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 for NHL Predictions is the Pittsburgh Penguins vs Vancouver Canucks.
NHL Predictions
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Vancouver Canucks
Head-to-Head: Penguins 0 – 0 Canucks
It is full-blown panic mode in Vancouver. It is never a good thing to be the last NHL team to win a game in a season. It is even worse when it’s not a case of just one or two games. Worse yet? The way they have done it. The Canucks set a record by blowing multi-goal leads in four straight games. The first team to ever do it in NHL history. Injuries haven’t helped this team, with star defenceman Quinn Hughes out now. However, no amount of injuries justifies this poor of a start. The biggest issue is that Thatcher Demko has been awful. Don’t expect that to continue. But it does need to change soon. Regardless, the Canucks will be in tough tonight after playing last night.
The Penguins have started as steady as ever. A 4-2-1 record has them near the top of the Metro division, and there has been very little to complain about. Sidney Crosby continues to dominate, and Tristan Jarry has looked good early. Usually, you would be worried about an Eastern team playing out West. But the Penguins are on Game 3 of the Western swing and have been out West since Monday. They also haven’t played since Tuesday so they will be more rested than the Canucks. Look for them to use their legs as an advantage tonight and skate Vancouver into the ground.
Prediction: Penguins win 5-2.
Looking for a late-night comeback.
The 3rd period is a go! pic.twitter.com/w1t7A5ExIE
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) October 26, 2022
Winnipeg Jets vs Arizona Coyotes
Head-to-Head: Jets 0 – 0 Coyotes
This game is notable because it is the Coyotes’ first game in their temporary college building. We’ll leave the jokes for places such as Twitter and Reddit, of which there are many of them out there, and focus on what could be the positives. The atmosphere of such a small and compact building could work in Arizona’s favour. If the building is packed, the College like vibe could be electric to watch.
On the ice, this is a game the Jets will look to have, regardless of the building. The Coyotes have been a mess defensively so far this season. The Winnipeg offence needs to take advantage of that. The Coyotes have allowed 29 goals in six games. Winnipeg played in Los Angeles last night, so they too may be a little tired. While this is a game the Jets should expect to have, the home opener and lack of rest may be enough to cause the tides to swing Arizona’s way.
Prediction: Coyotes win 6-4.
Make sure to check out our early slate of NHL Predictions too!
