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 Toronto Maple Leafs and the Calgary Flames. Be sure to check out our other NHL Predictions for today.
NHL Predictions
Dallas Stars vs Chicago Blackhawks
Head-to-Head: Stars 1-1 Blackhawks
The Dallas Stars have won two of the last three, but Jim Nill may need to pull out all the stops at the deadline. Scott Wedgewood should get the start with Dallas playing on back-to-back nights. The Stars are third in goals allowed and fourth on the penalty kill. Jason Robertson is the heart of the offence. However, he needs some deadline help.
Alex Stalock should be the Chicago Blackhawks starter, but always check social media before making a lineup decisions. Chicago is playing out the strong and offloading assets at the deadline. The Hawks have lost two straight since their most recent losing streak.
Dallas got past Arizona last night, but the focus might be on the front office.
Prediction: Stars win 4-1.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Calgary Flames
Head-to-Head: Maple Leafs 1-0 Flames
Our featured game of NHL predictions has the Leafs continue their Alberta swing. Toronto lost to the Edmonton Oilers the last time out thanks to the Connor McDavid show. Joseph Woll will get the start in goal after the Leafs played on back-to-back nights. Toronto’s new acquisitions struggled against Edmonton, but it may take time for everyone to mesh. However, time isn’t on the Leafs side as they try to hold onto home ice in the first round.
Jacob Markstrom is currently penciled in as the Flames starting goalie. Calgary has lost three straight and four of its last five. The Flames may be in a situation where they’ll have to make a few moves to stay in the playoff hunt. Calgary is five points behind the Seattle Kraken and Winnipeg Jets for the wild card. The Flames have given up four goals in each of their last four losses.
It’s desperation time for the Flames and they squeak out a win.
Prediction: Flames win 3-2.
Minnesota Wild vs Vancouver Canucks
Head-to-Head: Wild 2-0 Canucks
The Minnesota Wild are going for the season-sweep over the Vancouver Canucks. Marc-Andre Fleury is the confirmed starter in net for Minnesota. The Wild have wins in four of their last five games. Defence has been great during the winning streak. Minnesota has held teams to two goals or less during the last five games.
Thatcher Demko is the probable starter in between the pipes for the Canucks. Vancouver does have wins in three of its last five, but it feels that management is punting on this year. The Canucks are 10th in goals scored, but will be tested by the Wild defence.
Good defence usually tops offence and the Wild should win here.
Prediction: Wild in 3-1.
Montreal Canadiens vs Los Angeles Kings
Head-to-Head: Canadiens 0-1 Kings
Jake Allen is the likely starter in net for the Montreal Canadiens on their West Coast trip. The Habs have wins in three of their last five games. To Montreal’s credit, they’re not just mailing in the season and will be a tough out for anyone.
Joonas Korpisalo is scheduled to make his Los Angeles Kings debut in net. It’s going to feel odd not seeing Jonathan Quick is a Kings sweater, but LA is on a mission to make some noise in the post-season. The Kings D has given up five goals in their last two games.
Montreal is going to just hand Los Angeles two points. We get free hockey in this one.
Prediction: Kings win 4-3 in overtime.
St Louis Blues vs San Jose Sharks
Head-to-Head: Blues 1-0 Sharks
Our last game of NHL Predictions has the struggling St. Louis Blues taking on the San Jose Sharks. The Blues have lost six straight and turn to Jordan Binnington in net. Offence has been a problem as the Blues haven’t scored more than three goals in the last five.
James Reimer is the confirmed starter for the new-look Sharks. There will be some new faces in the lineup with all the trades Mike Grier has made. The Sharks have lost four of their last five and defence has been an issue in these losses.
This should be a low-scoring one, but the home side wins this.
Predictions: Sharks win 2-1.
Main photo by: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
