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 Calgary Flames vs Edmonton Oilers.
When you realize the first Battle of Alberta of the season is tomorrow 😏 pic.twitter.com/qIzEyT7oWL
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) October 14, 2022
NHL Predictions: Calgary Flames vs Edmonton Oilers
Columbus Blue Jackets vs St. Louis Blues
Head-To-Head: Blue Jackets 0-0 Blues
The Blue Jackets and Bruins had very different opening nights. The Blue Jackets fell in a rough defeat to Carolina Wednesday. Star goal-scorer Patrik Laine was injured early, and will miss a minimum of three weeks. Laine was the sole goalscorer in Columbus’ 4-1 defeat. Goaltender Daniil Tarasov was left to face 43 shots in the game. The Bruins had a triumphant victory against the Washington Capitals, scoring five goals. Newly-extended Hampus Lindholm scored a goal, as well as returned star David Krecji. Pending unrestricted free agent David Pastrnak equally scored a goal. Linus Ullmark‘s .943 save percentage allowed the Bruins such a commanding win. Despite missing #1 defenseman Charlie McAvoy and top-line winger Brad Marchand, the Bruins prevailed. Without Laine, the Blue Jackets’ lineup lacks depth, and it is hard to see them beating Boston’s experienced roster.
Prediction: Bruins win 4-1
Los Angeles Kings vs Minnesota Wild
Head-To-Head: Kings 0-0 Wild
This will be the Los Angeles Kings’ third game of the season. They’ve been winless through their first two, falling to Golden Knights Tuesday, and the Kraken Thursday. While their game against the Golden Knights was a close one, they fell hard to the Kraken. The 4-1 defeat saw Jonathan Quick put up a bleak .857 save percentage, and Alex Iafallo was the lone goalscorer. The Wild are equally winless, however, they will only be playing their second game of the season. While they lost seven to three to the New York Rangers Thursday, there were several glimmers of hope in the game. Rookie Matthew Boldy impressed with a two-goal game, and the team had an overall solid performance. Unfortunately, the high-powered New York Rangers were too much for the young Minnesota team. Goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury allowed seven goals on 35 shots, for a .800 save percentage. While the Rangers may have been too much for the team to handle, the Wild still have the edge over the Kings.
Prediction: Wild win 5-2
Nashville Predators vs Dallas Stars
Head-To-Head: Predators 0-1 Stars
The second consecutive game the teams will play against each other, the Predators will look to edge out a win against the Stars this time around. Losing four to one to the Stars Thursday, the Predators were unable to counter Dallas’ potent offense. Juuse Saros had a less-than-average match, putting up a .862 save percentage. Ryan Johnasen scored off of an Eeli Tolvanen assist. The Stars impressed significantly. Free-agent signing Mason Marchment‘s two-goal performance was exciting to watch, and the team has clearly developed chemistry under new head coach Pete DeBoer. Rookie Wyatt Johnston scored his first NHL goal in his first NHL game. Tyler Seguin showed flashes of superstardom once again, with a three-assist night, and there is significant reason to be excited about Dallas this year. While the Predators have a superstar goalie, the entire team needs to perform well to beat this revitalized Stars team.
Prediction: Stars win 4-3 in Overtime
Vegas Golden Knights vs Seattle Kraken
Head-To-Head: Knights 0-0 Kraken
Both the Golden Knights and the Kraken have victories against the Los Angeles Kings. The Golden Knights appear to be in hope of the playoffs after just missing last season. New addition Phil Kessel is an offensive threat alongside teammates Jack Eichel and Mark Stone. Stone had an excellent performance, and looked better than he has in months after recovering from injuries. Seattle’s roster, propelled by rookie Matty Beniers looked impressive Thursday, and appears to be in pursuit of escaping the bottom of the league. Fourth-overall pick Shane Wright was scratched against Los Angeles, however, he may be dressed against Vegas. The two teams may seem similarly matched, but Vegas’ Laurent Broissoit shutout against Chicago Thursday inspires more faith in the team.
Prediction: Golden Knights win 3-2
Chicago Blackhawks vs San Jose Sharks
Head-To-Head: Blackhawks 0-0 Sharks
Two of the teams with the lowest expectations in the NHL, the Blackhawks and Sharks are both in the hunt for a good draft slot in 2023. Chicago is coming off of a shutout loss to the Vegas Golden Knights Thursday, and is 0-2-0 to start the season. The Sharks are equally 0-2-0. Both teams have top-end talent, with the Blackhawks still featuring Patrick Kane, and the Sharks featuring Tomas Hertl, however, both teams lack depth. The Sharks do have the better goaltending, which should give them a slight edge over the Blackhawks.
Prediction: Sharks win 3-1
Calgary Flames vs Edmonton Oilers
Head-To-Head: Flames 0-0 Oilers
After a hard-fought playoff series in 2022, the Battle of Alberta will return tonight. The Calgary Flames’ new roster additions proved effective, allowing the team a five-to-three victory over the reigning Stanley Cup Champion Colorado Avalanche. Mackenzie Weegar had a phenomenal game, and Jonathan Huberdeau looked good as well. The Edmonton Oilers, who were defeated in the Western Conference Final by the Avalanche were propelled to a five-to-three win against the Vancouver Canucks by a hat-trick performance by captain Connor McDavid.
The Battle of Alberta is revitalized this year. While at the beginning of the offseason it appeared the Flames were destined to underperform, after the departures of Matthew Tkachuk and Johnny Gaudreau, general manager Brad Treliving was able to make the team even better. Adding Jonathan Huberdeau, Nazem Kadri and Mackenzie Weegar has turned the team into a true cup contender. The Oilers, after making it to the third round last year are hoping to make it all the way this year. Any team with Connor McDavid on it has to be in the Stanley Cup conversation, and it doesn’t hurt that the team equally has Leon Draisaitl. If Jack Campbell performs well, the Edmonton Oilers are unstoppable, however, the Flames, having beat the Avalanche already have the edge here.
Prediction: Flames win 5-4 in the Shoot-out
Main photo:
Embed from Getty Images
