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 Boston Bruins and the Calgary Flames. Be sure to check out our other set of predictions.
NHL Predictions: Boston Bruins vs Calgary Flames
Edmonton Oilers vs Carolina Hurricanes
Head to Head: Oilers 0-0 Hurricanes
Our first game on the NHL Predictions list is a great one. The dynamic duo of the Edmonton Oilers travel to the states to take on the Carolina Hurricanes. Edmonton currently sits fourth in the Pacific while Carolina is third in the Metropolitan Division. The Oilers are led by the dynamic duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, who sit first and second in points in the lead. McDavid also leads the league in goals. Carolina will need to be at their best and limit their time and space.
Both teams are aiming to get back to their winning ways. After dropping three in a row, the Oilers got back in the win column and aim to keep it that way. Carolina lost their last game after winning three straight. Both teams have key players out with injuries. Goaltender Frederik Andersen is day-to-day, and Evander Kane had his wrist operated on. The high-flying offence of the Oilers takes advantage of the goaltending situation and keeps the winning streak alive.
Predictions: Oilers defeat Hurricanes 4-2
Ottawa Senators vs New Jersey Devils
Head to Head: Senators 0-0 Devils
This game on the NHL Predictions should be a must-watch game. The high-flying New Jersey Devils keep the homestand going against the Ottawa Senators. Both teams had high expectations going into this season, but one of those teams has lived up to those expectations. The Devils are flying high and are on a seven-game winning streak. Despite losing both Mackenzie Blackwood and Ondrej Palat to injuries, they have weathered the storm and just keep rolling. Things don’t look good for the Senators entering this game as they are on a six-game losing streak. Vitek Vanecek has softened the blow and is 5-0 with a 1.54 goals against average and .946 save percentage in his last five starts.
There is a lot to watch in this game. Each team has calibre talent in Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt, Alex DeBrincat, Claude Giroux, and Nico Hischier.
All in all, the Devils will just keep rolling and are scorching hot.
Prediction: Devils defeat Senators 4-1
Philadelphia Flyers vs Columbus Blue Jackets
Head to Head: Flyers 0-0 Blue Jackets
John Tortorella makes his return to Columbus. The surprise team in the Philadelphia Flyers takes on the lowly Columbus Blue Jackets. Columbus is in the basement of the Eastern Conference, while the Flyers currently own a playoff spot. Both teams have some of the worst possession numbers in the league, but some areas give the Flyers the edge.
Both teams are equal in even strength goals scored. The difference is goals allowed. Philadelphia has the third lowest goals allowed (19), whereas the Blue Jackets have the most (42). Columbus has the league’s worst team save percentage (.871). It also doesn’t help the Blue Jackets have the leagues worst power-play unit. The Flyers have the league’s best team save percentage (.932), thanks to Carter Hart.
Hart is why the Flyers shut them down. He has not lost a game in regulation and owns a 1.97 goals-against average, and a .946 save percentage. Hart has the league’s best goals saved above expected (15.6) and is a large part of the Flyers success. Putting it bluntly, the Blue Jackets stink and won’t solve Hart.
Prediction: Flyers defeat Blue Jackets 3-1
Vegas Golden Knights vs Buffalo Sabres
Head to Head: Golden Knights 0-0 Sabres
The storyline for this game will never change. Jack Eichel makes his return to Buffalo. The top team in the league in the Vegas Golden Knights, takes on the Buffalo Sabres. This game will feature a good offence against a good defence. Buffalo enters play with the third most goals scored (50) and is also tied with Vegas in that regard. Leading the charge and players to watch for in Buffalo is Tage Thompson, Jeff Skinner, Alex Tuch, and Victor Olofsson (leads the team in goals with 10).
Vegas has the talent on their side as well. Eichel looks rejuvenated and leads the team in points (15). The Golden Knights have seven players in double-digit scoring making them very deep. What gives them the edge is goaltending. Whether it is Logan Thompson or Adin Hill, both are up to the task. Vegas has allowed the third-lowest goals against 30. As a team, they have the second-best save percentage (.928). As good of an offensive attack as the Sabres have, this may be the toughest goalies they face.
Prediction: Golden Knights defeat Sabres 5-2
New York Rangers vs Detroit Red Wings
Head to Head: Rangers 0-1 Red Wings
A matchup between two Original Six franchises. The two teams have already met up before, and the Red Wings emerged victorious in a 3-2 victory. Things have not gone well in New York. The Rangers are on a three-game losing streak, which includes blowing a 3-1 lead to their rival New York Islanders. At even strength, New York has dominated the XGF% and is getting their looks. The problem is their lack of finishing as they have a lowly 44.23% GF%.
The wings are flying high as they sit second in the Atlantic Division. Plenty of young talent to watch in Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond. Dylan Larkin and Dominik Kubalik are also leading this team. Detroit is getting exceptional goaltending and will take advantage of a slumping Rangers team looking for answers.
Prediction: Red Wings defeat Rangers 4-3
Calgary Flames vs Boston Bruins
Head to Head: Flames 0-0 Bruins
Tonight’s featured game on the NHL Predictions is between the Flames and the Bruins. The Boston Bruins are one of the best teams in the league as they own an 11-2 record. Calgary currently sits fifth in the Pacific Division, which has shaped out to be competitive in the early going.
The Flames and the Bruins are at the top of the league in possession. Calgary has the fourth best Corsi For at even strength (54.46) and the Bruins are 10th (52.36). Boston enters play tonight with the second most goals scored (53). Their attack is led by superstar winger David Pastrnak. The team is getting contributions from everywhere and overall the Bruins look great. They are at the top in other areas of the ice. Boston ranks first in killing penalties (93.3%), and have the 7th best Power Play unit (26.7%). Another key thing for this team is the goaltending. Linus Ullmark has only lost once and has 2.05 goals against average and a .932 save percentage.
Calgary still stacks up nicely. The team is deep and has the talent to keep up with the Bruins. Newcomer Nazem Kadri leads the charge for the Flames, and what is shocking is Jonathan Huberdeau has one goal and six points. The biggest X-Factor entering tonight for the Flames will be the goaltending. Jacob Markstrom isn’t playing the same as he was last year. The team is on a six-game losing streak, and Markstrom has been in net for those six games. He has not finished with a save percentage above .900. If the Flames want to secure the two points, he will need to be better against a high flying Boston attack.
Prediction: Bruins defeat Flames 4-1.
