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 Dallas Stars and the Edmonton Oilers. Be sure to check out our other NHL Predictions for today.
NHL Predictions
Boston Bruins vs Winnipeg Jets
Head-to-Head: Bruins 1-0 Jets
The Boston Bruins are coming off a Stone Cold Stunner of a loss to the Chicago Blackhawks. Linus Ullmark is the projected starter, but always check social media before determining a starter. Boston has surprisingly lost three of its last five in one of its slowest stretches of the season. The Bruins have scored three goals in four straight games, but defence has surprisingly been the problem in the last few games.
Connor Hellebuyck is the likely starter in goal for the Winnipeg Jets, who have also lost three of their last five. The Jets offense has been inconsistent the last few weeks. Winnipeg will need to get a complete game in order to topple a motivated Boston club. Getting points is the bottom line because Stone Cold said so.
The Bruins aren’t going to be in a pleasant mood after that shocking loss and should bounce back.
Prediction: Bruins win 3-1.
Chicago Blackhawks vs Nashville Predators
Head-to-Head: Blackhawks 0-2 Predators
Chicago is coming off its best win over the season over Boston. Petr Mrazek will probably get the start in between the pipes for the Blackhawks. Chicago snapped a three-game losing streak with the victory over Boston. The Blackhawks are 31st in goals scored and 28th on the power play. Chicago is in the mix for getting Connor Bedard with the top pick of the 2023 NHL Draft.
Juuse Saros is the probable starter for the Nashville Predators, who have won three straight. The Predators may not make the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but the younger players are giving plenty of effort. Goals may be hard to come by as Nashville is 28th in goals scored. This is an evaluation period for future general manager Barry Trotz, as he decides who will be part of the retooling.
The over/under number in this is six and the under might be the smart play. Nashville gets the season-sweep, here.
Prediction: Predators win 3-2.
Dallas Stars vs Edmonton Oilers
Head-to-Head: Stars 1-1 Oilers
Our featured game is a big Western Conference matchup between two likely playoff clubs. Dallas had its three-game winning streak snapped against the Vancouver Canucks the last time out. The Stars are seventh in goals scored and also seventh in converting power-play chances. Jake Oettinger will likely get the start in goal for Dallas, which leads the Minnesota Wild by three points in the Central Division. The Stars are still in touch of getting the Western Conference lead, but will need some wins to catch up.
Stuart Skinner is the probable starter for the Oilers, who have won three of their last five games. Edmonton is tops in goals scored and on the power play. However, the Oilers are 23rd in goals allowed and 25th in killing off penalties. Edmonton can fill up the nets, but it needs to find a way to stop goals in order to make a post-season charge. Both teams have won a game in the season series and the winning club has scored six goals.
The over/under is 6.5, but that should be a reachable number with the offence of these teams. However, the Stars defence is just a little bit better.
Prediction: Stars win 6-3.
Main photo by: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
