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 Vancouver Canucks vs Boston Bruins.
NHL Predictions
Dallas Stars vs Philadelphia Flyers
Head-to-Head: Stars 0 – 0 Flyers
The Dallas Stars have gotten off to a solid 8-5-1 start so far this season. They sit near the top of the Central and things are all good. Jake Oettinger is continuing to show he is legit, and the team defence as a whole has been good. However, the offence is really what has been solid early. They currently have 51 goals for, which is the best in the division.
The Philadelphia Flyers played yesterday. Although it was also at home and at 1 pm, so rest shouldn’t be as much of an issue as it could have been. Carter Hart played yesterday and had a rare off-game. Look for Felix Sandstrom to start today. Overall, the Flyers defence may not be able to handle this Stars team.
Prediction: Stars win 4-2.
San Jose Sharks vs Minnesota Wild
Head-to-Head: Sharks 0 – 0 Wild
The San Jose Sharks are off to a 4-9-3 start this season. While that isn’t good, it is what most expected. The one bright spot has been Erik Karlsson, who has had a great start to the year. The Sharks main focus for this year will be to play teams hard and try and play spoiler as the year goes on. It is early in the season but that is the opportunity they have today.
The Minnesota Wild are a team that came into the year with some higher expectations. However, they are currently 7-6-1. Not a bad record, but not great either. Their goaltending has really struggled early on but has started to turn things around. Still, something needs to give with the Wild. Both their offence and the defensive game haven’t been quite as expected. Maybe today will be the time they start a true turnaround.
Prediction: Wild win 5-2.
Vancouver Canucks vs Boston Bruins
Head-to-Head: Canucks 0 – 0 Bruins
The Vancouver Canucks have had a miserable start to the year. A team wanting to make playoffs has struggled early and are already looking in from the outside. At 4-8-3, many are already wondering if Head Coach Bruce Boudreau‘s job is on the line. It hasn’t helped that the team has already dropped two of three games on their Eastern Conference road trip.
They have this game and one more before heading back West, they need some points. Spencer Martin played last night which means it will likely be Thatcher Demko today. Demko has had a miserable start to the year, but his defence hasn’t helped him one bit. Way too many high-danger chances have been allowed, making it hard for anyone to play well.
The Boston Bruins have had an amazing start to the season. Currently leading the league at 13-2-0, they haven’t let anything stop them. This includes missing key pieces to start the year in Brad Marchand and Charlie McAvoy, among others. Hampus Lindholm looking like he is back in his prime has gone a long way to helping with that. As well, as Linus Ullmark throwing up a .936 save percentage. He has been dominant this year. Overall, both teams played last night. But with how hot this Bruins team is, it may not matter. Look for them to roll.
Prediction: Bruins win 3-2.
