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 Washington Capitals vs Chicago Blackhawks.
NHL Predictions With Washington Capitals vs Chicago Blackhawks
Washington Capitals vs Chicago Blackhawks
Head-to-Head: Capitals 0 – 1 Blackhawks
The Washington Capitals vs Chicago Blackhawks is our featured game of the night. At first glance, the Blackhawks record is nothing to watch. However, they have greatly improved since their coaching fire earlier this season and are an exciting team to watch. Even if they are not one of the best teams, they still have plenty of talent to keep an eye on. Seth Jones, Patrick Kane, and more are just a few names. In net, Marc-Andre Fleury is always fun to watch too. Chicago has gone 5-5-0 in their last 10 games and are starting to show they’re someone you can’t look past or you won’t get two points.
The Capitals just keep going and going. Each year, they seem to be counted out or expected to take a step back due to the roster, age, or anything else. And each year, they just keep on moving along as nothing has changed. They are first in the Metro again this season, even after a hot start from other divisional teams. Alex Ovechkin is throwing it back and having one of the best seasons of his long career. They have also done this mainly without Nicklas Backstrom, largely thanks to an Evgeny Kuznetsov resurgence. This should be a good game between two teams that are highly skilled. They both also have tons of playoff experience and have the know-how to play in different types of games.
Prediction: Capitals win 4-3.
New York Rangers vs Arizona Coyotes
Head-to-Head: Rangers 0 – 0 Coyotes
The New York Rangers have been one of the better teams to start this NHL season. However, one thing that should be of some concern is their lack of underlying metrics. Currently, the Rangers are currently 31st in CorsiFor% and 27th in ExpectedGoals%. This basically means that despite winning games, they aren’t outplaying their opponents. Now, these numbers aren’t perfect. But generally speaking, are a good predictor of future outcomes. The Rangers will want to make sure the process keeps evolving to continue being a top contender in the Metro.
And what better time to fix a process than against the Coyotes? This team is bad and that is exactly what they want. They have 12 points in 27 games and are on pace to be one of the worst teams in the cap era. Again, that is exactly what the plan was for this season but it doesn’t always make for fun hockey to watch.
Prediction: Rangers win 4-1.
Seattle Kraken vs Anaheim Ducks
Head-to-Head: Kraken 0 – 1 Ducks
The Kraken have had a tough first season. Mostly, the struggle has come in net. For receiving a massive contact, Philipp Grubauer has been nowhere near good enough. It has completely sunk the start of the season as the Kraken now look to fight back. Mark Giordano, Jared McCann, and Yanni Gourde are all names that some may or may not know, but are entertaining to watch.
The Ducks have been one of the most surprising teams so far. John Gibson looks great and Troy Terry has broken out too. Trevor Zegras has been a ton of fun to watch too and this Anaheim team is playing some fun hockey. If you’re looking for a late-night watch, this is the game for you. It should be a close one in a divisional matchup that both teams will want the points in.
Prediction: Kraken win 5-3.
