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 Vegas Golden Knights and the Vancouver Canucks. Be sure to check out our NHL predictions for today.
NHL Predictions
Seattle Kraken vs Dallas Stars
Head-to-Head: Kraken 0-2 Stars
Our first game of NHL predictions has the Seattle Kraken and Dallas Stars facing off in the final meeting of the season. Philipp Grubauer is the projected starter for the Kraken, but always check social media before making a fantasy lineup decisions. Seattle has lost four of its last five games and holds the first wild card spot in the Western Conference. Defence has been a problem for the Kraken most of the season and has been in this latest stretch.
Jake Oettinger likely gets the start once again, as he’s had to take on a heavy workload due to Scott Wedgewood‘s injury. The Stars have won three of their last five, including a wild 6-5 victory over the Calgary Flames. Dallas continue to be good at all phases of the game, as they push for the top seed in the West.
Good defence usually tops good offence and the Stars take this one.
Prediction: Stars win 4-2.
Calgary Flames vs Anaheim Ducks
Head-to-Head: Flames 1-1 Ducks
It’s a Pacific Division battle between the Flames and the Anaheim Ducks. Calgary has lost three of its last five and are four points in back of the final wild card spot. Jacob Markstrom is the projected starter, as the Flames need him to get back some of the form he had last season. The Flames need wins and to tighten things at the back if they want to sneak into the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
John Gibson is the probable starter for Anaheim, which was eliminated from playoff contention the other night. However, the Ducks do have some exciting players in Trevor Zegras and Troy Terry. Getting Connor Bedard would be a huge boost and is entirely possible. Anaheim is at a historically bad -100 in goal differential as it plays out the string.
The Flames need points and should get two in this game. This is a game this team needs to win at this stage of the season.
Prediction: Flames win 5-3.
Vegas Golden Knights vs Vancouver Canucks
Head-to-Head: Golden Knights 1-1 Canucks
Our featured game has the Golden Knights trying to keep hold of the top spot in the Western Conference. Jonathan Quick has been a standout since coming over in a trade. The Knights have won four of its last five and are a threat to make the team’s second Stanley Cup Final. Jack Eichel managed a hat trick the last time out against the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Golden Knights have averaged five goals in those last four wins.
Collin Delia is the projected starter in between the pipes for Vancouver, which has also won four of its last five. The Canucks have not given up more than three goals in each of the last five games. Vancouver’s defensive structure looks a little better under Rick Tocchet, but the team may be playing itself out of getting Bedard. The Canucks haven’t been pretty, but they’ve been effective and will be a tough nut for the Golden Knights to crack.
However, Vegas will break through and take the rubber-match of the season-series.
Prediction: Golden Knights win 3-1.
Main photo by: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
