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 Dallas Stars vs Minnesota Wild. Keep checking our NHL predictions throughout the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
NHL Predictions
Carolina Hurricanes vs New York Islanders
Series: Hurricanes 2-0 Islanders
Our first game of NHL predictions for Friday’s games has the Carolina Hurricanes with a chance to take a commanding 3-0 series lead. However, Teuvo Teravainen will be out of the lineup for the Hurricanes. This is another forward injury for a depleted group. Antti Raanta is the projected starter, but always check online before setting your lineup. Carolina’s offence may not be explosive, but it’s one of the better defensive teams in the league.
Ilya Sorokin is the likely starter in net for the Islanders. New York played a much better game in the second matchup. However, the Isles stil find themselves in a must-win game. However, the Islanders were 25-13-3 in the regular season at the UBS Arena. New York is going to have to pick up the scoring if it wants to get back into the series.
The Isles good home form and the Hurricanes forward injuries will get the home team back in the series.
Prediction: Islanders win 4-2.
Boston Bruins vs Florida Panthers
Series: Bruins 1-1 Panthers
The President’s Trophy winning Boston Bruins are looking to get the series lead after a rough Game 2. There’s no word on when Patrice Bergeron will return to the lineup. Boston does miss having him in the lineup for his defensive presence on the ice. Linus Ullmark is the probable starter in goal for Boston. The Bruins will have an edge to game and should be ready in this one.
Alex Lyon played well once again and should draw the start for the Florida Panthers. The wild card team has found a way to get space and create chances around the goal line and from the point. Aleksander Barkov and Brandon Montour have helped the Panthers generate opportunities for Florida. The Panthers are also standing up to the President’s Trophy winners.
Bergeron’s murky status makes things uncertain, but the Bruins should find a way.
Prediction: Bruins win 4-1.
Dallas Stars vs Minnesota Wild
Series: Stars 1-1 Wild
Our featured game of NHL predictions is a pivotal Game 3 and the Stars are looking to get home ice back. Jake Oettinger will get the call once again for Dallas, which rallied for the victory in Game 2. Joe Pavelski won’t be traveling with the team and others will have to step up. Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn will have to be more of the focal point of the offence for the Stars. Dallas also a great defensive group with Miro Heiskanen leading the way in Game 2.
Minnesota surprisingly started Marc-Andre Fleury in Game 2 after Filip Gustavsson was very good in Game 1. Wild head coach Dean Evason will hopefully go back to the Swede in Game 3. Minnesota have 25 home wins, but Dallas also has 25 road victories. It’ll be interesting to see what gives in this one. Minnesota could have Joel Eriksson Ek return soon and he’ll be needed to stop Roope Hintz.
Dallas has a little more playoff experience in goal and should pull this out.
Prediction: Stars win 3-2.
Edmonton Oilers vs Los Angeles Kings
Series: Oilers 1-1 Kings
Our last game of NHL predictions has the Edmonton Oilers looking to get a 2-1 series lead over the Los Angeles Kings. Stuart Skinner is the starter in goal for Edmonton. Connor McDavid hasn’t gotten going in this series, but there’s always the threat of him breaking out. Leon Draisaitl has stepped up his offensive game to fill the void. Edmonton needs to play better with the lead if it wants to pull away in the series.
Joonas Korpisalo is the starter in between the pipes for the Kings, who have give a good account of themselves. Phillip Danault has been solid on the defensive end in dealing with McDavid. Los Angeles will now have the advantage of the final change being a home.
Both teams know this is a key game for series control. The Oilers offensive weapons will get them through.
Prediction: Oilers win 5-3.
Main photo by: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
