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 Ottawa Senators and the Edmonton Oilers. Be sure to check out our other NHL Predictions for the day.
NHL Predictions
Detroit Red Wings vs Nashville Predators
Head-to-Head: Red Wings 1-0 Predators
Our first game of NHL predictions has the Detroit Red Wings looking for the season-sweep over the Nashville Predators. Ville Husso will likely get the start, but check social media before setting your fantasy lineups. Husso got a 26-save shutout in the first meeting of the season between the two clubs on the day before American Thanksgiving. Detroit has won two of its last three games, as it tries to stay alive for an Eastern Conference Wild card spot.
Nashville is coming off a Southern California sweep as its been showing some fire with their younger players. Juuse Saros should get the start in goal for the Predators, who have wins in three of their last five games. Nashville has been solid on defence and the penalty kill as the Preds are 11th in both those categories.
The Predators are 9-3 in the last three seasons, but the Red Wings get the win in this one.
Prediction: Red Wings win 3-2.
Boston Bruins vs Chicago Blackhawks
Head-to-Head: Bruins 1-0 Blackhawks
This may be one of the largest mismatches in recent history as the Boston Bruins are -450 according to MGM against the Chicago Blackhawks. Jeremy Swayman is the projected starter in goal for the Bruins in this one. Boston is coming off a loss to Detroit, but has won three of its last five. The Bruins may be the team that snaps the President’s Trophy curse because of their solid all-around play. Boston is first in goals against and penalty kill while second in goals for.
Chicago’s main focus might be in landing the best pick possible, including the likes of Connor Bedard. Petr Mrazek is slated to be the starter in between the pipes for the Blackhawks. Chicago is last in goals for and 24th in goals allowed. The Hawks have lost four of their last five and are limping along to the off-season.
The over/under for this one is six and Bruins could take care of that number all by themselves.
Prediction: Bruins win 6-2.
Ottawa Senators vs Edmonton Oilers
Head-to-Head: Senators 0-1 Oilers
Our featured game of NHL predictions is an all-Canadian matchup between two teams looking to make a push. Ottawa will likely go with Kevin Mandolese in goal as Cam Talbot is still out for a bit. The Senators were making a move, but have taken a step back with losses in three of their last five. Ottawa has yielded four goals or more in the last four games, as it tries to regroup. Facing the deadly Oilers scorers such as Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins isn’t exactly the best tonic. However, the Sens do have the sixth-best power play unit in the league.
However, they’re going against the top-rated offence and power play in the league. Stuart Skinner is the penciled in starter for the Oilers, who have wins in three of their last five. However, the last two losses have seen Edmonton cough up seven goals against the Toronto Maple Leafs and Winnipeg Jets. The Oilers are going to have to clean things up at the other end if they want to make a deep charge into the Stanley Cup playoffs. There was some very sloppy defensive play in the loss to the Leafs on Saturday.
The over/under of seven may be daunting, but both clubs can put in the goals.
Prediction: Oilers win 6-4.
Main photo by: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY