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. Tonight’s featured game is the San Jose Sharks vs Vegas Golden Knights.
NHL Predictions: San Jose Sharks vs Vegas Golden Knights
Minnesota Wild vs Nashville Predators
Head-to-Head: Wild 0-0 Predators
Tonight marks the first matchup between these two Central division foes. The Nashville Predators won last season’s series going 3-0-1 head-to-head against the Minnesota Wild. Nashville outscored Minnesota 21-11 in the four games. Both teams haven’t had solid goaltending in the early parts of the season. The Predators are fresh off a 2-1 win over the New York Rangers. Goaltender Juuse Saros had arguably his best outing of the season against the Rangers. Minnesota is coming off a 3-2 shootout loss against the San Jose Sharks on Sunday. Expect Nashville to win after gaining some momentum with their victory over the Rangers.
Nashville Wins 3-2 in Overtime
Detroit Red Wings vs Anaheim Ducks
Head-to-Head: Red Wings 1-0 Ducks
This will be the second and final matchup of the season between these two former divisional rivals. The Red Wings won the first matchup on October 23 by a 5-1 score. Dominik Kubalik led the Red Wings’ offence in the first meeting scoring a goal and adding two assists. He also led the Wings with six shots on goals. Ville Husso played spectacularly in the contest stopping 32 of 33 Ducks shots. Anaheim Ducks goalie John Gibson allowed five goals on 41 shots, and Trevor Zegras notched the lone Ducks’ goal in the loss.
Tonight Detroit is playing the second game of their California road trip after falling to the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday night. Following Saturday’s loss, the Red Wings have a 7-5-3 record for the season, keeping pace in the tight Atlantic Division. New head coach Derek Lalonde has the Red Wings playing solid hockey this season. On the other hand, Anaheim currently holds the last place in the Pacific Division, which is not exactly the kind of growth the young team was looking for to begin the season.
Detroit picks up the win as Husso puts together yet another strong performance.
Detroit Wins 5-3
San Jose Sharks vs Vegas Golden Knights
Head-to-Head: Sharks 0-1 Golden Knights
In their first season meeting, Vegas claimed the victory, beating the Sharks by a score of 4-2. Phil Kessel officially became the NHL’S Ironman and scored his 400th career goal in the contest. Adin Hill started against his former club and turned away 29 of 31 shots from the Sharks. Reimer started for San Jose, giving up four goals on 31 shots. Matt Nieto and Nico Sturm scored the two goals for San Jose. Shea Theodore produced a goal and an assist in the first matchup.
Vegas has been on an absolute tear this season. New bench boss Bruce Cassidy has helped lead the team to first place in NHL standings through the season’s first month. In addition, Jack Eichel has re-emerged into superstar form, netting a hat-trick against the Buffalo Sabres, his former team. The Golden Knights have been solid in every aspect this season.
The same cannot be said for the San Jose Sharks, who are coming off a 3-2 shootout win Sunday night against the Minnesota Wild. Instead, the Sharks find themselves battling with the cross-state rival Anaheim Ducks for the bottom of the Pacific Division. Nevertheless, San Jose looks to have a long season ahead of them as they look poised to be in on the Connor Bedard sweepstakes.
The first matchup was relatively quiet from the physical standpoint, as only three penalties were assessed during the game. While the two teams are opposites in the standings, expect a tightly played game tonight. San Jose surprises the Golden Knights in this one and drops their second straight game.
Sharks win 4-2
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