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 New York Rangers vs Carolina Hurricanes.
NHL Predictions with New York Rangers vs Carolina Hurricanes
New York Rangers vs Carolina Hurricanes
Head-to-Head: Rangers 0-0 Hurricanes
After a statement win over the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Rangers take on the arguably best team in the Metropolitan division. When reviewing the matchup, the Rangers should be worried. Although the Hurricanes aren’t good defensively, their offence outweighs all the cons in addition to their solid goaltending. The Rangers are going to need to play some conservative hockey as their star goalie Igor Shesterkin is going to be getting peppered.
Carolina’s offence comes primarily from the net front, New York allows primarily all their offense net front. The Rangers have been very lucky that Shesterkin can perform night in night out or else they may not be in the position they’re currently in. They’ll definitely depend on him in this one. The Hurricanes will look to capitalize against the Jacob Trouba–K’Andre Miller pairing as they allow tons of chances against per game. The Hurricanes’ goaltending will be the biggest factor in this matchup.
Hurricanes win 4-1
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Columbus Blue Jackets
Head-to-Head: Penguins 0-0 Blue Jackets
After a big comeback win over the Vegas Golden Knights, the Pittsburgh Penguins are looking for every chance to collect two points in a tight Metropolitan division, this time they take on the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Penguins have finally got a fully healthy roster for the first time this season. In light of this, they’ve managed to stick atop the Metropolitan Division, which is scary. Like the Penguins, the Blue Jackets are also battling for a spot in the Metro.
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Columbus will have their hands full as the Penguins are the best two-way team in the entire NHL, while also being blessed with great goaltending. The Blue Jackets have been one of the luckiest teams this season scoring six more goals than expected. They’ve also been lucky enough to see a breakout season from Oliver Bjorkstrand. The Ohio team should have a hard time stopping this dominant offensive team with their league-worst defence. Columbus will want to defend the middle of the ice heavily. However, the Penguins should have no problem collecting the much-needed two points against Columbus.
Penguins win 3-0
Dallas Stars vs Detroit Red Wings
Head-to-Head: Stars 1-0 Red Wings
Since going on a hot streak, the Dallas Stars have cooled off losing four of their last five, notably against some very good teams. The Stars are very much in need of points at this point in the season, as are the Red Wings. That said, Detroit has actually been better than Dallas at creating high event offence primarily net-front like many teams. The downside is that their defensive ability has lost them a few games.
The Stars definitely depend on their lethal powerplay, which if you have the offensive weapons, why not. Because of this, the Red Wings will have to be disciplined. Detroit will need to keep red hot Joe Pavelski contained as he’s an elite playmaker and goalscorer. On the other side, Roope Hintz continues to be an absolute force offensively with his high hockey IQ and ability to create down low. The Stars are in need of these two points and if they manage to get them, don’t count them out for a wildcard spot.
Stars win 3-2
Arizona Coyotes vs New York Islanders
Head-to-Head: Coyotes 0-1 Islanders
The Arizona Coyotes seem to have found some inspiration winning three of their last five. The Islanders, on the other hand, have found their game, winning four of five, and finally showing a glimpse of hope in their offence.
Arizona is a team that really can’t be explained. They’ve been bad all season with fans believing in the Pain for Shane [Wright] slogan. The Coyote’s top point-getters are Phil Kessel, Clayton Keller, and Shayne Gostisbhere with 24, 27, and 30 points. The Islander’s top point-getter is Matt Barzal with 23 points in 29 games. A defenseman having more points than the Islander’s top guy summarizes the Islander’s offence this season.
The Islanders can be a good hockey team this season if they can get multiple goals a game while getting some half-decent offence. The Long Island team should be able to get two points if they can shut down the suddenly elite goal scorer Johan Larsson. With this, the Islanders should get the win to pass the New Jersey Devils in the standings.
Islanders win 2-0
Main photo:
Embed from Getty Images
