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 New Jersey Devils and the Buffalo Sabres. Be sure to check out our NHL predictions for the coming days.
NHL Predictions
New York Islanders vs Columbus Blue Jackets
Head-to-Head: Islanders 3-0 Blue Jackets
Our first game of NHL predictions is the New York Islanders looking to wrap up the season-sweep over the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Isles will likely go with Ilya Sorokin in goal, but always check social media before setting your fantasy lineup. New York has won three straight and owns the first wild card spot in the Eastern Conference. However, they’re only three points ahead of the Florida Panthers. New York is nearly averaging six goals a game in the last three games.
Michael Hutchinson is the confirmed starter in net for the Blue Jackets, who won a wild 7-6 game over the Washington Capitals the last time out. Columbus had lost three straight before the win over Washington. The Jackets defence has struggled mightily in the last five games.
It’s a been a good stretch for the Islanders and they should keep it going against a struggling defence.
Prediction: Islanders win 5-2.
New Jersey Devils vs Buffalo Sabres
Head-to-Head: Devils 1-0 Sabres
Our featured game of NHL predictions has the Devils looking to keep pace in the Metropolitan Division. Vitek Vanecek is the projected starter for the Devils, who have lost four of their last five games. New Jersey has only scored more than three goals once during the last five games. The Devils are third in goals allowed and eighth in goals scored. New Jersey’s penalty kill is seventh-best in the league. Jack Hughes is three goals away from reaching the 50-goal mark.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is the confirmed starter for the Sabres, who have lost four straight games. Buffalo had been in the mix to end its long Stanley Cup Playoff glance. However, the Sabres play in the month of March has left them eight points from the second wild card spot with 12 games left to go in the regular season. Buffalo is third in goals scored, but 27th in goals allowed. Tage Thompson has slowed down to only 43 goals this season, but can still pot goals for his team.
New Jersey is the better defensive team and should get the win.
Prediction: Devils win 3-2.
Arizona Coyotes vs Colorado Avalanche
Head-to-Head: Coyotes 1-1 Avalanche
Our last game of NHL predictions has the Arizona Coyotes taking on the Colorado Avalanche in a two-game, home-and-home set. Karel Vejmelka is the expected starter for the Coyotes, who have lost two straight games. Arizona has been a team that hasn’t layed down and accepted its fate as an also-ran. The Coyotes have played hard and picked up some key wins. The future looks strong for the club.
Alexandar Georgiev is the likely starter for Friday’s home game at Ball Arena. Colorado had its winning streak stopped the last time out in a 5-2 setback to the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Avs are three points off hosting a first-round playoff series. This is a pretty solid result despite suffering a rash of injuries at the start of the season. Colorado is a legitimate threat to repeat to as Stanley Cup champion.
Arizona has been playing well, but Colorado is taking steps to be a Cup contender.
Main photo by: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
