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 between the Edmonton Oilers and the New York Rangers.
NHL Predictions: Edmonton Oilers vs New York Rangers
St Louis Blues vs Florida Panthers
Head to Head: Blues 0-0 Panthers
The St Louis Blues get a glimpse of Matthew Tkachuk for the first time all season. This is a guy they wanted to add over the summer and could not do so. Entering tonight the Blues sit fourth in the Central Division, whereas the Florida Panthers sit fifth in the Atlantic Division.
While the Panthers are deep up front, the attack from the Blues has started to come together. The team has five forwards that have double-digit points, and after the team’s slow start, they have started winning.
This is one of those games that will come down to goaltending. Jordan Binnington has received most of the workload. He has a 2.98 GAA and a .905 save percentage. Both Sergei Bobrovsky and Spencer Knight have split time. Bobrovsky has a brutal 3.62 GAA and a .888 save percentage. Knight has been the better of the two, as he is rocking a 2.39 GAA and .922 save percentage in one less game.
Prediction: Panthers defeat Blues 5-2
Calgary Flames vs Carolina Hurricanes
Head to Head: Flames 1-0 Hurricanes
This game on tonight’s NHL Predictions is a rematch from earlier in the season. The last meeting, the Calgary Flames defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 3-2 in Calgary. This time the game heads to Raleigh, where the Hurricanes are typically a better hockey team.
This game features big names on both ends of the ice. Up front for Calgary is Nazem Kadri, Elias Lindholm, Tyler Toffoli, and Jonathan Huberdeau (shockingly only has 9 points this year). Meanwhile, Carolina has a heavy top six with Sebastian Aho, Andrei Svechnikov, and Martin Necas. On any given night, these players can take over a game and win it for their team.
Carolina enters play on a five-game losing streak, while Calgary is 2-3 in their last five. Given the way Carolina has been losing, Calgary has the edge.
Prediction: Flames defeat Hurricanes 4-2
Edmonton Oilers vs New York Rangers
Head to Head: Oilers 0-0 Rangers
The stars will be shining bright on Broadway. Right in the heart of Manhattan enters the Edmonton Oilers to take on the New York Rangers. The final game on today’s NHL Predictions is going to be a good one.
The talent up front is like no other. Edmonton has the dynamic duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. However, the depth of production outside of them is subpar. The only forwards contributing at a high level are Zach Hyman (19 points) and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (21 points). The Rangers’ attack is led by Mika Zibanejad, Chris Kreider, and Artemi Panarin. Adam Fox leads the team in points, but the forward group also has Vincent Trocheck and Filip Chytil contributing over 10 points.
The edge goes to the Rangers when it comes to goaltending. Igor Shesterkin has a 2.38 GAA and a .917 save percentage. His goals saved above-expected ranks eighth (6.0). But this game will feature good special teams play. The fourth-ranked power play (Oilers) takes on the sixth-ranked penalty kill (Rangers). Edmonton ranks third in power-play goals (19), whereas the Rangers have only allowed nine while short-handed. This trip in the Tri-State area has not gone well for Edmonton, and it doesn’t continue as they face one of the better goaltenders in the league.
Prediction: Rangers defeat Oilers 3-2
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
