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 Washington Capitals and the Chicago Blackhawks.
NHL Predictions: Washington Capitals vs Chicago Blackhawks
Edmonton Oilers vs Nashville Predators
Head to Head: Oilers 0-0 Predators
This is the first of the meetings within the next week between the Nashville Predators and Edmonton Oilers. Nashville currently sits fifth in the Central and Edmonton sits fourth in the Pacific. Both teams are coming off games Monday night and neither will have extra rest coming into tonight.
Unless Juuse Saros stands tall in the crease, the Oilers could run away with this one. They have the top-ranked powerplay unit, averaging 3.64 goals per game. With Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl leading the way, they could take control of this game.
Prediction: Oilers defeat Predators 4-2
Vegas Golden Knights vs Winnipeg Jets
Head to Head: Golden Knights 1-0 Jets
The second matchup on the NHL Predictions is a good one. The top team in the west in the Vegas Golden Knights take on one of the top teams in the Central Division. Tied with the Dallas Stars is the Winnipeg Jets, who are playing better hockey than anyone expected.
Vegas comes into this game banged up. Out is Jack Eichel, Shea Theodore, and Alex Pietrangelo. However, the team is still deep with talent, but those are three key players out of the lineup. The last game between these two was low scoring, and it should be the same way, given the way these teams are with goaltending.
Prediction: Jets defeat Golden Knights 3-2
Philadelphia Flyers vs Colorado Avalanche
Head to Head: Flyers 0-0 Avalanche
John Tortorella and the Philadelphia Flyers travel to take on the injure plagued Colorado Avalanche. Despite being injury-plagued, the Avalanche sit third in the Central Division, whereas the Flyers are buried in the basement of the Eastern Conference.
The brightest spot of this game is goaltending. The star-studded talent is out for the Avalanche, but goaltending can steal the show. Carter Hart has been the backbone of the Flyers. He ranks fifth in GSAX with 11.2, while also rocking a 2.84 GAA and .909 save percentage. Alexander Georgiev has been a bright spot as a starter and is rocking a 4.0 GSAX and .920 save percentage. The scoring may not be so high in this game.
Prediction: Avalanche defeat Flyers 3-1
Arizona Coyotes vs San Jose Sharks
Head to Head: Coyotes 0-0 Sharks
Tonight’s matchup is a conference matchup between the Arizona Coyotes and San Jose Sharks. Both teams are at the bottom of the division and are stuck in some dark times. San Jose has gone 1-4 in their last five and has allowed six goals on two different occasions. Arizona is riding high as they upset the Boston Bruins thanks to stellar play from Karel Vejmelka and defeated the Flyers thanks to a Clayton Keller hat trick.
One area that gives San Jose the edge is special teams. The team has the second-best penalty kill in the league. But if we learned anything from Friday night’s matchup, Vejmelka is capable of stealing a game as he ranks first in goals saved above expected with 15.8.
Prediction: Coyotes defeat Sharks 4-3
Washington Capitals vs Chicago Blackhawks
Head to Head: Capitals 0-0 Blackhawks
Tonight’s NHL predictions featured a matchup is between the Washington Capitals and the Chicago Blackhawks. Each team is headed in a different direction. Washington is aiming to compete for a playoff spot, whereas Chicago is competing for Connor Bedard.
Chicago is the second-worst team in hockey. Unfortunately for them, goaltender Petr Mrazek is out and he was playing as good of hockey as he could be. Paving the way is top-tier trade candidates Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews, but aside from that, it’s not very great.
As Washington gets back to full health, all eyes are on Alexander Ovechkin. He is getting closer to scoring goal number 800. Ovechkin is three goals away and a hat trick is possible against a poor Chicago defense.
Prediction: Capitals defeat Blackhawks 5-2
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