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 Edmonton Oilers and the Dallas Stars. Be sure to check out the other NHL Predictions for the earlier set of games.
NHL Predictions
Edmonton Oilers vs Dallas Stars
Head-to-Head: Oilers 0 – 1 Stars
It’s the second meeting of the season between the Oilers and the Stars. Dallas took the first meeting, 6-2, in Edmonton. Both teams have scored 118 goals so far this season, which is good enough for third. However, the Oilers defence has been major problem and is 25th in goals allowed. Newly-extended goalie Stuart Skinner likely gets the call, but check online before making any fantasy hockey decisions.
Dallas has been solid with wins in three of its last five games. The Stars have the eighth-best goals against in the league thanks to their standout defence. It also helps having projected starter Jake Oettinger in net to slam the door. Dallas and its fourth-ranked penalty kill will get a test from the top-rated Edmonton power play.
Can the Oilers stop their three-game losing streak? If they can set the pace, it’s possible. However, the Stars get just enough to win.
Prediction: Stars win 3-2.
Arizona Coyotes vs Vegas Golden Knights
Head-to-Head: Coyotes 0-1 Golden Knights
The Arizona Coyotes come into the Pacific Division matchup with the Vegas Golden Knights having lost two straight. There is some good news as the Coyotes aren’t the worst team in the league. The Chicago Blackhawks have taken that dishonour in the race for Connor Bedard. Karel Vejmelka is the projected starter in net for Arizona.
Vegas is also coming off a two-game losing streak like Arizona. However, the Golden Knights are in better shape as they’re first in the division. Logan Thompson likely draws the start in a bid to stop the Vegas losing skid. The Knights are seventh in goals for with 110 entering play. Vegas won the first meeting of the season, 4-2.
This might be a good shot at a get-right game for Vegas. Some home cooking and Thompson in net should do the job in this game.
Prediction: Golden Knights win 5-2.
Minnesota Wild vs Anaheim Ducks
Head-to-Head: Wild 2-0 Ducks
It’s the last meeting of the season between the Minnesota Wild and the Anaheim Ducks. Minnesota has claimed both matchups so far and is looking for the season sweep over the Pacific Division basement dwellers. Marc-Andre Fleury is the projected starter in goal for the Wild. Minnesota may not score a lot of goals, but it doesn’t give up a lot as its seventh in goals against.
The Ducks are coming off a 4-1 loss to the rival Los Angeles Kings. However, they got two straight wins before that setback. Lukas Dostal will be the projected starter in goal for the Ducks. Anaheim struggles in many phases of the game as its 28th on the power play, 30th in goals for, 31st on the penalty kill and last in goals against. There are some good young pieces on the team, but the young club has a long way to go before it can contend.
The over/under of 6.5 could be tempting on the under side with the way the Wild play offence. They’ve shown some games where they can score goals, but the under side is a safer play.
Prediction: Wild win 4-1.
Be sure to check out our NHL Predictions on every day with game action.
