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 Winnipeg Jets and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Check our NHL Predictions in the coming days.
NHL Predictions: Winnipeg Jets vs Pittsburgh Penguins
New Jersey Devils vs Anaheim Ducks
Head to Head: Devils 1-0 Ducks
Tonight’s first matchup on the NHL Predictions is between the New Jersey Devils and the Anaheim Ducks. Things are not going well for Anaheim and They’ve dropped their last two games and got outscored 13-3. New Jersey comes into their California road swing with a comeback victory against the Carolina Hurricanes.
Nothing against Anaheim, but this is a game the Devils should dominate. They have the third-best Corsi For, second in XGoals%, and have the second most goals at 5v5. Anaheim has scored the least amount, while allowing the most. It is a recipe for disaster if you are the Ducks and the Devils should feast.
Prediction: Devils defeat Ducks 5-1
Edmonton Oilers vs San Jose Sharks
Head to Head: Oilers 0-0 Sharks
The next game on the NHL Predictions is a Pacific Division matchup. Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers take on Erik Karlsson and the San Jose Sharks. Edmonton is fighting for a playoff spot, and the Sharks are poised to be big-time sellers at the deadline.
Despite the big names that are on each respective team, there is one area of the game that will be very fun to watch. The Edmonton Oilers number one power play will take on the smothering San Jose penalty kill. The top four for the Oilers is a dangerous group that can take over a game, and while San Jose isn’t the best defensively at 5v5, this will be the area to watch for.
Prediction: Oilers defeat Sharks 4-2
Winnipeg Jets vs Pittsburgh Penguins
Head to Head: Jets 0-0 Penguins
The featured matchup for the NHL Predictions is between the Winnipeg Jets and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Winnipeg is fighting for first place in the Central, whereas Pittsburgh is fighting for a playoff spot entirely.
Things were not good for the Penguins as they lost six in a row. But they have begun to right the ship and have won two straight. This will be the first of a back-to-back for Pittsburgh. Winnipeg is 5-1 in their last six games and had will play the night before in Buffalo.
One area these teams both thrive in is penalty killing. Winnipeg ranks sixth, whereas Pittsburgh ranks third. Both are middle of the pack on the power play, so 5v5 play will have to be a factor. Each team has the same 5v5 goals (84), and the Jets have allowed 11 less.
When it comes down to it, the Jets have a key edge in goaltending. No shade to Casey DeSmith, but he is not Connor Hellebuyck. Hellebuyck is playing Vezina hockey for the Jets. He has a 2.42 GAA, and a .924 save percentage. In addition, his 15.1 GSAX ranks fifth in the league. My money is on him to make that final save.
Prediction: Jets defeat Penguins 3-2
