Main Photo: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
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 Florida Panthers and the Washington Capitals.
NHL Predictions: Florida Panthers vs Washington Capitals
Montreal Canadiens vs Carolina Hurricanes
Head to Head: Canadiens 0-0 Hurricanes
Our first game on the NHL Predictions is between the Carolina Hurricanes and Montreal Canadiens. Carolina is destined for the playoffs, whereas Montreal is in the Bedard race. This is the first meeting between the two, and a special night at PNC as they induct former goalie Cam Ward into their ring of honour.
As bad as Montreal is, they have been on fire as of late. They have won three straight games and have outscored their opponents 14-5. In addition, they played some spoiler against the Islanders and could do it again against Carolina. Carolina begins a huge homestand and will look to avenge their last home loss.
Prediction: Hurricanes defeat Canadiens 4-1
Winnipeg Jets vs Columbus Blue Jackets
Head to Head: Jets 0-0 Blue Jackets
The next game on the NHL Predictions features interconference play. A playoff calibre team in the Winnipeg Jets takes on the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Jets are flying high as they’ve won three games in a row, whereas Columbus is plummeting. In addition, they are returning to the ice after losing in the dying seconds the other night.
Aside from their ability to score, one key will be the play between the pipes. Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck is having a great campaign. He ranks third in goals saved above expected, and is playing Vezina calibre hockey. Winnipeg also has the third-best penalty-killing unit, which doesn’t bode well for the Blue Jackets’ 31st-ranked power play.
Prediction: Jets defeat Blue Jackets 5-2
Boston Bruins vs Nashville Predators
Head to Head: Bruins 0-0 Predators
Our next game on the NHL Predictions is poised to be a good game. The Boston Bruins continue their road trip as they take on the Nashville Predators. Boston won a thrilling game the other night, whereas Nashville lost to lowly Coyotes.
One area that will be a key for this game is special teams. It tips in Bostons favour. They have the leagues best penalty kill, whereas Nashville has the 29th-ranked powerplay. Boston has the firepower on the man advantage, but have gone 0/20 as of late. They could break through against the Nashville penalty kill. Good goaltending is on the horizon as well which should make for a great hockey game.
Prediction: Bruins defeat Predators 4-2
Florida Panthers vs Washington Capitals
Head to Head: Panthers 1-0 Capitals
Our featured game is a pivotal matchup. The Florida Panthers travel to take on the Washington Capitals. Both teams are fighting for their playoff spots and this should feel every bit of a playoff game. Washington captain Alex Ovechkin has stepped away for personal reasons and won’t be with the team.
Without Ovechkin, the team will need goals to come from elsewhere. He leads the team with 32, and the nearest player to him has 13. They will need guys like Nicklas Backstrom, and Evgeni Kuznetsov to pick up a chunk of the slack.
Florida has played better hockey as of late. They’ve gone 3-2 since the break. A large reason for that is the play of Sergei Bobrovsky. He is 3-1-1 in his last five starts with a excellent 1.72 goals against average and .951 save percentage. In order to continue the playoff push, they’ll need this version of him and a reason they win tonight.
Prediction: Panthers defeat Capitals 3-2
