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 Toronto Maple Leafs vs St Louis Blues.
NHL Predictions: January 15th Including Toronto Maple Leafs vs St Louis Blues
New York Rangers vs Philadelphia Flyers
Head-to-Head: Rangers 1-0 Flyers
In the second meeting of the season, the Rangers take on the Flyers. In the first matchup of the season between these two, the Rangers came away with a 4-1 win. And while it isn’t a definitive win, this could be foreshadowing for this game as well.
These two have been a tale of two very different cities in the last 10 games. The Flyers have gone 3-4-3 and are struggling to find their footing. As for the Rangers, they have gone 6-3-1, partially without standout netminder Igor Shesterkin.
With the Rangers getting Shesterkin back from COVID protocol, this should be an easy win for the Rangers.
Prediction: Rangers win 4-2
Anaheim Ducks vs Chicago Blackhawks
Head-to-Head: Ducks 0-0 Blackhawks
The biggest storyline of this game is undoubtedly going to be whether or not John Gibson is available for the Ducks. And with Troy Terry now joining multiple other teammates in COVID protocol, this could make for a rather low-scoring game. That being said, Chicago has been anything but defensively sound this season, allowing 3.32 GA/GP and operating at a flaccid 75.2% on the penalty kill.
With or without Gibson in between the pipes and Terry scoring goals, this one should go the way the Ducks want it to.
Prediction: Ducks win 3-1
Colorado Avalanche vs Arizona Coyotes
Head-to-Head: Avalanche 0-0 Coyotes
While the Coyotes have been able to pull off a few surprising wins, largely thanks to the play of goaltender Karel Vejmelka, this one does not look to be one of them. This should be a straightforward, cut-and-dry game. The Avalanche are scoring over four goals a game and the Coyotes are defensively porous, to put it lightly.
Prediction: Avalanche win 5-2
Los Angeles Kings vs Seattle Kraken
Head-to-Head: Kings 0-0 Kraken
Much like the first game in this set of predictions, this is a tale of two cities. The Kings have surprised many this season, as they are 7-3-0 in their last 10 and currently find themselves in a playoff spot. As for the Kraken, they are having a rough first season, and are currently on a five-game losing streak.
Look for the Kings to extend their win streak to four games.
Prediction: Kings win 4-2
Ottawa Senators vs Edmonton Oilers
Head-to-Head: Senators 0-0 Oilers
This could make for an interesting game. On paper, you would think that the Senators would make for easy work for Leon Draisaitl, Connor McDavid, and company, but that might not be the case. The Senators have gone 6-3-1 in their last 10 games and actually look to be heading in a relatively respectable direction.
As for the Oilers, when they haven’t had their games delayed, they have been atrocious as of late. They are currently in a slide, going 2-6-2 in their last 10. They are going to have to rely heavily on their goal-scoring prowess to get back to winning ways.
Prediction: Oilers win 3-2
Pittsburgh Penguins vs San Jose Sharks
Head-to-Head: Penguins 1-0 Sharks
The last time these two teams met, there was a whopping 13 goals between the two of them. The Penguins walked away with an 8-5 win thanks to hat tricks from Evan Rodrigues and Bryan Rust.
Since that last meeting, the Sharks have been a bit of a mixed bag of performances. At times they look great, and other times they look like a team that has no business competing. It’s hard to say which one will show up in this game, but look for the Penguins to capitalize on any mistakes the Sharks might make.
Prediction: Penguins win 5-3
Toronto Maple Leafs vs St Louis Blues
Head-to-Head: Leafs 0-0 Blues
Much like many games this season, the first meeting between these two was postponed. Despite that, this now first meeting should make for quite a main event.
Both of these teams have, for large parts, looked to be very strong this season, with both sitting in the top seven in the league. Their success is due entirely to the fact that they are both in the top 10 both offensively and defensively.
While there are plenty of names to watch in this one, a few stand out amongst the rest. For the Blues, look for Jordan Kyrou and Pavel Buchnevich to continue to carry the load offensively. And for the Leafs, the usual culprits of Auston Matthews and Morgan Rielly should be leading the way.
The two main difference makers in this game should be special teams play and goaltending. With that being said, this gives a slight edge to Toronto.
Prediction: Leafs win 4-3
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