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 Pittsburgh Penguins vs the Edmonton Oilers.
NHL Predictions: Pittsburgh Penguins vs Edmonton Oilers
Dallas Stars vs Ottawa Senators
Stars vs Senators Head to Head 0-0
This is an excellent matchup on deck. The Dallas Stars enter play tonight without a loss in regulation and are one of the top teams in the league in terms of points. Ottawa is no slouch either. After starting the year 0-2, they have won their last three and their game has come around. They enter the game with the 10th best possession numbers (52.9% CF) and have a goals for percentage of 63.64%. Both teams have significant offensive attacks and well-rounded forward groups.
The difference is goaltending, and a large part of the Stars’ success is goaltending. It remains to be seen who will be in the net, given they are playing a back-to-back to start the week, but the stars as a tandem have the second-best goals saved above expected (+10). It will be the difference this evening as it helps shut down the high-flying Senators.
Prediction Stars defeat Senators 4-2
Washington Capitals vs New Jersey Devils
Capitals vs Devils Head to Head 0-0
A matchup within the Metropolitan Division. A veteran core of the Washington Capitals takes on the fountain of youth New Jersey squad. The Capitals (3-3) take on the New Jersey Devils (3-2). New Jersey enters tonight on a three-game win streak and is first in the league in even-strength play. Their last three wins have seen them dominate the team, resulting in points. Tonight features excellent talent up front with Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt, Alex Ovechkin, and T.J. Oshie.
This is a game of a good offence against a good defence. The Devils lead the league in shots against (73) and are 11th in goals against per game (2.80). Washington as an offence averages 3.17 goals per game. This could come down to goaltending and getting that timely save. Vitek Vanecek will likely get to face his old squad in this game since being traded this off-season.
Prediction: Devils defeat Capitals 3-2
St Louis Blues vs Winnipeg Jets
Blues vs Jets Head to Head 0-0
This NHL Prediction involves another division showdown that comes from the Central Division between the Blues and the Jets. Only two points separate the teams going into tonight’s matchup. Both teams rank in the bottom 10 in Corsi For, and they also are in the bottom three in goals scored in all situations. Expect this matchup to be low scoring between these two clubs. Tonight’s matchup features two stellar goaltenders in Jordan Binnington and Connor Hellebuyck. Binnington is coming off a shutout victory and ranks 15th in goals saved above expected, and owns a respectable 1.65 goals against average and .940 save percentage. His counterpart is also having a year, as he is rocking 2.75 goals against average and a .915 save percentage.
This game could come down to goaltending as both teams do not have superior puck possession numbers and lacks in the goal-scoring and finishing department.
Prediction: Blues defeat Jets 3-2
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Edmonton Oilers
Penguins vs Oilers Head to Head 0-0
Tonight’s featured game in our NHL Predictions involves a star-studded affair. The dynamic duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl takes on Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Some of the best players in the world on the ice at the same time are a treat to hockey fans everywhere.
The forward groups are as talented as any on both teams. They are deep groups and boast a ton of high-calibre talent. However, the team with the edge in offence is the Penguins. Entering the game, the Penguins average 5.20 goals per game; which ranks them first in the league. In addition, the Penguins lead the league in goals scored at even strength (19). It is a recipe for success and is why they own a 4-0-1 record and sit second in the Eastern Conference.
The Oilers, on the other hand, have only scored five even-strength goals and have the fourth-worst goals-for percentage at 35.71%. In all situations, they’ve scored 16 goals, three less than Pittsburgh’s goal total at even strength. Their bread and butter is their power play (3rd with a 35.3% success rate), and the key will be to play the complete game at even strength.
With the high-flying Penguins’ attack, the Oilers will need their goalies to be at their best. It could be the make or break of this game. Whether it’s Stuart Skinner or Jack Campbell they will need to be at their best. Skinner owns a 1.69 goals-against average, and a .944 save percentage. He’s outperformed Campbell, but playing in two fewer games. At the other end, Tristan Jarry is picking up where he left off before he got injured. He ranks 8th in goals saved above expected (3.1) and owns a 2.01 goals against average and .941 save percentage.
Prediction Penguins defeat Oilers 5-2.
