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 Los Angeles Kings vs Edmonton Oilers. This is our first edition of NHL predictions for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
NHL Predictions
New York Islanders at Carolina Hurricanes
Series: Islanders 0-1 Hurricanes
This is the opening game of our NHL predictions once against the New York Islanders try to tie the series with the Carolina Hurricanes. Ilya Sorokin will likely get the call in net for the Islanders. New York didn’t get off the blocks well in the opening game and Carolina took advantage. The Islanders will need to go back to their smart and stingy selves if they want to go back to Long Island with a tie series.
Antti Raanta will likely get the start in goal for the Canes as head coach Rod Brind’Amour will ride the hot hand in net. The only goal Raanta gave up was an odd one to Ryan Pullock. Questions about the Carolina offence will still be out there, but the defence gives it a chance to win any game.
The Isles will come out with some fire, but the Hurricanes are also strong in their own end.
Prediction: Hurricanes win 3-2.
Florida Panthers at Boston Bruins
Series: Panthers 0-1 Bruins
The Florida Panthers may have wasted a good chance to get a series lead against a depleted Boston Bruins lineup. Goalie Alex Lyon played well, but Boston ably took its chances. Florida did show good forechecking in spots, but needs to tidy up on the backend if it stands a chance. The Panthers did have the sixth-best goalscoring offence in the regular season, but the post-season is a different animal.
Patrick Bergeron should be back in the lineup after dealing with an illness. The multi-time Selke Trophy winner is a huge force in the middle of the ice for the Bruins. Linus Ullmark is the probable starter in net for Boston, which is looking to put Florida in an 0-2 hole. The Bruins’ forward depth helped them overcome the loss of their captain and makes them a Cup favourite.
Boston is on a different level and Bergeron’s return should loom large.
Prediction: Bruins win 4-1.
Minnesota Wild at Dallas Stars
Series: Wild 1-0 Stars
Our NHL predictions moves out west as the Minnesota Wild look to go up two games on the Dallas Stars. Ryan Hartman scored in the second overtime to help Minnesota steal home-ice advantage. Filip Gustavsson looked very good in the opening game with 51 saves. The Wild are still dealing with some injuries, but made things difficult for the Stars.
Jake Oettinger stopped 45 shots in Game 1 and will start the second game. Dallas doesn’t know if Joe Pavelski will be available after Mat Dumba’s check. The Stars know they have to tie the series if they don’t want to be put into a large hole.
Pavelski being out of the lineup will hurt and the Wild will take advantage of that.
Prediction: Wild win 4-2.
Los Angeles Kings at Edmonton Oilers
Series: Kings 1-0 Oilers
Our final and featured game of NHL predictions has the Kings looking to build off a stunning Game 1 win. Alex Iafallo‘s overtime-winner helped the Kings rally past the Oilers. Game 1 looked to be in the bag for Edmonton, but Los Angeles forced overtime and got the victory. Many picked Edmonton to just walk through the series, but the Kings showed plenty of fight. Joonas Korpisalo should be the probable starter for Los Angeles in between the pipes.
Stuart Skinner is the projected starter for an Oilers’ team that will have to pick themselves off the mat. Teams react differently to stunning loses and it will be interesting to see how Edmonton reacts. The Oilers can use this to push through or fell sorry for themselves. Edmonton’s power play is dangerous and can boost its chances should Los Angeles take some penalties.
Leon Draisaitl played well offensively and look for him to get some points in this game.
Prediction: Oilers win 5-2.
Main photo by: Walter Tychnowicz-USA TODAY Sports
