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 Edmonton Oilers vs New York Rangers.
NHL Predictions with Edmonton Oilers vs New York Rangers
Edmonton Oilers vs New York Rangers
Head-to-Head: Oilers 1 – 0 Rangers
In today’s only game, the Edmonton Oilers and New York Rangers face off for the second time this season. Their first meeting was a narrow 6-5 overtime win for Edmonton, with Leon Draisaitl scoring the game-winning goal. However, both teams look different than the last time they met.
The Oilers have fallen to fourth in the Pacific Division, currently holding a three-game losing streak. Their most recent loss came at the hands of the New York Islanders, who were missing several members of their coaching staff. Draisaitl and Connor McDavid both continue to produce at above a point-per-game pace. Still, the efforts of Edmonton’s forwards have not been enough to surmount defensive and goaltending issues.
On the other hand, the Rangers sit comfortably in third in the Metropolitan Division – a significant step above the Islanders and New Jersey Devils, who handed the Oilers their two most recent losses. Artemi Panarin’s absence due to COVID-19 was an unfortunate hit to the Rangers’ offence. However, in their game Sunday against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad stepped up, recording three assists and a hat trick, respectively.
Though the Oilers may have taken the first game, tonight’s contest is shaping up to go the other way. Expect the Rangers to get the win this time around.
Prediction: Rangers win, 4-3
Main photo:
Embed from Getty Images
