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 Nashville Predators vs Calgary Flames. Be sure to check out our other NHL predictions for today.
NHL Predictions
Nashville Predators vs Calgary Flames
Head-to-Head: Predators 2 – 0 Flames
Our first and featured game of NHL predictions has two teams fighting for their Stanley Cup Playoff lives. The Predators sit three points behind the last wild-card spot in the Western Conference. Juuse Saros is the projected starter, but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. Nashville was shutout by the Winnipeg Jets, who hold the last wild card spot, on Saturday night. The offence has been hit-or-miss the last few weeks of the season.
Calgary suffered a 3-2 overtime loss on Saturday. Jacob Markstrom will be tasked with keeping the Flames’ playoff hopes alive. The last five games have been nailbiters and each game has been decided by a single goal. Calgary has gone 3-2 in the last five, but need all the points it can get. A win over the Predators would pretty much knock Nashville out of contention.
This is going to be a tight defensive game, but Calgary should stay alive.
Prediction: Flames win 3-2.
Minnesota Wild vs Chicago Blackhawks
Head-to-Head: Wild 3 – 0 Blackhawks
It’s a Central Division matchup as the Minnesota Wild go for the season-sweep of the Chicago Blackhawks. Filip Gustavsson is the likely starter in net for the Wild, who stopped a three-game losing streak with a win over the Blues. Minnesota still has a shot at winning the division but will need to pick up wins and hope other teams in the race lose. Brock Faber could debut for the Wild before the end of the season.
Petr Mrazek is the projected starter for the Blackhawks, who have lost four of the last five. The Blackhawks are going to be one of the teams with a shot at Connor Bedard. Chicago also may be nearing the end of Jonathan Toews‘ tenure with the club.
Minnesota should get right with a win over its division rivals.
Prediction: Wild win 4-1.
Seattle Kraken vs Arizona Coyotes
Head-to-Head: Kraken 2 – 0 Coyotes
The Seattle Kraken look for the third win over the Arizona Coyotes in just over two weeks. Martin Jones will likely get the call for the Kraken, who have won three straight games. Seattle is staring to peak at the right time as its first Stanley Cup Playoff series looms. The Kraken have scored four or more goals in each of the four victories.
Arizona finally ended its nine-game losing streak with an overtime win the other night. Clayton Keller got the overtime winner and has been a bright spot in a dark Coyotes season. Karel Vejmelka, who has also been strong despite the team around him, may get the call in net for Arizona.
Seattle has been clicking on offence and should take down a struggling Arizona defence.
Prediction: Kraken win 5-2.
Vancouver Canucks vs Los Angeles Kings
Head-to-Head: Canucks 2 – 1 Kings
Our last game of NHL predictions is a Pacific Division battle. Vancouver played spoiler to Calgary the last time out and will go with Thatcher Demko once again. The Canucks have won two straight games and could claim another win over a playoff team with a victory. Andrei Kuzmenko is two goal away from 40.
Los Angeles will likely counter with Pheonix Copley in goal. The Kings have lost three straight and a loss would likely see them start in the first round on the road against the red-hot Edmonton Oilers. LA’s offence needs to start scoring goals if they want to make a run.
The Canucks have been a tough out and get the upset.
Prediction: Canucks win 4-2.
Main photo by: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
