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 Seattle Kraken. Be sure to check out our NHL predictions for the day.
NHL Predictions
San Jose Sharks vs Edmonton Oilers
Head-to-Head: Sharks 0-3 Oilers
Our first game of NHL predictions has the San Jose Sharks trying to take one from the Edmonton Oilers this season. Kaapo Kahkonen is the likely starter with the Sharks playing on back-to-back nights. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy goalie. San Jose has lost five straight and are in the mix to land Connor Bedard in the draft. Erik Karlsson has been the bright spot for the Sharks.
Stuart Skinner is the projected starter in net for the Oilers, who have won eight straight. Edmonton is rolling and could be an actual threat going into the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The schedule has been soft in parts, but teams can only play who is in front of them. Edmonton did get a big win over the Colorado Avalanche last time out.
The Oilers can still finish tied on points with the Golden Knights, so they’ve got a reason to play hard.
Prediction: Oilers win 5-2.
Los Angeles Kings vs Edmonton Oilers
Head-to-Head: Kings 2-0 Ducks
It’s a Southern California battle between the Los Angeles Kings and the Anaheim Ducks. Los Angeles will likely go with Pheonix Copley in goal as its not locked into third spot just yet. The Kings would have to play the Oilers if they do get a point in tonight’s game.
Anaheim’s season will mercifully come to an end after this game. The Ducks have lost 12 straight, but may become the odds on favourite to get Bedard. John Gibson is the likely starter in goal for Anaheim, who have one of the worse goal differentials in quite a while.
The Kings have been dominant against the Ducks this season and should seal the victory.
Predictions: Kings win 5-1.
Vancouver Canucks vs Arizona Coyotes
Head-to-Head: Canucks 1-1 Coyotes
It’s two more teams trying to play out the string as the Vancouver Canucks visit the Arizona Coyotes. Thatcher Demko is the projected starter in goal for the Canucks, who have won three of the last five games. Vancouver did play spoiler a few times during the second half under new coach Rick Tocchet. However, there may be some changes that will happen in the off-season.
Arizona has lost 10 of the last 11 and is likely to go with Karel Vejmelka in between the pipes. There have been times the Coyotes showed some promise, but it’s gone off the rails in the second half. Clayton Keller has been a bright spot for Arizona, which is dealing with more off-ice drama.
This will be another tough game to get a read on, but Vancouver closes the season with a victory.
Prediction: Canucks win 4-2.
Vegas Golden Knights vs Seattle Kraken
Head-to-Head: Golden Knights 2-1 Kraken
Our final and featured game of the night has Vegas looking to wrap up the division title. Laurent Brossoit is the likely starter for the Golden Knights, who beat the Kraken, 4-1, in the last game. The Golden Knights can sew up the division with an overtime loss, so there’s plenty to play for. Chandler Stephenson is one assist shy of getting to the 50-assists mark.
Seattle’s starter seems to be a little bit more unknown for this regular-season finale. Joey Daccord may get the start in goal, but Philipp Grubauer might get the shot for the Kraken. Seattle had its recent winning-streak stopped by Vegas last time out. The Kraken have defied expectations this season by getting to the 100-point mark in their second season.
This should be a good one, but Vegas ends the regular season on a high note.
Prediction: Golden Knights win 4-3.
Main photo by: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
