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 San Jose Sharks vs Calgary Flames. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days.
NHL Predictions
Montreal Canadiens vs New York Islanders
Head-to-Head: Canadiens 0-2 Islanders
Our opening game of NHL predictions has the Montreal Canadiens trying to play spoiler for the New York Islanders. Sam Montembeault is the confirmed starter in goal for the Canadiens, who have lost four of their last five games. The Habs have been playing with a patchwork lineup for a good portion of the second half. Things may have been bad for Montreal, but it has plenty of promise.
Ilya Sorokin is the projected starter, but always check social media before locking in a goalie choice if you play daily fantasy hockey. The Islanders need only one point to secure a Stanley Cup Playoff spot. An overtime loss would be enough to carry New York back to the post-season. The Islanders blew a massive chance to clinch in a 5-2 loss to the Washington Capitals. However, the Isles have another golden opportunity.
Both meetings have been one-goal games, but the Islanders should clinch here.
Prediction: Islanders win 4-2.
Dallas Stars vs St Louis Blues
Head-to-Head: Stars 1-0 Blues
The Dallas Stars still have plenty to play for against the St Louis Blues. Jake Oettinger is the likely starter for Dallas, which is one point behind the Colorado Avalanche in the race for the Central Division. Both teams have two games left to play in the regular season. The Stars have won four straight games to give themselves a shot at the divisional crown.
Jordan Binnington is the probable starter in goal for the Blues, who have lost three of the last five games. St Louis has been eliminated from playoff contention for a while, but would love to ruin Dallas’ chance at winning the division. Jordan Kyrou is three goals away from reaching the 40-goal mark.
Dallas still has plenty to play for a should win the front part of this home-and-home series.
Prediction: Stars win 4-1.
San Jose Sharks vs Calgary Flames
Head-to-Head: Sharks 0-3 Flames
Our final and featured game of NHL predictions has the Sharks and Flames just playing out the string. James Reimer is the probable starter in between the pipes for the Sharks. San Jose has lost four straight games and its season will be mercifully over soon. However, there have been some positives and that’s been the renewed play of Erik Karlsson. He was the first 100-point scorer on defence since Brian Leetch did so in the 1991-92 season. The Sharks also have a realistic chance of landing Connor Bedard with the top pick in the draft.
Jacob Markstrom could get the start for the Flames, who were eliminated by the Nashville Predators the last time out. It’s been a disappointing season for Calgary, which may have to answer some difficult questions in the off-season. Losses to Nashville, the Vancouver Canucks and Chicago Blackhawks highlighted the team’s inconsistency throughout the season. General manager Brad Treliving might have to do some work to fix the problems facing the franchise.
These types of games are tough to predict, but go with Calgary in this one. Karlsson adding to his point total also seems like a smart prop bet play.
Prediction: Flames win 5-4.
