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 Carolina Hurricanes and the New York Islanders. Be sure to check out our other sets of NHL Predictions.
NHL Predictions
Carolina Hurricanes vs New York Islanders
Head-to-Head: Hurricanes 1-1 Islanders
Let’s get our featured game out of the way first in the second of four meetings between the Metropolitan Division foes. Carolina has wins in three of its last five and points in four straight games. Frederik Andersen is currently penciled in as the team’s starter in net. However, check social media before rolling with any fantasy lineup. The Canes are stingy on defence with the third-best goals against.
Ilya Sorokin is the likely starter for the Islanders, who have lost three consecutive games. Mathew Barzal already has 30 assists this season for the Isles. New York also has a top-10 defence in goals allowed and the fifth-best penalty kill. However, scoring remains the issue for the Long Islanders. New York is 21st in goals for and 27th on the power play.
The under of 5.5 could scare people away, but it might be worth a look. Carolina seems to be getting the action, so go with them picking up the win.
Prediction: Hurricanes win 3-2.
Arizona Coyotes vs Dallas Stars
Head-to-Head: Coyotes 0-1 Stars
The Arizona Coyotes and Dallas Stars meet for the second time this season. Dallas routed Arizona, 7-2, in the only meeting in November. Connor Ingram is the confirmed starter for the Coyotes, who have lost four of their last five games. The Yotes are 25th or worse in goals for, goals against, power play and penalty kill.
Jake Oettinger looks to be the expected starter for the Stars, who blanked the Los Angeles Kings, 4-0, the last time out. Dallas still holds the top spot in the Central Division and Western Conference. Jason Robertson leads in goals (32) and assists (31) for the Stars.
This could be another chance for the Stars to get right against a Coyotes team that’s capable of putting together a good game. However, the young squad is inconsistent.
Prediction: Stars win 5-2.
Chicago Blackhawks vs St. Louis Blues
Head-to-Head: Blackhawks 0-2 Blues
The Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues meet for the third time this season. St Louis has took first two games over its Central Division rival. Petr Mrazek is the slated starter for Chicago in net tonight. The Hawks are still the worst team in the league despite winning two straight games.
Jordan Binnington is the likely starter for the Blues, who have won two straight games. St Louis downed the Nashville Predators, 5-2, the time out. Jordan Kyrou has 21 goals so far this season and Robert Thomas has dished out 30 assists for the Blues.
The Blackhawks are in the mix for Connor Bedard while the Blues hunt down a playoff spot.
Prediction: Blues win 4-1.
Los Angeles Kings vs Nashville Predators
Head-to-Head: Kings 1-0 Predators
Our final game in this batch of NHL Predictions sees two teams trying rebound from losses. Los Angeles won the first meeting via a shootout. Pheonix Copley will get the start in goal for the Kings in all likelihood. The Kings boast the 11th-rated scoring offence in the league.
Nashville has been fairly inconsistent at times this season. They can play solid games against good opponents or look absolutely lost at times. Juuse Saros is the probable starter for the Predators, who struggle with the extra man.
The Kings goal-scoring should see the get over the line barely.
Prediction: Kings win 3-2.
