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 Minnesota Wild vs Nashville Predators. Be sure to check out our NHL predictions for the day.
NHL Predictions
Winnipeg Jets vs Colorado Avalanche
Head-to-Head: Jets 1-2 Avalanche
Our first game of NHL predictions has the Winnipeg Jets taking on the Colorado Avalanche. Connor Hellebuyck may actually get a night off with the Jets having clinched the second wild card spot. David Rittich may finally get a start after his American teammate has played the last 13 games in a row. Winnipeg has won three straight games and four of the last five. The Jets seem to be coming into the Stanley Cup Playoffs with momentum.
Alexandar Georgiev is the likely starter for Colorado, but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy goalie. The Avalanche trail the Dallas Stars by one point in the Central Division. However, Colorado has one game in hand that will be made up on Friday in Nashville. The Avs had their recent winning streak stopped in a 2-1 setback to the Edmonton Oilers. This team is starting to rally after plenty of injuries, but there is still concern about Cale Makar being ready.
Colorado has plenty to play for and should stay alive for the division title.
Prediction: Avalanche win 4-2.
Minnesota Wild vs Nashville Predators
Head-to-Head: Wild 1-1 Predators
Our featured game of NHL predictions has the Wild already locked into third in the Central Division. Marc-Andre Fleury is the projected starter in net for the Wild, who had their two-game winning streak stopped at Winnipeg. Minnesota will be without the suspended Ryan Hartman after his hit on Nikolaj Ehlers. Goal-scoring for the Wild needs to pick up if it wants to defeat the Stars or the Avalanche in the first round.
Juuse Saros is the likely starter in goal for the Predators, who were eliminated after the Jets victory over the Wild. Nashville should be lauded for staying alive until Game No. 80 after selling off at the trade deadline. It’s uncertain if incoming general manager Barry Trotz will keep John Hynes as head coach next season. However, the younger players should some effort since the trade deadline. The Predators have won three of their last five going in.
These games are tough to gauge since there really isn’t much to play for. Nashville has been plenty motivated since the deadline and squeaks out the win.
Prediction: Predators win 3-2.
St Louis Blues vs Dallas Stars
Head-to-Head: Blues 0-2 Stars
The St Louis Blues will go with Jordan Binnington in goal in their season finale. It’s been a disappointing year for St Louis, who will miss the post-season. The Blues have lost three of the last five and were beaten by the Stars, 5-2, on Wednesday night.
Jake Oettinger is the likely starter for the Stars, who still have a shot at winning the division. However, Colorado can still win the crown if they win out. Dallas has won five straight games and are starting to put it together for the post-season. The defence has only given up two goals once during the recent winning run.
Dallas still has plenty to play for and should put the pressure on Colorado.
Prediction: Stars win 5-1.
Philadelphia Flyers vs Chicago Blackhawks
Head-to-Head: Flyers 0-1 Blackhawks
The last game of NHL predictions is a battle for Connor Bedard. Philadelphia likely rolls with Carter Hart in the final game of the season. The Flyers have a lot of work to do in the off-season to get back into a tough Metropolitan Division.
Petr Mrazek is the likely starter for the Blackhawks, who could be facing changes as well. This could be the last home game in the illustrious career of captain Jonathan Toews. There’s been speculation about him retiring at the end of the season, but nothing concrete has been found.
This is another tough game to call, but Chicago finishes the season with an emotional win. Toews scoring also might be worth a prop bet.
Main photo by: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
