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 Calgary Flames vs Arizona Coyotes
NHL Predictions: Calgary Flames vs Arizona Coyotes
Calgary Flames vs. Arizona Coyotes
Head-to-Head: Flames 2-0 Coyotes
Tonight’s featured NHL Predictions Pacific game match-up brings the frustrated Calgary Flames squad into 5,000-seat Mullett Arena in Tempe, Arizona. A theme for the Flames this season has involved generally out-generating their opponents but eventually losing in shocking fashion. Such as such was true last Friday, in which a 3-1 loss to the Ducks despite taking 19 more shots set an NHL record for most losses by a team in a single season in which they out-shoot a team by 10 shots or more, with 19 on the season. Luckily, Calgary rebounded on Sunday, scoring five against Ottawa, notching their 30th win of the season and still staying in decent competition for the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference.
For the Coyotes, a perfect opportunity presents itself to further frustrate a team to the point of desperation. Another source of inspiration for the Coyotes centers around their star Clayton Keller, who is now just a single goal away from reaching 30. Intriguingly, no Coyotes skater has recorded such a feat since the 2011-12 season, in which Radim Vrbata put up 35 (which Keller could very well break as well). Speaking of Keller, four goals, six assists, totalling 10 points, all in a recent five-game stretch, has made him one of the hottest players in the league. Another key player to look out for may lie in Nick Schmaltz, who is expected to break career highs in at least two productive categories this season as Arizona’s only other top forward.
A Pacific match-up that, although apparently lopsided, may provide more than its cover advertises. However, at least for tonight, we don’t expect this game to inflict significant tangible or intangible damage on the Flames.
Prediction: 4-1 Flames
Dallas Stars vs. Vancouver Canucks
Head-to-Head: Stars 0-1 Canucks
Our next game on the NHL Predictions is a rematch from early in the season. Dallas and Vancouver battle for the first of two games in an eleven-game stretch between these teams. Dallas enters the night with 15 of 20 possible points collected in their last ten games, including a current three-game streak, in which one game was won 10-4. For the Stars, the balance of electric high-end talent alongside a stalwart d-core led by Miro Heiskanen and elite goaltending provided by Jake Oettinger has powered their division-leading season, in which they are on pace for 106 points by the end of this season. The formerly-mentioned Heiskanen has put up a puck-moving masterclass all season; in his last five games, he has collected nine points, including 7 assists. Other notables in that stretch include Jason Robertson, who has put up four goals in that same stretch.
Just as many teams will likely do in their position in this portion of the season, the Vancouver Canucks are playing primarily on and for pride, then by extension, play spoiler to teams such as the Stars. While not technically eliminated, the Canucks are 18 points out of a playoff spot with 17 games remaining, a task not achievable for most teams. Regardless, acting as if the Canucks are void of talent would be foolish; Elias Pettersson has produced career-high totals in all productive categories by far this season, solidifying himself as a true number-one centre, while rebounding from a poorer previous season. Other players to watch include J.T. Miller and Quinn Hughes for Vancouver.
Prediction: 4-2 Stars
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. San Jose Sharks
Head-to-Head: Blue Jackets 1-0 Sharks
Our next game in the NHL Predictions is between two of the NHL’s worst teams in the standings faceoff not for necessarily avoiding a last-place finish, but perhaps for the best odds at the first overall pick, considering the depth of the season so far. A Blue Jackets 5-3 win in the first meeting between these two teams did not entirely disappoint, featuring a tie settled into the last 10 minutes of the third, and multipoint performances from Patrik Laine and Johnny Gaudreau. The relevancy of the Blue Jackets within just this season entirely rests upon these two and to some degree Kent Johnson. Meanwhile, the San Jose Sharks have largely positioned Erik Karlsson as their only source of inspiration, currently leading all defenders and ranking ninth in the league in points, with 84.
One point of discussion that may bring an element of excitement is the young talent at display; a preview of future NHL stars and regulars of sorts. Namely, the likes of the aforementioned Kent Johnson alongside Cole Sillinger in Columbus, and skaters such as Fabian Zetterlund and William Eklund for the Sharks.
Interestingly, the Sharks face playoff elimination (and the title of being the first team eliminated) if they lose tonight in any fashion. We predict the Blue Jackets fulfill this opportunity in overtime.
Prediction: 4-3 Blue Jackets (OT)
New York Islanders vs. Los Angeles Kings
Head-to-Head: Islanders 0-1 Kings
Our next game on the NHL Predictions is interconference play. New York enters the night just three points ahead of the 73-point Florida Panthers. For the Islanders, every point is massively important to face one of Boston or Carolina/New Jersey in the first round. A fortunate development for the Islanders has been the improvement in their goal-scoring, but as it still ranks 17th leaguewide (by goals per 60), Ilya Sorokin is still ultimately holding the Islanders fort down.
Los Angeles continues to perform well despite the absences of Kevin Fiala and Sean Durzi due to injury. Despite a small setback in a shootout loss to the Predators on Sunday, ending their five-game win streak but extending their point streak to six, the Kings have played high-quality hockey that has brought them closer to the Golden Knights in the Pacific Division standings. Primarily stabilized by Koptiar, and driven by the injured Fiala, Adrian Kempe, Phillip Danault, and Viktor Arvidsson, the offence for the Kings provides valuable service for a team that is in a great playoff position ahead of their expected rebuilt length. Improved finishing compared to last season also contributes to this acceleration.
Prediction: 3-2 Islanders
Main Photo: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
