Photo: Dennis Schneidler-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 for NHL Predictions is the New Pittsburgh Penguins vs New York Islanders.
NHL Predictions
Chicago Blackhawks vs Ottawa Senators
Head-to-Head: Blackhawks 0 – 0 Senators
The Chicago Blackhawks are on a road trip that they may soon want to forget. They have played three Canadian teams and have gone 0/3. They have been outscored by a collective 13-3. However, that does help their ultimate goal of getting the highest draft pick possible this offseason. The Ottawa Senators on the other hand, are winners in six of their last seven games played.
Despite losing both goalies, the team continues to fight on. They are currently trying to crawl back into a playoff spot, chasing both the Islanders and Penguins. For the Senators, games like tonight are must-win. This is a Hawks team that is looking for as few points as possible. They need to come out skating and take advantage of it.
Prediction: Senators win 5-3.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs New York Islanders
Head-to-Head: Penguins 0 – 1 Islanders
The final game of the NHL predictions sees the Pittsburgh Penguins are just two points ahead of the New York Islanders. Although they have played four fewer games. Still, this game is vital for both sides. For the Penguins, a win would put a little distance between the two which would be very welcomed. Going up four points with four extra games to get even more points would be a very good position to be in.
On the other side, the Islanders will look to even things up. Yes, the games played thing isn’t ideal. But a win tonight puts them into a wild-card spot. The Islanders will once again call on Ilya Sorokin to come up big for them, as he has done so many times over the past few years. They will also look for a name like newly acquired Bo Horvat to make a difference against a Penguins team that will be motivated to play.
This one should be a thrilling game, and it is the reason it is the NHL Predictions game of the night! Tune in as you will not want to miss it. Tristan Jarry may be back tonight, and if so, the Islanders need to hit him quick and hard to see if there is any rust.
Prediction: Penguins win 3-2 in Overtime.
