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 for NHL Predictions is the Edmonton Oilers vs Minnesota Wild.
NHL Predictions: Edmonton Oilers vs Minnesota Wild
Anaheim Ducks vs Ottawa Senators
Head-to-Head: Ducks 0 – 1 Senators
The Anaheim Ducks come to Ottawa looking for some revenge after they were steamrolled by the Ottawa Senators in their last meeting. The Sens took a 5-1 win in late November that wrapped up a somewhat disappointing road trip in a tough stretch of the season. Since then, the Ducks have gone 1-4-2 in what has been a brutal start to the season. They are on pace to be front-runners for a top pick, and now it may be waiting to see how long until names such as Kevin Shattenkirk and John Klingberg are moved.
For the Sens, they have seen a mixed bag as of late. 5-4-1 in their last 10 they seem to lose a few and then string a few wins together. However, that is just not good enough for a team that went seven straight games without collecting even a single point. Because of that start, they are way behind where they were hoping to be. Now, it will be about collecting points against teams they need to beat, such as this one.
Prediction: Sens win 4-3.
Edmonton Oilers vs Minnesota Wild
Head-to-Head: Oilers 1 – 1 Wild
Our NHL Predictions featured game is Game 2 of a home-and-home series that saw the Oilers win 5-2 on Saturday. That game was high-paced and full of action. Action which included Marc-Andre Fleury getting a little feisty with Leon Draisaitl. It will be a fun one to watch and see if any of the bad blood spills over. Earlier this year, the Wild beat the Oilers 5-3 in this building. Both teams have had somewhat disappointing starts to the year. Neither team expected to miss playoffs, Minnesota has worked their way into third in their division. However, the Stanley Cup Champions are the ones chasing them.
The Oilers currently sit fourth in their own division which looks like it may be more contested than originally thought. However, the skill of Connor McDavid and Draisaitl are usually enough to get out of trouble most nights. The ongoing goalie controversy will be interesting to watch. Jack Campbell has really struggled so far this season which has led to Stuart Skinner getting some more starts. He is the projected starter for tonight.
Overall, look for this to be a tightly contested battle. These two have gone at it multiple times now this season and will be learning their strengths and weaknesses.
Prediction: Oilers win 5-4 in OT.
Nashville Predators vs St. Louis Blues
Head-to-Head: Predators 1 – 0 Blues
The Nashville Predators are coming off of a loss to the Senators on Saturday afternoon. They currently sit at 12-11-2 on the season but have a -11 goal differential. This will be a massive game for the Preds to keep up in the Central division standings. The St. Louis Blues are just two points behind them and a win today would tie the two teams. Although Nashville has two fewer games played.
The Blues are 3-7-0 in their last 10 and have had a crazy season. It seems at any given time they are either coming off of a 4+ game winning streak or a 5+ game losing streak. They get hot for weeks at a time and then go ice cold. Even worse, when they are losing it is strictly in regulation. A 12-15-0 record with a -23 goal differential is not what the team had in mind heading into mid-December.
Prediction: Predators win 3-1.
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