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 Vancouver Canucks vs Seattle Kraken.
NHL Predictions: Vancouver Canucks vs Seattle Kraken
Edmonton Oilers vs Chicago Blackhawks
Head-to-Head: Oilers 0-0 Blackhawks
Surprisingly, the Chicago Blackhawks find themselves on a four-game winning streak, with an overall record of 4-2 to start the season. It probably won’t last, but for now, it’s a positive arrow after such a negative season last year. Goaltender Alex Stalock has emerged from almost out of nowhere to put together a 3-1 record and a .938 save percentage. He’ll get the nod tonight.
The Edmonton Oilers have started to roll lately with difficult wins against the Carolina Hurricanes, St. Louis Blues, and Pittsburgh Penguins. Considering those victories, even despite the Blackhawk’s fast start, the Oilers should be favoured here. They are on the second half of a back-to-back, but it’s early so there will be plenty of gas in the tank for Connor McDavid and company.
Prediction: Oilers win 4-3
Washington Capitals vs Dallas Stars
Head-to-Head: Capitals 0-0 Stars
This is a tale of two stories heading into tonight. Both teams have similar records, but how they’ve got there has been quite different. The Washington Capitals are 4-3, largely on the back of an offence that is eighth-best in the league. Their defence, however, isn’t nearly as good and ranks 25th in terms of goals against per game.
The Dallas Stars are taking the opposite approach. Their offence has been pretty average, but their defence and goaltending are superb. They’re allowing only 2.14 goals against per game, largely thanks to Jake Oettinger. Oettinger is 4-1 with a 1.41 goals-against average and a .953 save percentage. He’s emerging as an elite goaltender who gives his team a great chance to win every night. That’ll be the case here as well.
Prediction: Stars win 3-1
Toronto Maple Leafs vs San Jose Sharks
Head-to-Head: Maple Leafs 0-0 Sharks
Auston Matthews has only one goal in seven games. That’s a level of output that simply won’t continue. Tonight, against a San Jose Sharks team that is 2-7, seems like as good a time as any to break out of that slump with a big game.
As for the Toronto Maple Leafs as a whole, even though their start has been somewhat inconsistent, they still have plenty more talent than the Sharks. The Sharks are averaging a league-worst 1.89 goals per game, which the Leafs should have no problem outperforming, even if goaltender Erik Kallgren isn’t at his best.
Prediction: Leafs win 6-2
Winnipeg Jets vs Los Angeles Kings
Head-to-Head: Jets 0-0 Kings
The Los Angeles Kings have shown a consistent theme thus far. Their offence can usually put up four or more goals, but in turn, their defence is susceptible to giving up a bunch of goals. They’re still a young team so mistakes are expected to happen, but they’ll need to clean up those issues if they hope to achieve another top-three Pacific Division finish.
The Winnipeg Jets are a difficult team to gauge. They were able to shut down a challenging Blues team in their most recent game, but have lacked firepower and punch against the Leafs and Vegas Golden Knights in games prior.
In a toss-up like this, the team with the better goaltending usually gets the nudge. Connor Hellebuyck, who’s off to a nice start, should be able to settle things down enough for his team to take advantage of any slip-ups the Kings make.
Prediction: Jets win 3-2
Vancouver Canucks vs Seattle Kraken
Head-to-Head: Canucks 0-0 Kraken
It can’t really get worse for the Vancouver Canucks before it gets better, right? Well, actually, it just might. A loss against their rivals, the Seattle Kraken, looks relatively realistic.
It’s fair to expect that tonight, the Canucks should come out motivated, hungry, and in an all-out fight for the win. The issue is that there have already been moments in this young Canucks season where that type of expected desire was expected but never arrived. That’s led to a winless record for Vancouver with all facets of their game lacking.
A win against Seattle isn’t going to be easy either. The Kraken looks better than they did last season, which isn’t a tough bar to clear but still makes them a tough opponent. Their offence is finally starting to emerge thanks to young stars and new signings, and that’s showing in a wicked power play that’s operating at 29%. They’ll get a chance to feast against a Canucks’ penalty kill that ranks dead last in the league at 57%.
Actions speak louder than words, and until the Canucks prove that they are more than their 0-5-2 record, it’s hard not to bet against them.
Prediction: Kraken win 4-2
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