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 Los Angeles Kings vs Colorado Avalanche.
NHL Predictions
Los Angeles Kings vs Colorado Avalanche
Head-to-Head: Kings 0 – 0 Avalanche
Our featured match for NHL Predictions sees the Kings and Avalanche square off for the first of three times this season. So far, the Kings have continued their steady play from last year and even improved upon it. Kevin Fiala has been a very nice addition and has fit well with the team. Their blueline has had so much depth they could afford to let Brandt Clarke go play for Team Canada at the World Juniors.
However, not all has been perfect for this team. Goaltending remains a massive concern. They already waived Cal Petersen, and Jonathan Quick hasn’t been amazing either. That will be the key to any playoff success and they need to figure it out.
For the Avalanche, they are finally starting to get healthier. The start of this season has been a mess as it feels like each night, someone new was hurt. Still, they are currently tied for both wild card spots. Which all things considered, isn’t a bad place to be in for how much this team has gone through. As they keep getting healthier, look for this team to round into form. A bright spot has been Alexandar Georgiev has looked great.
Prediction: Avalanche win 4-2.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Arizona Coyotes
Head-to-Head: Leafs 0 – 1 Coyotes
The Toronto Maple Leafs lost to the Arizona Coyotes earlier this season. Since that bad October start, the Leafs have been amazing. They are 15-2-3 in their last 20 and don’t appear ready to slow down anytime soon. Injuries haven’t phased this team as Morgan Rielly, Jake Muzzin, T.J. Brodie, Rasmus Sanding, and more have been out on the blueline. Yet, it has been next man up.
No doubt that Mullet Arena will be rocking tonight as Auston Matthews is back in town. The Coyotes are 5-4-1 in their last 10 and playing a brand of hockey that if you decide to take the night off, they will punish you for it. Look for the Leafs to avoid falling into that trap a second time this season.
Prediction: Leafs win 5-3.
Philadelphia Flyers vs San Jose Sharks
Head-to-Head: Flyers 0 – 4 Sharks
This is a matchup between two teams near the bottom of their Conferences. The Philadelphia Flyers have had a disappointing year and currently sit 14 points out of a playoff spot. One has to ask who they start to think about selling. The only good news to come out of this year is Carter Hart has looked good again. They better hope that continues for the long-term success of the franchise.
The San Jose Sharks are stuck. They have lots of older players that are overpaid but still decent. This prevents them from adding needed depth to make playoffs. However, they also can’t truly tank. They are 12 points out of a playoff spot but also eight points above last in their division. Look for the talent on this team to add another win tonight.
Prediction: Sharks win 3-2.
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