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, considered must-watch TV. Tonight’s featured game is the Nashville Predators vs Edmonton Oilers.
NHL Predictions: Nashville Predators vs Edmonton Oilers
Seattle Kraken vs Calgary Flames
Head-to-Head: Kraken 0-0 Flames
The Seattle Kraken enter the game following a 3-1 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins. Martin Jones stopped 32 of 33 shots in the game against the Penguins and is expected to get the start in net for the Kraken. Offensively, Seattle has been led by Andre Burakovsky, Jared McCann, and Jaden Schwartz, each posting eight points through nine games. This is the season’s first matchup between the Kraken and the Flames. The Calgary Flames‘ new additions haven’t disappointed, as Nazem Kadri leads the team with nine points in 6 games. The Flames have the fourth-best powerplay in the league and the sixth-best penalty kill. Last season Calgary swept the season series 4-0; expect that trend to continue in this one.
Flames win 4-1
Florida Panthers vs Arizona Coyotes
Head-to-Head Panthers 0-0 Coyotes
This game is a huge mismatch on paper. The Florida Panthers sit 2nd in the Atlantic division with a 5-3-1 record. Despite a decent start to the season, the Panthers powerplay has struggled, ranking 30th in the league with just an 8.1% success rate. On the opposite end of the matchup, the host Arizona Coyotes are still looking for their first win at the Mullett Arena. The Coyotes are coming off a 3-2 loss to the New York Rangers on Sunday night. Take the underdog in the desert tonight as the Coyotes surprise the Panthers.
Coyotes win 3-2
New Jersey Devils vs Vancouver Canucks
Head-to-Head: Devils 0-0 Canucks
The Devils are riding a three-game winning streak entering this game with wins over the Columbus Blue Jackets, Colorado Avalanche and the Detroit Red Wings; the New Jersey Devils find themselves battling for the top spot in the Metropolitan Division. The Vancouver Canucks season has started horribly, even prompting fans to toss jerseys on their home ice. Vancouver has a record of 2-5-2 and sits near the Pacific division’s bottom. Look for an emerging Jesper Bratt to continue his early season success and hand the Canucks yet another loss on the year.
Devils win 5-1
Anaheim Ducks vs San Jose Sharks
Head-to-Head: Ducks 0-0 Sharks
In the battle of California, the Anaheim Ducks and the San Jose Sharks are both in the basement of the Pacific Division. Each team features rosters full of promising youth, and although both franchises hoped for better results early this season, they have no shortage of entertainment. Coming off of a 4-3 comeback victory over the struggling Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday, the Ducks have struggled mightily to put the puck in the back of the net. Anaheim has a league-low in goals per game average, mustering just 2.0 per game early this season. Across the ice from the Ducks, the Sharks have also had the same problem ranking second last in goals scored per game. Look for Anaheim to carry some momentum from their comeback victory and take the win against the Sharks.
Ducks win 3-2
Nashville Predators vs Edmonton Oilers
Head-to-Head: Predators 0-0 Oilers
In tonight’s feature matchup, we have the Nashville Predators vs Edmonton Oilers. Last season, the Oilers had the Predators number coming out victorious in all three meetings between the two clubs. This is the first meeting of the season between the two, and anytime you have Connor Mcdavid on the ice, it is worth watching. McDavid and his partner in crime Leon Draisatl have been doing what they do every season. Score goals and provide Edmonton with a league-leading dynamic duo. McDavid currently is leading the league in goals, already notching two hat-tricks on the season with just nine games played. In addition, the Oilers captain sits on top of the league lead, averaging a ridiculous two points per game. Edmonton trails only Vegas Golden Knights in the Pacific and looks to build on their Western Conference Final appearance last season.
Nashville has not found the same offensive production from any of their top players this season. The Predators sit 26th in the league for goals scored per game, and their powerplay hasn’t converted efficiently either, chiming in at just a 9.7% success rate. Matt Duchene, Filip Forsberg and Mikael Granlund have seven points apiece to lead the Predators in scoring. Unfortunately, goaltender Juuse Saros hasn’t followed up on last season’s Vezina-type play very well, and it shows as the Predators hold a record of 3-5-1 on the season.
Look for the Mcdavid show to continue; at this point, it’s not even a question of whether or not he finds the scoresheet, but more of how many times. Oilers build on a Battle of Alberta win over and take this game handily.
Oilers win 5-4
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