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 the Edmonton Oilers vs Buffalo Sabres. Be sure to check out our other NHL Predictions for today.
NHL Predictions
San Jose Sharks vs Winnipeg Jets
Head-to-Head: Sharks 0-0 Jets
Our first game of our NHL Predictions features a Western Conference matchup between the San Jose Sharks and Winnipeg Jets. San Jose has lost five straight games and are at the bottom of the Pacific Division. Kaapo Kahkonen is the projected starter, but always check online before setting your lineup. The Sharks have given up 14 goals in the last two games and are 30th in goals allowed.
The Jets will likely go with Connor Hellebuyck in net as they snapped a losing streak. Winnipeg outscored Edmonton, 7-5, on Saturday night. The Jets are trying to hold off the Colorado Avalanche for third in the division. Winnipeg’s defence needs to tighten up, as its allowed five goals or more in its last five games.
Winnipeg has some defensive work to do, but it gets the win in this.
Prediction: Jets win 4-1.
Edmonton Oilers vs Buffalo Sabres
Head-to-Head: Oilers 0-1 Sabres
Our featured game of NHL Predictions features two teams that can score goals. The Oilers are first in goals against, but defence has been the team’s problem. Edmonton gave up seven goals the last time out and a reason its lost three of the last five. Connor McDavid already has 122 points so far this campaign. He’s chasing another Hart Trophy, but needs support from the rest of the lineup. Jack Campbell is the projected starter in goal for the Oilers.
Eric Comrie is the probable starter in goal for the Sabres, who are 3-1 in the last four against the Oilers. Buffalo has won three of its last five and sits three points behind the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference. Tage Thompson leads the Sabres in goals with 42 as they’re third-best offence in the league. However, both teams struggle at keeping out goals as Edmonton is 21st and Buffalo is 24th in goals allowed.
The over/under of seven is daunting, but worthy of an over play. Buffalo stays in touch in the East.
Prediction: Sabres win 5-3.
Calgary Flames vs Dallas Stars
Head-to-Head: Flames 1-0 Stars
Our last game of NHL predictions is a Stanley Cup Playoff rematch between the Calgary Flames and Dallas Stars. Calgary won a wild 6-5 encounter in the first meeting of the season. However, the Flames offence is 19th in the league at this point. Jacob Markstrom is the tentative starter in net for Calgary, which is falling out of the wild card race. The Flames have lost five straight games.
Dallas will counter with Jake Oettinger in goal in all likelihood. The Stars are coming off a key 7-3 win over the Colorado Avalanche as they try to keep pace for the best record in the West. Dallas has won for of its last five and have tightened up some of the defensive issues in recent games. The Stars defence is playing like the team that’s allowed the third-least goals in the league.
Calgary is sinking and Dallas is surging. The Stars should take care of business in this one.
Prediction: Stars win 4-1.
Main photo by: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
Be sure to check out more editions of NHL predictions in the coming days.
