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 Edmonton Oilers vs the Minnesota Wild.
NHL Predictions: Edmonton Oilers vs Minnesota Wild
Carolina Hurricanes vs St. Louis Blues
Head to Head: Hurricanes 0 – 0 Blues
The first on Tonight’s NHL Predictions matchup features inter-conference play. The Carolina Hurricanes continue their road trip as they take on the St. Louis Blues. After dropping five games in a row, the Hurricanes have won their last two games. The rollercoaster season for the Blues continues as they lost eight, won seven, lost two, and have gone back and forth since then.
This team relies heavily on its top six; primarily Martin Necas, Andrei Svechnikov, and Sebastian Aho. The one player that has stepped up as the unsung hero is Brett Pesce, who has scored the game-winner in the last two games. St. Louis brings a more balanced attack with ten players having double-digit points. The two players that signed long-term extensions are the two to watch for (Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou). With the Hurricanes rolling, they maintain that momentum on this road trip.
Prediction: Hurricanes win 3-2.
Anaheim Ducks vs Dallas Stars
Head to Head: Ducks 0 – 0 Stars
This could be a lopsided affair when all is said and done. The lowly Anaheim Ducks fly into Texas to take on the Dallas Stars. Anaheim sits dead last in the conference and their division, whereas the Stars lead their division and sit third in the Western Conference.
These teams are polar opposites of one another and it isn’t close. The Stars score a boatload of goals (88 in all situations) and the Ducks allow the most (95 in all situations). The Ducks have problems scoring, whereas the Stars are good at defending their net. It’s a lopsided matchup. However, there is a slew of young talent in the lineup, making this worth tuning in for. Miro Heiskanen, Roope Hintz, Jason Robertson, Trevor Zegras, and Troy Terry are the young guys to watch for. Aside from that one, the Stars go on to smother the Ducks.
Prediction: Stars defeat Ducks 5-1
Edmonton Oilers vs Minnesota Wild
Head to Head: Oilers 0 – 0 Wild
Tonight’s featured matchup comes from within the Western Conference. The Edmonton Oilers take on the Minnesota Wild. Edmonton currently sits fourth in the Pacific Division and Minnesota sits fourth in the Central Division.
First and foremost there are some electrifying players in this matchup. The dynamic duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl represent the Oilers while Russian phenom Kirill “The Thrill” Kaprizov represents the Wild. These three players can take over a game at any given point.
Aside from those players to key on, one essential part of the game to watch for is special teams’ play. Coming into the matchup, the Oilers have the fourth-best power play (28.7% success rate), whereas the Wild have the sixth-best penalty kill (82.4%). Aside from Draisaitl and McDavid, Zach Hyman has chipped four goals with the extra man. This will be a crucial aspect of the game to watch for.
With Stuart Skinner starting last night, Jack Campbell will see the crease. Marc-Andre Fleury will be in line to start for the Wild in what could sway the matchup for the Wild.
Prediction: Wild defeat Oilers 4-2
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