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 Boston Bruins vs Colorado Avalanche.
NHL Predictions: January 26th Including Boston Bruins vs Colorado Avalanche
Anaheim Ducks vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Head-to-Head: Ducks 0-1 Leafs
These two teams have both been seeing relative success this season, with both currently occupying a playoff spot at the halfway point. They have also already met this season, with Toronto coming away with a 5-1 win back on November 28th.
Ironically enough, the last time these two teams met, they were in a similar streak of play. Anaheim had last four of five and Toronto had won nine of 10. In their last 10 games respectively, Anaheim is 4-6-0 and Toronto is 7-2-1.
While this game is likely to result in the same winner as the first meeting, it is unlikely the score is the same. Anaheim has been giving goaltender John Gibson better goal support, and Troy Terry is back off COVID protocol, giving them a boost offensively. Despite that, the likely winner is Toronto.
Prediction: Leafs wins 4-2
San Jose Sharks vs Washington Capitals
Head-to-Head: Sharks 0-1 Capitals
This one could make for an interesting game, and for all the wrong reasons. Neither of these teams has been good recently, with San Jose losing their last two games and going 4-5-1 in their last 10. On the other end, Washington has gone 3-5-2 in their last 10 games.
While neither team seems to want to win on a consistent basis as of late, there is still a wide gap in overall talent. Look for Evgeny Kuznetsov and Alex Ovechkin to do what they always do: score.
This game could very easily end the way the first meeting did, in a big Washington win.
Prediction: Capitals wins 5-0
Calgary Flames vs Columbus Blue Jackets
Head-to-Head: Flames 0-0 Blue Jackets
Much like the prior matchup, neither of these teams have been in winning ways consistently as of late. The main difference here is that Calgary is coming off the back of walloping the St. Louis Blues 7-1 on Monday night.
The Flames have relied heavily on the likes of Johnny Gaudreau, Jacob Markstrom, and Matthew Tkachuk this season, and that is unlikely to change in this game. Gaudreau is coming off the back of a three-assist game and Tkachuk set a career-high with five assists of his own. It is highly likely that they will feature strongly in this game as well.
Prediction: Flames win 3-2
Chicago Blackhawks vs Detroit Red Wings
Head-to-Head: Blackhawks 0-1 Red Wings
This could arguably be the tightest matchup of the day. Both the Red Wings and Blackhawks are well outside of the playoff picture at the moment, and both have been around .500 for the last 10 games.
Despite there being a couple of big names like Patrick Kane, Dylan Larkin, and Marc-Andre Fleury in this game, don’t expect it to be a flashy or overly exciting game. With both teams being in the bottom third of the league in GF/GP and GA/GP, this could be a low-scoring affair.
Prediction: Red Wings win 2-1
Boston Bruins vs Colorado Avalanche
Head-to-Head: Bruins 0-0 Avalanche
This is undoubtedly the most exciting game of the day for fans of the respective teams and neutral fans alike. Both the Bruins and the Avalanche have been widely great this season, hence why both of them are bonafide playoff teams and could even challenge for a deep run come the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
In the last 10 games, the Avalanche have been red hot, going 9-0-1, winning the last seven in a row. Their big-name players continue to deliver, but that isn’t the only reason they continue to win. Players like Devon Toews have stepped up to the plate to keep the machine moving, with his six points in the last five games and 32 points in 29 games this season, he has been a welcomed addition to what looks like a serious Cup contender.
As for Boston, they aren’t a slouch themselves, going 7-3-0 in the last 10, making them 24-13-2 on the season, good for fourth in a very top-heavy Atlantic Division. As with seasons past, they have relied heavily on Patrice Bergeron, David Pastrnak, and Brad Marchand. Another name that hasn’t received much attention, but deserves their fair share of credit is goaltender Linus Ullmark, who has looked to lock up the starting spot for the Bruins.
While this should be a very fun game to watch, it is hard to pick against a team as deep and as talented as Colorado at the moment. Look for them to extend their win streak to eight games.
Prediction: Avalanche win 5-3
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