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 Washington Capitals vs New York Rangers.
NHL Predictions: April 29th Including Washington Capitals vs New York Rangers
Ottawa Senators vs Philadelphia Flyers
Head-to-Head: Senators 1-1 Flyers
This is the third meeting between these two teams this season, and much like the prior two, it has little implications for the future. Neither of these teams are heading the to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but that does not change the fact that they have had drastically different seasons.
Ottawa has, relative to expectations, had a relatively positive season. Josh Norris has broken the 30-goal mark at just 22 years old and Brady Tkachuk has continued to show he is an arguably elite talent. If they can get their goaltending to be consistent, they have a bright future ahead of them.
As for the Flyers, they have been nothing short of terrible. Many expected to see them sit firmly in the middle of the Metropolitan Division, and this has not been the case. There isn’t much else to say on their end aside from that it is only uphill from here.
Prediction: Senators win 4-1
Tampa Bay Lightning vs New York Islanders
Head-to-Head: Lightning 2-0
This game presents a relatively easy pick. Even if Andrei Vasilevskiy isn’t in net, which as of late has not been a bad thing necessarily, the Lightning are a far superior team. The Islanders have performed well below expectations this season, and this game certainly won’t break that trend. Look for Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov to continue their hot streaks heading into the playoffs.
Prediction: Lightning win 4-2
Vegas Golden Knights vs St Louis Blues
Head-to-Head: Golden Knights 0-2 Blues
Much like the prior matchup here, this game should present a season sweep. The Golden Knights have been largely disappointing this season, with erratic goaltending and bad special teams to blame. On the other end of the ice, the Blues are top 10 in the power play, penalty kill, GF/GP, and are 12th in GA/GP. This should make for a relatively easy win for Ville Husso and company.
Colorado Avalanche vs Minnesota Wild
Head-to-Head: Avalanche 2-1 Wild
It is hard to look at this game and not get excited. Even for someone who doesn’t follow either of these teams, this will make for some great hockey to watch. To further that point, this game is very likely going to have one of the Western Conference finalists in it.
It is really difficult to pick against the Avalanche, but Kirill Kaprizov has been nearly unstoppable as of late – and the entire season, for that matter. It would be highly unsurprising to see him lead the way in a winning effort.
Prediction: Wild win 4-3
Washington Capitals vs New York Rangers
Head-to-Head: Capitals 1-1 Rangers
For the featured matchup of the day, we have the Washington Capitals vs New York Rangers. On paper, this is a very exciting game. That being said, with how things have played out in the last few days, it could be a relatively easy prediction.
The Capitals are coming off the back of an embarrassing 5-1 loss to the Islanders in which they allowed five goals on 26 shots. While a different goalie will be between the pipes, the result likely won’t change in that respect. Add the fact that the Rangers didn’t have a back-to-back and you further the point.
Look for Artemi Panarin and the Rangers offence to give a fair bit of goal support to Igor Shesterkin to get a comfortable win.
Prediction: Rangers win 5-2
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