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 Winnipeg Jets and the Chicago Blackhawks. Be sure to check out our NHL Predictions daily.
NHL Predictions: Winnipeg Jets vs. Chicago Blackhawks
Arizona Coyotes vs. Minnesota Wild
Head-to-Head Coyotes 0-0 Wild
TV: NHL Network, Bally Sports North Extra, Bally Sports Wisconsin, Bally Sports Arizona Extra
It’s the first of three matchups between the Central Division foes. The Arizona Coyotes have lost four of its last five while Minnesota Wild have lost three of its last five. Both teams in their last outing and are near the bottom of the division. The two teams also struggle to put the puck in the net as the Coyotes are 29th in goals for and the Wild are 24th.
The over/under of six could be something to target in this one, but the Wild should have just enough to win.
Prediction: Wild win 3-1.
Winnipeg Jets vs. Chicago Blackhawks
Head-to-Head: Jets 1-0 Blackhawks
TV: NHL Network, NBC Sports Chicago, TSN3
It’s the second encounter of the season between these two division rivals. Winnipeg blanked Chicago, 4-0, Connor Hellebuyck‘s 30-save performance. The Jets have taken well to Rick Bowness as their new head coach. Winnipeg is 25th in goals scored, but fifth in goals allowed with 51. Hellebuyck has a lot to do with it, but the defence has been very solid as well.
Chicago has shown flashes at times, but is probably smarting after an emotional shootout loss to the Montreal Canadiens. Former Blackhawk Kirby Dach played the spoiler and got the shootout-clincher. The Blackhawks have lost six straight and are settling into life as an also-ran. Chicago is dead-last in goals for with 50 has given up a not-so nice 69 goals this season.
This could be another game where the under is a sold play. The Jets defence looks great and should stymie the Blackhawks,
Prediction: Jets win 4-1.
Seattle Kraken vs. Anaheim Ducks
Head-to-Head: Kraken 0-1 Ducks
TV: Bally Sports SoCal, Root Sports Northwest
The Seattle Kraken are coming off a big 4-2 win over the Pacific Division leading Vegas Golden Knights. Seattle has wins in four straight at their offence has been humming along. The Kraken have scored at least three goals in their wins during the streak.
The Anaheim Ducks did top Seattle earlier in the season, but have lost four of five. Anaheim has only averaged two goals during the last five games, which its lost four of them. The Ducks are also dead-last in goals allowed with 88.
A fast start for the Kraken could be a giant headache for a struggling Ducks defence.
Prediction: Kraken win 5-2.
Vancouver Canucks vs. San Jose Sharks
Head-to-Head: Canucks 0-0 Sharks
TV: NBC Sports Bay Area, Rogers SportsNet
It’s the first of three meetings in a month between the Vancouver Canucks and San Jose Sharks. Vancouver is coming off a huge win over Vegas on the road. Spencer Martin will likely get the call for this Canucks team that has wins in four of its last five. The Canucks have scored at least four goals in each of its last five.
San Jose has lost four of its last five and has given 13 goals in their last two games. The Sharks lost 5-2 to the Los Angeles Kings last time out to ruin Golden Seals Night. One bright spots is the Sharks’ penalty kick is tops in the league.
Martin has played well in his spot starts, so there shouldn’t be much drop off for a red-hot Canucks team.
Prediction: Canucks win 5-3.
Ottawa Senators vs. Los Angeles Kings
Head-to-Head: Senators 0-0 Kings
TV: Bally Sports West, RDS2, TSN5
The Ottawa Senators stopped a three-game losing streak with a 5-1 win over the Ducks. Mathieu Joseph and Derick Brassard each got a goal and two assists while Tim Stutzle got his eighth goal of the season. Thomas Chabot returned to the lineup and Ottawa looked a lot better.
Los Angeles also stopped a three-game skid on Friday night. The Kings are seventh in goals scored with 74, but have given up 78 so far this campaign. Kevin Fiala has played solid in his first season with the Kings. Jonathan Quick is likely to get the start for Los Angeles.
This game could be one where you take the over of 6.5 in this one. Both teams can score goals, but Los Angeles gets through this one.
Prediction: Kings win 5-4.
Blackhawks push past Hellebuyck to avoid Jets’ sweep https://t.co/GUHexP4UbF pic.twitter.com/5N5orMS26Z
— Hockey Night in Canada (@hockeynight) February 11, 2017
