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 Carolina Hurricanes vs Anaheim Ducks.
NHL Predictions With Carolina Hurricanes vs Anaheim Ducks
Winnipeg Jets vs Edmonton Oilers
Head-to-Head: Jets 1 – 0 Oilers
The Winnipeg Jets seem to have the Edmonton Oilers number as of late. After a sweep of Edmonton in the playoffs last spring, Winnipeg followed that up by making another statement with a 5-2 win over the Oilers on Tuesday. The Jets have been dialled in as of late, having won their last three which included the win against Edmonton and wins against the upstart California teams, San Jose and Los Angeles. Everything seems to be going right for Winnipeg. Offence, defence, and goaltending have all been efficient in their seven-game homestand. Winnipeg will look to continue that success as they hit the road against Edmonton tonight.
The Oilers need to figure out Winnipeg sooner or later. As mentioned earlier, it’s been a disastrously lopsided head-to-head with the Jets as of late. Now perhaps we can credit the Oilers latest loss to fatigue. The game in Winnipeg was at the tail end of a lengthy road trip for Edmonton. Now that the Oilers are back home, I expect a rejuvenated response by the club. Edmonton has been alternating wins and losses the last five games. So coming off a loss, it looks like they are due for a win.
Prediction: Edmonton wins 5-2
Columbus Blue Jackets vs Arizona Coyotes
Head-to-Head: Blue Jackets 1 – 0 Coyotes
The Columbus Blue Jackets have been a surprise team this year. Many people thought they would slow down, but they have not. They are team revitalized after their coaching change this offseason. Columbus is ranked ninth in the league in goals for 3.23, and that all started with their opening night dismantling of this same Arizona Coyotes team, 8-2.
Arizona is coming off an impressive win against the St. Louis Blues the other night. Backed by the brilliant goaltending of Scott Wedgewood where he turned aside 34 shots en-route to the upset. Is this the start of the first winning streak for Arizona this year? I’m not so convinced. Maybe putting an eight-spot on the Coyotes isn’t quite in the cards this time, but a convincing win for the Blue Jackets should be in store nonetheless.
Prediction: Columbus wins 4-2
Detroit Red Wings vs Las Vegas Golden Knights
Head-to-Head: Red Wings 1 – 0 Golden Knights
It’s a quick rematch against these two clubs. After the Detroit Red Wings took the first meeting 5-2, 10 days ago, we have Detroit making their way down The Strip to have another dance with Lady Luck in Vegas tonight. The Red Wings have entertained the masses this year with their exciting young lineup, headlined by Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider. Now we all know what the city of Vegas is capable of doing to teams on their road visits. With Detroit staring down a four-day break after Saturday’s game against Arizona and just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Vegas, will the young Red Wings maintain focus on the job at hand? There will surely be plenty to celebrate if they can top off this hot start to their season with a couple of road wins here.
The Vegas Golden Knights have seen an added boost by the return of captain Mark Stone. Vegas is hoping his return can bring more efficiency to their dim power play- which seems to be their main weak point up to this point of the year. Vegas rolls into this one as one of the hottest teams in the NHL, having gone 7-3 in their last 10. There’s another gear in this Vegas team and I believe they show it off tonight.
Prediction: Vegas wins 4-2
Carolina Hurricanes vs Anaheim Ducks
Head-to-Head: Hurricanes 0 – 0 Ducks
The Carolina Hurricanes are 12-2 on the season and still aren’t as hot as the Anaheim Ducks have been over the last 10 games. Crazy stat. We are all now well aware of how lethal the Ducks have been to start this season. Anaheim won’t be catching teams by surprise anymore. They are a force to be reckoned with and shall not be taken lightly.
Ryan Getzlaf has more points in 17 games this season than he did in all 48 he played last year. It’s been a remarkable turnaround for the long-time Duck. Aiding in his newfound form this season has been the play of line-mate Troy Terry. Terry is finally coming into his own this season and sits fourth in the league scoring 10 goals and 21 points in 16 games. The way Anaheim is playing, they have all the belief in the world as they play host to the best team in the NHL, the Carolina Hurricanes.
Carolina is poised to be the Ducks stiffest test this season. The Hurricanes have the best goals-against average, are ranked third in goals scored, and are one of the best puck possession teams in the NHL. Carolina kicked off their six-game road trip with a win over Vegas and will look to keep the momentum going coming into the Duck Pond. Carolina won’t be coming into this one letting the Ducks embrace the underdog role. They are motivated to establish their dominance over the NHL and prove a duck stands no chance in the path of a hurricane.
Prediction: Carolina wins 5-2
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