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 Dallas Stars vs St Louis Blues.
NHL Predictions: January 9th with Dallas Stars vs St Louis Blues
Detroit Red Wings vs Anaheim Ducks
Head-to-Head: Detroit 0-0 Anaheim
This matchup was one of the many games this season to be postponed. The original date for this game was Thursday, January 6th, but the Anaheim Ducks had multiple players enter COVID protocol. Of those who entered it, the Ducks netminder John Gibson, defensemen Hampus Lindholm, and Sam Carrick. It remains to be seen as to whether any of them will be available for this game.
If the Ducks are indeed without their starting goalie, you could expect to see Anthony Stolarz in between the pipes for the second consecutive game. The backup netminder has been no slouch this season, filling in admirably when Gibson has needed a rest.
On the other end of the ice, Detroit is in the latter half of a back-to-back of their own. With Alex Nedeljkovic getting the start against Los Angeles, it is likely that Thomas Greiss will get the nod. Greiss has struggled this season, posting a 6-7-0 record with a 3.41 GAA and an .895 save percentage.
The likely winner will be the one who scores last.
Prediction: Anaheim wins 4-2
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Dallas Stars vs St Louis Blues
Head-to-Head: Dallas 1-2 St Louis
There has been a trend this season between Dallas and St Louis that the winner comes away with a 4-1 win. St Louis won 4-1 on November 20th and December 17th and Dallas won via the same scoreline on December 14th. It would be less than surprising to see this same score replicated once again in this game.
Dallas is coming off the back of a comeback win against Pittsburgh on Saturday. With Jake Oettinger getting the start in that game, expect to see Braden Holtby in the net for this one. Holtby will have to be at his absolute best to stop the Blues, who are averaging 3.49 GF/GP this season. This is, in large part, due to the breakout season of Jordan Kyrou (13-21-34, 31 games). Kyrou has nine points in the last five games, and this game likely won’t break his hot streak.
Prediction: St Louis wins 4-1
