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 Vegas Golden Knights and the Edmonton Oilers.
NHL Predictions
Los Angeles Kings vs Seattle Kraken
Head to Head: Kings 0 – 1 Kraken
The first game in tonight’s NHL Predictions features a matchup between two of the top teams in the Pacific Division. Continuing their road trip, the Los Angeles Kings play the second of a back-to-back against division rival Seattle Kraken. Keeping the pace for both respective clubs is on the line tonight in what has the makings to be a good matchup.
There is plenty to watch in this one. The forward groups are deep and productive on both teams. Kevin Fiala, Anze Kopitar, Gabriel Vilardi, and Trevor Moore. Seattle is no slouch in this department as it is led by Matty Beniers, Jordan Eberle, and Andre Burakovsky.
A key factor that gives the Kraken the edge is how they are playing defensively. Seattle is averaging 2.76 goals against per game (9th in the league) and has allowed the 9th fewest goals (45). A large part of that is due to a resurgent Martin Jones. He has played very well for the Kraken. Jones has a 2.34 GAA and .912 save percentage. He ranks 7th in the league in goals saved above expected (7.8) among goalies who have started in 10 games. After defeating tbs Rangers in overtime the other night, they continue the trend against the Kings.
Prediction: Kraken defeat Kings 3-2
New York Rangers vs San Jose Sharks
Head to Head: Rangers 0 – 1 Sharks
The second and final matchup between these two teams. In the first meeting, the San Jose Sharks defeated the New York Rangers 3-2. New York continues its road trip in California. So far it is not off the best start, as they dropped the first game in overtime to the Kraken.
This game features two Norris calibre defencemen. Erik Karlsson is playing some of his best hockey in recent years, and Adam Fox is not far removed from winning the Norris Trophy himself. Just a treat for hockey fans.
Both teams are neck and neck in even-strength goals, even though the Rangers have the better possession numbers (53.78 Corsi For Percentage). The key factor to this game will be special teams’ play. New York enters the game with the 8th best power play and will be going up against the league’s top penalty kill (92%). The Rangers have the sixth-best penalty kill, but the Shark’s power play is not the greatest.
Even though the Rangers lost the first matchup, their goaltending is stronger and will right the ship in this matchup.
Prediction: Rangers defeat Sharks 4-3
Vegas Golden Knights vs Edmonton Oilers
Head to Head: Golden Knights 0-0 Oilers
Tonight’s featured game on the NHL Predictions is between two heavy hitters in the Pacific Division. Connor McDavid and CO. welcome Jack Eichel to town. The Vegas Golden Knights are at the top of the league in terms of points and will take on the dynamic duo of the Oilers.
This game could be a great one for many reasons. First and foremost, it is the level of talent featured in this game. Besides the players mentioned above, each team possesses star power throughout the lineup. Besides Eichel, the forward group is highlighted by Captain Mark Stone, Chandler Stephenson, Jonathan Marchessault, and Reilly Smith. The Oilers also have the skill to go with the dynamic duo in Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Zach Hyman. Leon Draisiatl is just as dangerous as McDavid some nights. This lineup is much better with Evander Kane in it, but unfortunately, he will be out for 3-4 months after a scary injury.
Eichel is back and is looking dominant early on. He leads the team in goals (10) and points (21). He has been on fire as of late recording seven points in his last five games. McDavid and Draisaitl are currently first and third in the entire league in points and together have combined for 24 goals.
The Key Factors
This game features a potent offence against one of the best defending teams in the league. Vegas sits third in goals scored (65), but the Oilers are right behind them with 60. This matchup is a great one between the Oilers’ offence which averages 3.53 goals per game against the Golden Knights, who have allowed the fifth-fewest goals (45).
Vegas is the superior team. Not only do they score goals, but they do not give you much. One key area that they thrive is goaltending. They have the fourth-best team save percentage (.920), and both goalies can secure a win. Logan Thompson is shining brightly in Sin City. He is rocking a .925 save percentage and 2.27 GAA, whereas his counterpart Adin Hill has a 2.32 GAA and .920 save percentage. While Stuart Skinner is playing very well for the Oilers, it is not enough for this Vegas team.
Prediction: Golden Knights defeat Oilers 5-2
