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 Carolina Hurricanes vs Boston Bruins.
NHL Predictions: February 10th including Carolina Hurricanes vs Boston Bruins
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Ottawa Senators
Head-to-Head: Penguins 1-1 Senators
While most would assume this would be a straightforward pick, it isn’t looking quite so easily decided as of late. The Penguins are undoubtedly the more experienced squad and are very talented, but Ottawa has made massive strides as of late.
Expect to see Brady Tkachuk and Jake Guentzel get on the score sheet for their respective teams. Regardless of that, this is going to be a game decided by goaltending. While Tristan Jarry has been fantastic this season, Matt Murray seems to be finding his game again. With the fact that Murray is playing substantially better and the Senators have found their scoring touch, this could be enough to bring their winning streak to three games.
Prediction: Senators win 3-2
Columbus Blue Jackets vs Buffalo Sabres
Head-to-Head: Blue Jackets 1-0 Sabres
There isn’t a ton to say about this game. While the Blue Jackets have been inconsistent, they look to be a substantially more talented squad than Buffalo. The last time they met Columbus won 7-4, and with both teams being in the bottom five defensively, this could be another high-scoring affair. If Patrik Laine can continue his hot streak and they can play any sort of defense, the Jackets should come away with a win here.
Prediction: Blue Jackets win 5-2
Washington Capitals vs Montreal Canadiens
Head-to-Head: Capitals 1-0 Canadiens
While neither of these teams has been good as of late, one is far worse than the other. In their last 10 games, the Capitals have gone 4-6-0 and the Canadiens have gone 1-6-3. While neither is great, Montreal is sporting a five-game losing streak that brought them to an 8-30-7 record, leading to the firing of head coach Dominique Ducharme.
It would be nothing less than wildly surprising to see the Canadiens win this one. Expect Washington to put up a fair bit of goals in a comfortable win.
Prediction: Capitals win 6-1
Carolina Hurricanes vs Boston Bruins
Head-to-Head: Hurricanes 2-0 Bruins
For the featured matchup of the day, we have the Carolina Hurricanes vs Boston Bruins. This is a great matchup to watch, but the result might not be as tough in reality as it would have you think when looking at the pre-game papers.
Both of these teams are well on their way to comfortably making the Stanley Cup Playoffs this season. This means that games like this could be a foreshadowing to a very important series to decide who will make it out of the Eastern Conference.
The main factors at play here are that the Bruins will be without star forward Brad Marchand and that the Hurricanes are at full strength. One player doesn’t make a team, but the loss of Marchand can certainly decide this game. Look for the Hurricanes to make it three straight wins this season against the Bruins.
Predictions: Hurricanes win 4-3
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