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 Chicago Blackhawks vs Florida Panthers. Be sure to check out our other NHL Predictions in the coming days.
NHL Predictions
Chicago Blackhawks vs Florida Panthers
Head-to-Head: Blackhawks 1 – 0 Panthers
Our featured game has the Blackhawks coming in looking for a season sweep of the Panthers. Chicago won the first meeting of the season on October 25. However, that was a long time ago and the Hawks have lost four of the last five. Alex Stalock will likely get the start, but always check social media before setting your fantasy lineups. Chicago has the worst goals for in the league and are 26th goals allowed. Special teams aren’t much better as the Blackhawks are 28th on the power play and 21st on the penalty kill.
Sergei Bobrovsky is the probable starter in goal for the Panthers. Florida has won three of its last five games as it was three points from the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference. The Panthers offence is seventh-best in the league, but their defence struggles at 23rd in the league. Florida’s PK is actually worse than Chicago’s at 29th, but their power play is respectable at 15th.
Florida is doing its best to try and stay in the Stanley Cup Playoff race. Chicago is in the race for Connor Bedard. The Panthers will get a key win and the over of 6.5 should be easy to get.
Prediction: Panthers win 5-3.
Anaheim Ducks vs Calgary Flames
Head-to-Head: Ducks 0 – 1 Flames
Our last game of NHL predictions has the Anaheim Ducks taking on the Calgary Flames. Lukas Dostal will be the likely starter for the Ducks, who are precisely at -100 in goal differential. Anaheim is 31st in goals scored and 32nd in goals against and that makes for a disastrous recipe. The Ducks are 30th in both the power play and the penalty kill. Anaheim has lost three of its last five games and are in the mix for the Regina Pats wonder-kid.
Daniel Vladar is the likely starter in goal for the Flames. Calgary is playing to stay in the Western Conference race and has won two straight games. The Flames are four points from the second wild-card spot behind the Winnipeg Jets. There’s still for Calgary to get back into the mix, but it has to beat the teams it’s supposed to beat in order to stack up points. The Flames have dropped games to some lower-quality opponents.
Calgary should get the victory in this one as it makes its playoff push.
Prediction: Flames win 5-2.
Main photo by: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
