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 Edmonton Oilers and the Colorado Avlanche. Be sure to check out our other NHL Predictions for Sunday.
NHL Predictions
Nashville Predators vs Minnesota Wild
Head-to-Head: Predators 1-0 Wild
It’s do-or-die time for the Nashville Predators, who have to decide what they’ll be at the March 3 trade deadline. Kevin Lankinen is slated to draw the start with the Predators going on back-to-back nights. Nashville did pick up a huge 7-3 win over the Florida Panthers on Saturday night. The Preds are five points behind the Minnesota Wild for the last wild card spot in the West.
Filip Gustavsson is slated to start for the Wild, but always check online before committing on your fantasy lineup. The Wild did get a 2-1 shootout victory over the Dallas Stars in their last outing. Both teams struggle to score, but the Minnesota special teams are pretty solid with it being eighth on the power play and seventh on the penalty kill.
The under on the over/under six might be a smart play in this one.
Prediction: Wild win 3-2.
St Louis Blues vs Ottawa Senators
Head-to-Head: Blues 1-0 Senators
Two teams that are likely to sell at the trade deadline meet as the St Louis Blues face the Ottawa Senators. The Blues won the first meeting of the season on January 16. Jordan Binnington is slated to get the start in goal for St Louis. The Blues actually won three straight before losing to the Avalanche in their last time out.
Mads Sogard will likely get the call in goal for the Senators. The Anton Forsberg injury has made the team reach into their goalie pool. Ottawa suffered an overtime loss to the Chicago Blackhawks in its last game out. The Senators special teams are solid with it being third on the power play and 10th on the penalty kill.
The Blues should get the edge here because of goaltending.
Prediction: Blues win 4-1.
Edmonton Oilers vs Colorado Avalanche
Head-to-Head: Oilers 0-1 Avalanche
Our featured game is a rematch of last season’s Western Conference Final. The Oilers blew a 4-1 lead en route to a 5-4 shootout loss to the New York Rangers. Connor McDavid eclipsed the 100-point mark once again, but did it in 56 games. Jack Campbell is currently penciled in as the team’s starter in goal. Edmonton is tops in goals for, but they’re near the bottom of the league in goals allowed. The Oilers have lost three straight games as they try to keep pace in the Pacific Division.
Colorado is coming in on back-to-back nights and Alexandar Georgiev will get the start. The Avlanche did beat the Blues, 4-1, on Saturday. However, Cale Makar may not be in the lineup after taking a nasty hit against St. Louis. Colorado has won three of its last five games, including two in a row. Mikko Rantanen leads the Avalanche with 34 goals while Nathan MacKinnon has the team lead in assists with 44.
Colorado is charging hard and playing like the defending Stanley Cup champions. However, not having Makar could be a factor.
Prediction: Avalanche win 4-3.
Main photo by: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
