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 Carolina Hurricanes and the Washington Capitals.
NHL Predictions: Washington Capitals vs Carolina Hurricanes
Detroit Red Wings vs Buffalo Sabres
Head to Head: Red Wings 0-0 Sabres
It’s a battle between two teams that have suffered long enough. The Buffalo Sabres and Detroit Red Wings have been stuck in the basement and have been the laughingstock of the league for years. That is not the case this year, as both teams have gotten off to a good start to begin the season. Both teams are tied for third place (10 points) in the Atlantic Division, making this a juicy matchup. The game features a pair of young defencemen in Moritz Seider and Rasmus Dahlin, who are both some of the most promising talents the league has to offer.
Goaltending could become the difference in this matchup. Both teams have received exceptional goaltending to begin the season. The Sabres rank fifth in team save percentage (.921) and Red Wings sit seventh (.911). If the Red Wings want to escape Buffalo with a victory, they will need to shut down an offence that averages 3.63 goals per game.
Prediction: Sabres win 4-3
Los Angeles Kings vs St Louis Blues
Head to Head: Kings 0-0 Blues
An intra-conference matchup is on tap here in the West. The Los Angeles Kings begin their road trip and take on the St Louis Blues. This game will feature some good goaltending, with Jonathan Quick and Jordan Binnington between the pipes. As it currently stands, the Kings sit fifth in the competitive Pacific Division, whereas the Blues are fading fast after a hot start and sit seventh in the Central.
This game will feature a good offence against a struggling defence. The Los Angeles Kings enter the game averaging 3.50 goals per game and rank ninth in shots per game (33.4). If you are the Blues, the two guys you want to watch for are newcomers Kevin Fiala and Anze Kopitar. Both are tied with nine points apiece and are a large part of the attack. It does not look good for the Blues as they are at the bottom of the league in average goals scored per game (29th) and goals against per game (26th). The offensive attack will be too much and the Blues will not be able to overcome it.
Prediction: Kings win 3-1
Washington Capitals vs Carolina Hurricanes
Head to Head: Capitals 0-0 Hurricanes
The final game of our NHL Predictions for today features a Metropolitan Division rivalry. Washington comes into Raleigh to take on the Carolina Hurricanes. This game features great talent up front with a pair of Russians in Andrei Svechnikov and Alex Ovechkin. In addition, you have Sebastian Aho, John Carlson, Brent Burns, T.J. Oshie, and Martin Necas. Each team also possesses good goaltenders that can steal a game on any given night with Frederik Andersen and Darcy Kuemper. But which team has the edge?
For starters, Kuemper has been the better goalie. He ranks 10th in goals saved above expected (4.0) and is rocking a 2.47 goals-against average and .919 save percentage. Carolina will need both goalies to perform better especially Andersen (2.81 GAA and .896 save %).
Carolina is one of the best teams at even strength. They lead the league in Corsi for percentage (63.67) and sit third in expected goals percentage (61.13). Both teams are middle of the pack in special teams play, so this game will come down to who is the better team at even strength and capitalizing on their chances. Both teams are riding momentum winning their last game, and one will look to continue that trend.
Prediction: Hurricanes win 4-2
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