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 Dallas Stars vs Edmonton Oilers.
NHL Predictions: Dallas Stars vs Edmonton Oilers
New York Islanders vs Detroit Red Wings
Head-to-Head: Islanders 0-0 Red Wings
The New York Islanders are off to a much better start this season compared to last and suddenly look like one of the best teams in the East. They have a strong 7-4 record thanks to a five-game winning streak that they ride into tonight’s game. Their offence is white-hot with an average of 3.73 goals per game (fourth best in the league), while their defence and goaltending are also top five.
The Detroit Red Wings haven’t been too shabby, but they don’t look quite as well-rounded as the Islanders. They will, however, be able to counter the Islanders’ usual advantage in net. Expected Red Wings’ starter, Ville Husso (2.17 GAA, .934 SV%), is playing exceptionally well for his new team and should be able to keep things close if the Islanders start to control the game, which is expected.
Prediction: Islanders win 3-2
Colorado Avalanche vs Columbus Blue Jackets
Head-to-Head: Avalanche 1-0 Blue Jackets
This will be the second of two games between these teams as part of the Global Series in Tampere, Finland. Typically, these cross-ocean trips tend to be a bit of an unwelcome disruption, but this might be good news for the Colorado Avalanche. They’ve come out of the gates this season a bit slower than expected so far. A trip to Europe, to take on one of the worst teams in the league in a two-game set, may be just what they need to wake up and start to dominate again.
The Columbus Blue Jackets have started the season terribly, and this trip is looking like it couldn’t have come at a worse time. With one loss already in the books on this trip, and another one likely, it’s possible they could be on a long flight home with a disastrous 3-9 record hanging over them. With what they’ve shown so far, there’s very little reason to be optimistic about a Blue Jackets win to even the series.
Prediction: Avalanche win 4-2
Chicago Blackhawks vs Winnipeg Jets
Head-to-Head: Blackhawks 0-0 Jets
A 5-4-2 mark for the Chicago Blackhawks isn’t a glimmering record by any means, but for the team and their fans, it represents a significant improvement over last year and a bit more potential than thought. Chicago’s offence has shown some life, and their defence is still a work in progress, but fortunately, their goaltending is above par. Those factors have the Blackhawks sitting third in the Central, and wondering if maybe there is an opportunity here if the Minnesota Wild, Nashville Predators, and St. Louis Blues continue to struggle as they have.
One of the other teams they may end up duking it out with all year is the Winnipeg Jets. Tonight’s matchup represents the first of four on the season between these divisional rivals. The big story out of Manitoba is the great play of goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. After his numbers dipped last year, he’s back to his old self with stats that his previous career peaks. At that level, he is hard to bet against.
One significant advantage to note is Chicago’s power play. It’s more than 10 points better than Winnipeg’s, which could throw a wrench into this prediction if the Blackhawks draw enough calls.
Prediction: Jets win 4-3 (OT)
Dallas Stars vs Edmonton Oilers
Head-to-Head: Stars 0-0 Oilers
Connor McDavid is off to a ridiculous start this season. He’s already at 24 points in just 11 games, but most notably, he’s scored 12 goals. McDavid’s shooting at about the same rate as last year (3.8 shots per game) but his shooting percentage has exploded. It’s ballooned to 28.6% which is miles ahead of his career average. That number will certainly drop, but how much it drops, and when, remains to be seen. McDavid is getting a ton of high-quality looks, thanks in large part to the best supporting cast he’s ever had to start a season, and to a continuously lethal power play.
The odds of McDavid’s brilliance continuing against the Dallas Stars might be better than expected. The Stars recently lost star netminder Jake Oettinger to injury, which is a huge loss. Scott Wedgewood will get the nod instead, and although his number has been alright, there’s no matching Oettinger.
A couple of things have hurt the Oilers this season, which could benefit the Stars in this matchup. One has been a couple of shaky performances from goalie Jack Campbell who gets the start this afternoon. Another has been a few untimely, unforced errors from some of their younger players. Both could very well be exploitable by a savvy Stars’ team that scores a lot of goals.
As a result, it’s safe to bet the over in this one. The Stars will find a way to score in multiple ways, but the brilliance of McDavid and Leon Draisaitl will counter. Expect a fun, back-and-forth tilt, and if we’re lucky, some overtime.
Prediction: Oilers win 6-5 (OT)
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