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 Calgary Flames. Be sure to check out other NHL Predictions for today.
NHL Predictions
Vancouver Canucks vs Los Angeles Kings
Head-to-Head: Canucks 1-0 Kings
Our first game of NHL predictions is a Pacific Division battle between the Vancouver Canucks and the Los Angeles Kings. Thatcher Demko is the probable starter, but always check online before setting your fantasy lineup. The Canucks come in with their winning streak stopped in the last time out. Vancouver is out of contention, but has put some things together in the last month.
New acquisition Joonas Korpisalo will probably draw the start for the Kings. Los Angeles has victories in four of its last five games as it is one point off the Pacific Division lead. The Kings are sixth in converting power-play chances and 10th in goals scored this season. Getting Korpisalo seems to have stabilized the Kings’ net, even though Jonathan Quick is doing well with the Vegas Golden Knights.
Both teams have looked better in the last month, but give LA the home win.
Prediction: Kings win 4-2.
Dallas Stars vs Calgary Flames
Head-to-Head: Stars 0-2 Flames
Our featured game of NHL predictions has the Stars trying to avoid the season-sweep against the Flames. Dallas will likely roll with Jake Oettinger in net as it looks to get off a two-game skid. The Stars offence the last couple of games has dried up after coming out on fire after the trade deadline. However, Peter DeBoer’s team is still eighth in goals scored coming into Saturday’s action. Dallas is also in the top 10 in penalty kill (fourth), goals against (sixth) and power play (seventh.) Jason Robertson is one goal away from reaching the 40-goal mark.
Calgary is coming off a pivotal 7-2 victory over Vegas as it’s now three points off the second and final wild card spot in the West. Jacob Markstrom is that likely starter if goal for the Flames, who have won three of their last five. Calgary has a seventh-rated penalty kill, but are 24th of the power-play. Tyler Toffoli is two away from another 30-goal season for the Flames.
Dallas seems to be better all-around, but Calgary gets an OT point.
Prediction: Stars win 4-3 in overtime.
Chicago Blackhawks vs Arizona Coyotes
Head-to-Head: Blackhawks 2-1 Coyotes
It’s the another installment in the Connor Bedard Bowl as the Chicago Blackhawks head to Mullet Arena to battle the Arizona Coyotes. Chicago is on a two-game winning streak and will likely start Alex Stalock in net. The Hawks keep going through lineup changes, but are giving head coach Luke Richardson a maximum effort. Chicago is worst in goals for and 24th in goals allowed.
Karel Vejmelka is the supposed starter in goal for the Coyotes, who have won four out of its last five. Arizona may be playing its way out of getting the most ping pong balls in the draft lottery. However, one has to be happy with their effort. There are some exciting players on the roster and Logan Cooley could join up soon.
Arizona looks like a better at team at this point. Could be a sneaky-good one.
Predictions: Coyotes win 3-1.
New York Islanders vs San Jose Sharks
Head-to-Head: Islanders 1-0 Sharks
Out last game of NHL Predictions has the New York Islanders traveling to the San Jose Sharks. Ilya Sorokin has played great this season is the likely starter for the Isles. New York has wins in it three of last five games and are in the second wild card spot in the East. The Islanders don’t score a lot, but their defence is ninth in goals allowed.
James Reimer is the probable starter in between the pipes for the Sharks. San Jose has lost five straight and is now on the bottom of the Western Conference. It’s been rough for San Jose the last couple of months, who are now in the mix for Bedard.
Sorokin has the chance a shutout against a team that’s scored two or less in four of the last five.
Prediction: Islanders win 5-1.
Main photo by: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
