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 Buffalo Sabres and the Colorado Avalanche. Be sure to check out our other two NHL Predictions articles.
NHL Predictions: Buffalo Sabres vs Colorado Avalanche
Nashville Predators vs Winnipeg Jets
Head-to-Head: Predators 0-0 Jets
It’s the first encounter of the season between the Central Division rivals. The Nashville Predators will start Juuse Saros in net, who don’t give up a lot of goals. However, the Predators don’t score a lot of goals as they’re 30th in the league. Their power play is 29th, which has been a factor the Predators losing four straight.
Connor Hellebuyck is the likely starter for the Winnipeg Jets, who have done great under new head coach Rick Bowness. Winnipeg has lost two straight and they’ve up 11 goals in their last two games. However, the Jets are still fifth in goals allowed despite the latest defensive struggles.
This game might be worth playing the under as most books have it at 6. Winnipeg should get back on track.
Prediction: Jets win 3-1.
Vegas Golden Knights vs Chicago Blackhawks
Head-to-Head: Golden Knights 1-0 Blackhawks
The Vegas Golden Knights blanked the Chicago Blackhawks, 1-0, in the first meeting of the season. Logan Thompson should draw the start in this one and made 27 saves in the Oct. 13 victory. Paul Cotter scored the only goal of the game in the win. Vegas has already scored 102 goals so far this season, which is good enough for seventh in the league. The Knights have wins in three of their last five ganes,
Chicago will start Arvid Soderblom in net tonight against Vegas. The Blackhawks have lost four straight, including surrendering a hat trick to Alex Ovechkin in the last outing. Chicago has been shutout twice in the four games losing skid and only has four goals during that stretch. The Hawks are dead-last in goals forwith 65.
This should be a mismatch, but playing at the United Center can be tough. However, Vegas should still come out on top.
Prediction: Golden Knights win 4-1.
Buffalo Sabres vs Colorado Avalanche
Head-to-Head: Sabres 0-1 Avalanche
This game is a rematch of a wild 6-4 game that took place two weeks ago. The Avs offence was on fire that night, but are actually 24th in the league with 83 goals. Colorado does have a two-game winning streak with a pair of 3-2 wins. The Avalanche have been dealing with plenty of injuries, including Nathan MacKinnon. Mikko Rantanen has picked up the scoring slack with 19 goals so far this season. Alexandar Georgiev is the likely starter tonight for Colorado.
Tage Thompson already has 23 goals this season for Buffalo. Craig Anderson is the probable starter tonight for the Sabres. Buffalo is top-scoring offence with 114 goals so far this campaign. Rasmus Dahlin leads the club in assists with 24 to go with nine goals.
This game might be worth taking a look at playing the over of 6.5. Colorado should get the victory.
Prediction: Avalanche win 5-3.
St. Louis Blues vs Edmonton Oilers
Head-to-Head: Blues 1-1 Oilers
It’s the final meeting of the season between the St. Louis Blues and the Edmonton Oilers in the last game of this round of NHL Predictions. Jordan Binnington is the likely starter for the Blues in this one. St. Louis got a 1-0 win over Nashville in its last outing. Both teams are near the bottom of the league in goals allowed.
Connor McDavid is already up to 26 goals and shows no slowing down. Edmonton is third in goals for with 109 and has the top power play at 31.5 percent. Stuart Skinner is the confirmed stater for the Oilers for tonight’s game.
The Blues will have stay out of the box if they want a shot. Edmonton is deadly at converting chances.
Prediction: Oilers win 4-2.
