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 Calgary Flames vs Seattle Kraken.
NHL Predictions
Calgary Flames vs Seattle Kraken
Head-to-Head: Flames 0 – 1 Kraken
In an all-Pacific edition of NHL predictions, our featured match sees the Flames and Kraken square off. The Kraken are one point ahead of the Flames but have four less games played so far. Seattle currently sits third in the division, somewhere the Flames are aiming to be. If you would have told fans at the start of the year the Kraken would be ahead of the Flames as we get close to entering 2023, most wouldn’t believe you. Those that did would likely think the Kraken figured out their goaltending issues.
However, those are still a problem. Martin Jones has been servicable this year but it is the overall team play driving this team. Lead by a refreshed offence that saw many new additions brought in this summer. Names such as Andre Burakovsky and Oliver Bjorkstrand, among others. All of this has led to a much better Kraken team.
For the Flames, their 5 on 5 play hasn’t been bad. However, they can’t score goals. Combine that with a poor season from Jakob Markstrom and you have a bad recipe on your hands. They continue to need more from Jonathan Huberdeau, who has played amazingly defensively this season. Unfortunately, they are not paying him to just play well in his own end. He needs to produce too.
Look for this to be a close game overall.
Prediction: Kraken win 4-3 in overtime.
Vegas Golden Knights vs Anaheim Ducks
Head-to-Head: Golden Knights 1 – 0 Ducks
The Vegas Golden Knights sit on top of the Pacific division. Despite a mediocre 5-5-0 record in their last 10, it feels like they are destined to stay there all year. This team is showing they are clearly a team to worry about with their depth on the forwards and blueline that is sheltered by star talent. Jack Eichel, Mark Stone, Shea Theodore, and Alex Pietrangelo lead this team. Logan Thompson has been great in net.
The Anaheim Ducks are more likely to care about the World Jrs right now than they are the result. This has been a miserable year, as the Ducks have yet to win 10 games. They sit at 9-22-4 and a league’s worst -63 goal differential. That goal differential is last by a lot too. Don’t look for much to change tonight, as the Ducks may once again be overwhelmed.
Prediction: Golden Knights win 5-2.
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