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Washington Capitals
Head-to-Head: Penguins 0 – 0 Capitals
Two Metropolitan rivals clash as the Pittsburgh Penguins go up against the Washington Capitals. Washington sits comfortably at second in the division standings, whereas Pittsburgh has been hovering around the bottom.
The Capitals eked out a 4-3 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday. Alex Ovechkin logged his 742nd goal in that win, catapulting himself to fourth on the all-time goal scoring leaderboard. He has recorded two goals and four assists for six points in the last four games. For the Penguins, COVID has been a significant obstacle in recent weeks. Several players, including Sidney Crosby and Brian Dumoulin, have been sidelined by the virus. Head coach Mike Sullivan has been out as well.
Nevertheless, Pittsburgh has remained competitive. Three of their most recent games, including a win over the Florida Panthers, went to shootouts thanks to stellar performances from goaltender Tristan Jarry. He has a .929 save percentage and 2.23 goals-against average on the season.
Though the Capitals’ three-game win streak seems intimidating, the Penguins have shown that they are capable of keeping up with any opponent. Tonight’s matchup will be close, but Pittsburgh has a good chance of walking away with the victory as long as Jarry remains steady.
Prediction: Penguins win, 3-2
New Jersey Devils vs New York Rangers
Head-to-Head: Devils 0 – 0 Rangers
Two more Metropolitan teams will play tonight as the New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers face off. Both rosters are filled with young, up-and-coming players who have put their talent on display in recent games. In a win over the Florida Panthers, 23-year-old Adam Fox recorded a shorthanded tally, and 21-year-old K’Andre Miller logged his first goal of the season. For the Devils, first-year forward Dawson Mercer had an assist and two goals through two contests against the Panthers and New York Islanders. Though this game will be competitive, expect the Rangers to get the win.
Prediction: Rangers win, 4-3
Vancouver Canucks vs Anaheim Ducks
Head-to-Head: Canucks 0 – 1 Ducks
Tonight’s game marks the second time this season that the Vancouver Canucks and Anaheim Ducks face each other. The first occurred less than a week ago, going Anaheim’s way in a close 3-2 battle. Troy Terry scored the overtime goal to put the Ducks over the top, and remained hot with three points in a later win against the Seattle Kraken. On the other hand, things have not been going quite so well for the Canucks. After falling to Anaheim, Vancouver was defeated by the Colorado Avalanche in a 7-1 blowout. Given the trajectories of both teams, the Ducks should pick up another win against the Canucks.
Prediction: Ducks win, 5-3
