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 New York Rangers and the Vegas Golden Knights.
NHL Predictions: New York Rangers vs Vegas Golden Knights
Boston Bruins vs Colorado Avalanche
Head to Head: Bruins 1-0 Avalanche
The first game on our NHL Predictions is a rematch from a few days ago. Roles are reversed as the Boston Bruins travel to take on the Colorado Avalanche. In a lopsided affair with the Bruins defeating the Avalanche 5-1, the Avs will look to turn the tides and get revenge.
Getting revenge could be a challenge. Home ice helps, but the injury bug keeps plaguing the team. On Monday night, Nathan MacKinnon suffered an injury and did not return to the game. Despite the Bruins losing their last game, as dominant as they have been, that trend will continue in this one.
Prediction: Bruins defeat Avalanche 3-2
Arizona Coyotes vs Edmonton Oilers
Head to Head: Coyotes 0-0 Oilers
The young Arizona Coyotes travel into Canada to take on the Edmonton Oilers. Life in the desert hasn’t been great, as they are on a four-game losing streak. Edmonton is 2-2 in it’s last four.
This could be a tough one for the Coyotes. The trio of Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Zach Hyman are all on multi-game point streaks. As a top-six unit, they are carrying the load for the team and can always be counted on for offence.
It may not be likely they win, but one guy that could steal the win for Arizona is goaltender Karel Vejmelka. He has done it before with a shutout win in Carolina and could do it again. Vejmelka has a 3.03 GAA and .912 save percentage. His 13.2 goals saved above-expected ranks third in the league. This means he is stopping a lot of high-quality chances. His level of play is there, but the Oilers’ offence takes charge in this one.
Prediction: Oilers defeat Coyotes 4-1
Vancouver Canucks vs San Jose Sharks
Head to Head: Canucks 0-0 Sharks
The Vancouver Canucks take on the San Jose Sharks. Vancouver is riding high as they won their last two, including a comeback win against the Montreal Canadiens.
This game features players that have been performing well. Erik Karlsson looks like his former self with 34 points to begin the year. He collected 21 in November and is on a two-game point streak. Amid the rumours swirling about whether he will be traded or not, Bo Horvat has been great lately. He has three goals in his last three games, which includes the game-winner against Arizona over time. With both teams in a similar position, the streak will continue for Vancouver.
Prediction: Canucks defeat Sharks 4-3
New York Rangers vs Vegas Golden Knights
Head to Head: Rangers 0-0 Golden Knights
Tonight’s featured game on the NHL Predictions is inter-conference play. The New York Rangers head back out west to take on the Vegas Golden Knights. Both teams are coming off big wins. The Rangers got back in the win column finally in a 6-4 defeat of the St Louis Blues. Bruce Cassidy played spoiler and gave the Boston Bruins their first home loss of the season.
Both teams sit in different places but are respectably good hockey teams. Vegas sits atop the Pacific Division, whereas New York is tied for the second wild-card spot in the East. But this is an exciting matchup for many reasons.
The stars will shine brightly in the sin city. Jack Eichel, Mark Stone, Mika Zibanejad, Artemi Panarin, and Chris Kreider shape the star-studded forward groups. The special talents from this game come between the pipes with Logan Thompson and Igor Shesterkin.
Vegas scores goals in waves as they rank second in 5v5 goals (63) and fifth in all situations (92). The Rangers are not far behind, as they have scored 72. Given the two men in net, it may be a lower-scoring affair.
Prediction: Golden Knights defeat Rangers 4-2
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