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 Vegas Golden Knights vs Edmonton Oilers.
NHL Predictions with Vegas Golden Knights vs Edmonton Oilers
Vegas Golden Knights vs Edmonton Oilers
Head-to-Head: Knights 0-2 Oilers
After a major downfall, the Oilers are back. Vegas continues rolling scoring at an insane rate of almost three goals per game. Both these teams allow a very high rate of offence against, specifically high danger area chances. Translation, if the goalies don’t play up to par, this could very well be a very high-scoring game. Both these teams have their own weaknesses. Vegas’s being defensive play, Edmonton’s being goaltending and before these past five games, getting production offensively.
In this game look for Ryan Nugent Hopkins to increase his current hot streak offensively. The Knights should look to get high-quality shots offence in the in tight areas and to the right side of the Oilers goaltending as they seem to have a hard time making saves at that angle. In this one, the Oilers should look to shut down the Knights’ elite offensive defence core. Due to Vegas’s inability to play efficient defence and the Oiler’s regained ability to outscore their problems, the Oilers should grab the much-needed two points.
Oilers win 5-3
Minnesota Wild vs Winnipeg Jets
Head-to-Head: Wild 2-0 Jets
The Jets are definitely going into this one hoping for a better outcome than last time. Underperforming all season, they still haven’t been able to get going this year as they currently sit five spots out of a wildcard position. The Wild sit third in their respective division being led by some of the best lines in the NHL. So how do these teams match up? The Wild have been arguably one of the best offensive teams completely outperforming their offensive generation and finishing on all chances. In their own end, they have a solid goaltending duo with good defensive play from both the forwards and defensemen. The only offence they allow against is from the perimeters of the ice.
The Jets will need to get some players in front of the net and look to take the Wild out of position to then take advantage. The Jets have been unlucky on their chances this season while receiving some less than impressive defence and goaltending. This is often the formula of a fringe playoff team. If they want to contend in this game they’ll need to shut down the Wilds. The Jets should look to propel Nikolaj Ehlers off the rush to set up their cycle game in the offensive zone. Overall, the Wild should roll over their rivals. It’s to be noted the Wild have also won five straight games.
Wild win 4-1
Arizona Coyotes vs Vancouver Canucks
Head-to-Head: Coyotes 0-0 Canucks
As the Coyotes continue in the draft lottery sweepstakes, the Canucks are actually in the wildcard race with teams like San Jose, Dallas, and Edmonton. The Canucks definitely have a chance to make the playoffs with the new system the coaching staff has put in place since the changes. The issue will be the strength of the other teams. So ultimately this will be a game where the Canucks need and can very well get the two points. The one reason they may not get the two points is by getting goalie’d like we’ve seen Arizona do to some very good teams this season.
The Canucks strength this season has been their defensive play. Their weakness this season has been putting the puck in the net. In all honesty, the best offence the Canucks have gotten has been from their defence. The Canucks should look to generate chances off the rush while creating high danger offence down the lineup. there’s not much to say about the Coyotes game. Their goaltending is what has won them games this year. They have league-worst offence and middle-of-the-pack defence which is to be assumed. With a win the Canucks will tie the Sharks in points with one game in hand and three spots out of a wildcard slot.
Canucks win 3-1.
