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 Calgary Flames vs Winnipeg Jets. Be sure to check out our other NHL predictions in the coming days.
NHL Predictions
Tampa Bay Lightning vs New York Rangers
Head-to-Head: Lightning 1-1 Rangers
Our first game of NHL predictions is a rematch of last year’s Eastern Conference final. The Tampa Bay Lightning are projected to start Andrei Vasilevskiy in goal. However, check social media before locking in your fantasy lineup if you play daily. Tampa Bay has won three straight games and the defence has been great in those games. The Lightning have only yielded one goal in those three games as they’re locked into a first-round matchup with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Igor Shesterkin is the likely starter in goal for the Blueshirts. New York has won three of its last five games and looked strong against the Washington Capitals. The Rangers are 11th in goals for, but have the fourth-best goals against in the league. New York had gotten off to shaky starts before Sunday’s victory. The Blueshirts can’t start off slow against the experienced Lightning.
Both teams can scores, but the under has been hit in the first two games. Tampa’s defence continues its recent solid run.
Prediction: Lightning win 3-2.
Calgary Flames vs Winnipeg Jets
Head-to-Head: Flames 1-1 Jets
Our featured game of today’s NHL predictions has massive post-season implications. Calgary had an inexplicable loss to the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday night. Daniel Vladar might get the start with Jacob Markstrom was in goal last night. The Flames are two points behind the Jets going into this one. However, Winnipeg does have a game in hand. Calgary had its winning streak snapped at the absolutely worst time on Tuesday night.
Winnipeg likely goes with Connor Hellebuyck in this critical matchup. The Jets have won three of their last five games. However, the offence has finally shown up for Rick Bowness‘ squad. Winnipeg has second six goals in each of their last two victories after stagnating in most of the second half. An offensively revived Jets team could be a problem for any first-round opponent. However, there’s still plenty of unfinished business before getting into the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
It’s desperation time for Calgary, but the Winnipeg offence has been solid lately.
Prediction: Jets win 4-3.
Edmonton Oilers vs Anaheim Ducks
Head-to-Head: Oilers 2-1 Ducks
Our last matchup of NHL predictions has the Edmonton Oilers looking to keep up their recent winnings ways. Edmonton has won five games in a row and looking to complete the Southern California sweep after topping the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday night. Jack Campbell is the likely starter for the Oilers. Connor McDavid could eclipse the 150-point mark if he gets three points in this one. The Oilers have scored six goals in each of the last two wins over the Ducks.
John Gibson is likely to get the call for Anaheim, which has a goal differential of -122. The Ducks have lost eight straight games and are tied for the least amount of points with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Trevor Zegras continues to be a bright spot for Anaheim the last couple of seasons. He could get some help via the draft for next season. However, the end of this season has been a rough one.
McDavid could hit 150 points tonight, so that may be worth a prop play. The Oilers should keep going with another victory.
Prediction: Oilers win 6-3.
Main photo by: James Carey Lauder-USA TODAY Sports
