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 the Vegas Golden Knights vs Minnesota Wild. Be sure to check out our other NHL predictions in the coming days.
NHL Predictions
Vegas Golden Knights vs Minnesota Wild
Head-to-Head: Golden Knights 2-0 Wild
Our first and featured game of our NHL predictions is a matchup between two Stanley Cup Playoff teams. Vegas just beat Minnesota, 4-1, in the first game of the home-and-home series. Laurent Brossoit is the projected starter in goal, but always check social media before locking in your starting fantasy goalie. The Golden Knights eclipsed the 100-point mark with the victory over the Wild. Vegas usually does a great job of staying out of the penalty box, as its yielded the least amount of penalty minutes.
Filip Gustavsson is the likely starter for the Wild, who are trying to hold off the Colorado Avalanche for first in the Central Division. Minnesota had its three-game winning streak snapped in the loss to Vegas. The Wild had its good defence on display during that win streak as it only gave up four goals during that run. Matt Boldy played well in the month of March and has filled in for the injured Kirill Kaprizov.
This is going to be a possible playoff preview, but Vegas seems to have Minnesota’s number.
Prediction: Golden Knights win 4-2.
Nashville Predators vs Dallas Stars
Head-to-Head: Predators 0-3 Stars
It’s the final meeting of the regular season between the Nashville Predators and Dallas Stars. Nashville likely goes with Juuse Saros in goal as it looks like the Preds will miss the post-season. However, the Predators have been pretty good in some games with lesser talent. Nashville has been inconsistent at times since selling off at the trade deadline. Despite this, Nashville is five points off the second wild card spot.
Jake Oettinger is the probable starter in goal for the Stars, who may not even get home ice in the opening round after their great start. Dallas has won three of its last five games. However, the Stars lost to the Colorado Avalanche in their last outing. Dallas is still tied with Colorado in the division and need points.
Nashville has been good in spots, but Dallas should complete the season-sweep.
Prediction: Stars win 3-1.
Arizona Coyotes vs Seattle Kraken
Head-to-Head: Coyotes 0-0 Kraken
Our final game of NHL predictions is an odd schedule anomaly. The Arizona Coyotes and Seattle Kraken will meet for the first time this season. These two teams will face each other three times in a week. Arizona has lost seven straight games and will go with Ivan Prosvetov in net. The Coyotes had some promising parts in the second half, but things have fallen off a cliff.
Philipp Grubauer is the probable starter in net for the Kraken, who are chasing their first playoff appearance. The second-year franchise are trying to hold off the chasing pack, but hold the first wild card spot in the west. Seattle has lost three of its last five games, but can turn on the offence when needed. The Kraken will have to figure some things out on defence if they want to provide a challenge in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Arizona will give an effort, but Seattle should pick up the victory and get closer to making the playoffs.
Prediction: Kraken win 5-3.
Main photo by: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
