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 Nashville Predators vs Vegas Golden Knights
NHL Predictions with Nashville Predators vs Vegas Golden Knights
Nashville Predators vs Vegas Golden Knights
Head-to-Head: Predators 0-1 Golden Knights
After a rough overtime loss to the Jets, the Golden Knights look to rebound at home. The Predators are a really solid defensive team so the Golden Knights will have their work cut out for them. Juuse Saros has once again this season been amazing for them. Both teams have star power. Leading the way for Vegas has been Chandler Stephenson with 34 points and Reilly Smith with 26 points. Over in Tennessee, the Predators have been led by the likes of Mikael Granlund, Roman Josi, Matt Duchene, Filip Forsberg, and Ryan Johansen. Offensively, Vegas has the edge whereas defensively Nashville has the edge. Nashville has had an excellent year as a team and are in a solid spot to push for the playoffs. Unfortunately for the Golden Knights, they’ll be missing a key piece of their offence in Max Pacioretty due to injury. Both teams have collected seven points in their last five games so this should be a great back and forth transition game.
Prediction: Predators win 3-2
Colorado Avalanche vs Chicago Blackhawks
Head-to-Head: Avalanche 1-0 Blackhawks
After a late-minute surge vs Anaheim, the Avalanche look to get the much-needed two points vs Chicago. Both teams are in a very tight Central division where everything is up in the air. Although there’s a slim chance of Chicago coming back into a wild card spot with the intense competition, the Avalanche are vying for a division championship. Although maybe they should take on the Lightning mentality to just get into the playoffs. Colorado is a very solid two-way team that is great at suppressing chances. Chicago should key in on the term quality and quantity as Colorado has average goaltending. A breakout season from Nazem Kadri has led to success for the Avalanche so the Blackhawks will want to key in on him at all times. To be fair they’ll need to key in on the entire Avalanche team as every player is dangerous. With the talent upfront and on the blue line, the Avalanche should have no problem collecting the two points.
Prediction: Avalanche win 3-1
Winnipeg Jets vs Arizona Coyotes
Head-to-Head: Jets 0-1 Coyotes
The last time these two teams played each other we got a heck of a goaltender performance from both sides as anyone would know with a score of 1-0. Along with being horrible defensively, the Jets allow high event shots against which isn’t ideal. In conclusion, Winnipeg should be grateful that they have Connor Hellebuyck. Although the Jets are horrible defensively, they shouldn’t be too worried as Arizona doesn’t have a solid offensive group to outplay their defence. Winnipeg has a strong ability to create offence down the middle of the ice in addition to the overall generation of chances. If the Jets want to be in the hunt for the playoffs they need to start getting it going. The same will not be said for the rebuilding Arizona Coyotes.
The Coyotes will need to shut down the Jets surging top line featuring Mark Scheifele, Nikolaj Ehlers, and Paul Stastny. This line has been dominant this season being one of the best in the NHL at generating offence. With this, Arizona should look to take advantage of the Jets weak defensive duo of Brendan Dillon and Neal Pionk who struggle to suppress chances in their own end. This could be a really gritty battle if Arizona plays some decent hockey. Even if they do, the Jets goaltending will bail them out as always. With this, the Jets grab the two points which put them one point behind Colorado.
Prediction: Jets win 4-0
Philadelphia Flyers vs Anaheim Ducks
Head-to-Head: Flyers 0-0 Ducks
As they sit atop the Pacific Division, the Anaheim Ducks continue to exceed all expectations. The Flyers are in the opposite situation. They have proved that last season was not just a fluke but a sign that changes needed to be made. Anaheim has had the luck of seeing young stars flourish in Troy Terry and Trevor Zegras. As these two teams meet in California, you can expect a wide-open game. Both teams are quite bad defensively and quite average offensively. The Flyers atrocious defence largely outlays any flaw Anaheim has. With the star power on the Ducks top lines, you can expect them to do some damage. One important aspect of this game will be goaltending. As Carter Hart has battled all season being a top goaltender in the league. All in all, if Anaheim can get a few high danger attempts, suppress whatever attempt at offence Philadelphia deploys, and get some average goaltending, there’s no excuse for Anaheim to lose this game.
Prediction: Ducks win 6-3
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