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 Vancouver Canucks and the Calgary Flames.
NHL Predictions: Vancouver Canucks vs Calgary Flames
Montreal Canadiens vs Ottawa Senators
Head-To-Head: Canadiens 0-0 Senators
It’s the first meeting of the season between the Atlantic Division foes. Samuel Montembeault will get the start in goal with the Montreal Canadiens having back-to-back games. There’s good news as Cole Caufield should be available against the Ottawa Senators after taking a nasty hit from Calgary’s Trevor Lewis. Montreal is getting plenty of scoring from young players like Caufield and Kirby Dach.
Cam Talbot comes off a shutout of the Anaheim Ducks in their last outing. Ottawa does have wins in three in its last five games. The Senators do boast the sixth-best power play in the league. However, they are middle of the pack in other categories.
The Canadiens are a fun team and should win a tight one. Keep an eye on Caufield’s status before inserting him into your regular or daily fantasy lineup.
Prediction: Canadiens win 3-2.
Detroit Red Wings vs Minnesota Wild
Head-to-Head: Red Wings 1-0 Wild
The Detroit Red Wings will be without captain and top-scorer Dylan Larkin for the game. Detroit has lost three straight and offence seems to be an issue. The Wings will be starting either Alex Nedeljkovic or Magnus Hellberg due to Ville Husso starting the night before against the Carolina Hurricanes. Both teams are similar in goals for and goals against.
The Minnesota Wild have won three of their last five, including two in a row. Minnesota’s defence has been stronger in the past two games. Marc-Andre Fleury will likely draw the start in goal. The Wild have been grinding out games and that’s helped them stay within distance in the Central Division. Defensive hockey is the bread-and-butter of the Wild.
Detroit will feel the loss of Larkin and that won’t help their sputtering offence. Minnesota should pick up their win in a close one.
Prediction: Wild win 3-1.
Vancouver Canucks vs Calgary Flames
Head-to-Head: Canucks 0-0 Flames
Our featured game is a Pacific Division battle between two teams that are underachieving. Vancouver does have wins in three of its last five games, but got shutout by Minnesota, 3-0, in the last game. Spencer Martin will draw the start again as the Canucks have to deal with the loss of Thatcher Demko in goal. Vancouver also has to deal with the spectre of the Bo Horvat situation. When things go well for the Canucks, it’s because of their offence.
Calgary has lost three in a row and been very inconsistent this season. The Flames have shown some flashes of brilliance, but then they hit a rough patch. Jacob Markstrom is likely to get the start against his former team. However, Daniel Vladar has made a case to get some more starts as of late. Calgary’s penalty kill is one of its few bright spots with it being seventh in the league. However, they are middle of the road in goals for and goals against.
The Flames are need of a win in order to stay in the playoff race. Calgary grinds out a tight one.
Prediction: Flames win 3-2.
Be sure to check out our NHL Predictions tomorrow and every day with game action.
