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 Ottawa Senators and Pittsburgh Penguins.
NHL Predictions
Ottawa Senators vs Pittsburgh Penguins
Head-to-Head: Senators 1-0 Penguins
It’s the second of three meetings between the two clubs. Ottawa got the overtime-winner against Pittsburgh in the first encounter a couple of days ago. Anton Forsberg is the projected starter, but always check online before setting your daily fantasy lineup. The Senators come into Friday’s game after snapping a run of two straight losses. Ottawa has struggled in goals for, but it has a pretty good special teams unit. The Senators are third on the power play at 27.4-percent and are tied for seventh at killing penalties.
Pittsburgh is doing its best to try and keep pace in the rough-and-tumble Metropolitan Division. The Pens hold the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference, but are tied with the New York Islanders on points with 51. Casey DeSmith is the slated starter for the Penguins in this game. Pittsburgh is also tied for seventh on the penalty kill with an 81.5-percent success rate. They are middle-of-the-pack in goals for, goals against and power play conversion rate.
It’s an important game for the Penguins, as it tries to hunt down one of the automatic qualifying spots in the Metro. The underside of 6.5 could be a smart play in this one.
Prediction: Penguins win 3-2.
Colorado Avalanche vs Vancouver Canucks
Head-to-Head: Avalanche 0-2 Canucks
It’s a light night on the ice with only two games for you. The Vancouver Canucks may be ready to go through a ton of changes. However, a win here would see them sweep the defending Stanley Cup champions in the three-game season set. Vancouver has managed to scored four goals in the both of the first two meetings. However, the Canucks have lost four of their last five games leading into this one. Spencer Martin is the projected starter in this one for Vancouver.
The Colorado Avalanche are currently on the outside of the Stanley Cup playoff picture. However, they have won three straight and averaged over five goals per game. The champs are slowly getting over injuries, but keep an eye on the Cale Makar situation. He was listed as day-to-day and could be a gametime decision. This would hurt fantasy hockey owners of all kinds if he were out. Colorado has surprisingly struggled at scoring goals, but is strong on defence. The Avs are third in goals allowed and will go with Alexandar Georgiev in all likelihood.
Colorado has been great in the last few games, but keep an on Makar’s status. However, the Avs should have just enough to get by in this one.
Prediction: Avalanche win 4-2.
Be sure to check out our NHL Predictions in the coming days. This includes a busy Saturday slate as we roll onto the All-Star Game in South Florida.
