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 Vegas Golden Knights. Be sure to check out our other NHL Predictions for Wednesday.
NHL Predictions
New Jersey Devils vs Colorado Avalanche
Head-to-Head: Devils 1-0 Avalanche
It’s Timo Time for the New Jersey Devils as they take on the Colorado Avalanche in this first game of our NHL Predictions. Timo Meier was acquired by the Devils and will hopefully help them in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. New Jersey is slated to start Vitek Vanecek in net, but always check social media for confirmation. The Devils have wins in four of their last five games.
It’s been the second-half revival we’ve expected from the Colorado Avalanche. The defending champions are just three points off the Western Conference leaf in points. Alexandar Georgiev is listed as the current starter in goal for the Avs. Colorado has racked up six straight wins and re-established itself as a contender. Keep an eye on the Avalanche, who may have a move in them by Friday’s trade deadline.
This could be a Stanley Cup Final preview. The Devils got the shutout the last time out. However, the Avalanche scratch out a win.
Prediction: Avalanche win 3-1.
Washington Capitals vs Anaheim Ducks
Head-to-Head: Capitals 0-1 Ducks
The Washington Capitals look like they’ve punted on the season, but did get Rasmus Sandin via trade. Washington has fallen out of the race with losses in three of its last five games. Darcy Kuemper is currently slotted in as the team’s starter via Daily Faceoff. The Caps are 3-0-1 against the Ducks over the last few seasons. Alex Ovechkin is try to get on track with team-leading 33 goals.
Anaheim has been playing better in the last few games. The Ducks have a three-game winning streak and won’t be a pushover for any team down the stretch. John Gibson will likely get the start in goal. Anaheim is doing its best to not reach the dreaded -100 goal differential this seasom.
Both teams seem to be out of contention, but expect a good hockey game. The Ducks win in a slight upset.
Prediction: Ducks win 3-2.
Carolina Hurricanes vs Vegas Golden Knights
Head-to-Head: Hurricanes 0-0 Golden Knights
Our featured game of NHL predictions has two teams with designs on winning the Stanley Cup. Carolina’s win-streak was stopped last time out by Anaheim. Frederik Andersen is the possible starter in net for the Hurricanes. Both teams do well at keeping the puck out of the net with Carolina second in goals against this season. The Canes are a team that could also make a move with Friday’s deadline looming. Sebastian Aho leads the club with 25 goals while Brent Burns is tops in assists with 32.
Adin Hill is the probable starter in goal for the Golden Knights. Vegas has lost three of its last five, including two straight. The race in the Western Conference has tightened up with Colorado surging and Vegas struggling. Injuries have plagued the Knights with losses to Mark Stone and Logan Thompson. The Knights will have to pick up some points in they want to win the Pacific and get the top seed in the West. Vegas is also stingy on defence with the ninth-best scoring defence.
The under on a 5.5 number could be a worth a look. Carolian’s defence gets them the win, here.
Prediction: Hurricanes win 3-1.
Main photo by: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
