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 Pittsburgh Penguins and the Dallas Stars. Be sure to check out our NHL predictions for the coming days.
NHL Predictions
Seattle Kraken vs Nashville Predators
Head-to-Head: Kraken 1-0 Predators
Our opening game of NHL predictions features the Seattle Kraken trying to solidify playoff positioning against the Nashville Predators. Martin Jones is the projected starter, but always check social media before setting your fantasy lineup. Seattle got a big 5-4 win over Dallas to give itself a boost going into the stretch drive. The Kraken looked to be locked into the first wild card spot as of press time.
Nashville will likely go with Juuse Saros in net for a team coming off a 7-3 victory against the Buffalo Sabres. The Predators have still lost three of its last five, but are still only five points off the final wild card spot in the West. There are a lot of younger players on this Nashville team, but they’re showing a lot of guts late in the season.
Picking games against teams with nothing left to lose is hard, but Seattle should pick up the victory.
Prediction: Kraken win 4-2.
Vegas Golden Knights vs Calgary Flames
Head-to-Head: Golden Knights 1-2 Flames
It’s a Pacific Division matchup as the Vegas Golden Knights battle the Calgary Flames. Vegas will likely once again go with Jonathan Quick in net, who has been strong since coming over at the deadline. The Knights have won four of their last five games and are tops in the Western Conference. However, the Los Angeles Kings are only two points behind for the division and conference lead.
Daniel Vladar is the projected starter in between for the pipes for the Flames. Calgary has lost three of its last five games, but got a huge 5-1 victory over the Anaheim Ducks. The Flames need players like Jonathan Huberdeau to step up as they are four points out with 10 games left.
Vegas has been solid as of late and should withstand a hungry Calgary squad.
Prediction: Golden Knights win 5-3.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Dallas Stars
Head-to-Head: Penguins 1-0 Stars
Our featured game has the Penguins coming off a win over the Colorado Avalanche. Casey DeSmith will probably get the start with Pittsburgh coming off a game the night before. The Pens stopped their losing streak with that massive win over the Avalanche. Sidney Crosby turned back the clock with a fantastic goal. Pittsburgh did leapfrog over the Florida Panthers for the second wild card spot, but only lead by a point. The Pens have 11 games left to solidify their Stanley Cup Playoff place.
Jake Oettinger will once again likely start for the Stars, who have lost three of their last five games. Dallas is eighth in goals for and in converting power play chances. The Stars are fourth on the penalty kill and ninth in goals against. Dallas and the Minnesota Wild are tied for first in the Central Division while Colorado is only two points behind. The field is catching up to a Stars team that got off to a great start.
Pittsburgh got a big emotional win, but Dallas is solid at home. The Stars get the win, but the Penguins get a point.
Prediction: Stars win 3-2 in overtime.
San Jose Sharks vs Vancouver Canucks
Head-to-Head: Sharks 0-3 Canucks
It’s another Pacific Division matchup as the San Jose Sharks try to avoid the season-sweep against the Vancouver Canucks. San Jose has lost seven straight games and will likely go with James Reimer in goal. The Sharks have sank to the worst team in the west and the second-worst team in the league.
Vancouver is projected to go with Thatcher Demko in goal. The Canucks have won three of their last five, but lost to the Golden Knights in the last outing. Vancouver has played better on defence, but is still 27th in goals allowed.
The Canucks should wrap up the season sweep in the game.
Prediction: Canucks win 5-1.
Winnipeg Jets vs Anaheim Ducks
Head-to-Head: Jets 2-0 Ducks
Our final game of NHL predictions has the Winnipeg Jets taking on the host Ducks. Connor Hellebuyck is likely to draw the start for the Jets, who got a vital win over the Arizona Coyotes last time out. The offence hasn’t gotten the goals, as its only scored three goals or more twice in the last five games.
John Gibson is the probable starter for the Ducks, who have lost four of the last five. Anaheim is -104 in goal differential this season, but have played with some fire in the second half.
The Jets defence will scratch out the victory in this last game of NHL predictions.
Predictions: Jets win 3-1.
Main photo by: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
