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. Keep checking our NHL predictions throughout the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
NHL Predictions
New York Islanders vs Carolina Hurricanes
Series: Islanders 1-3 Hurricanes
Our first game of NHL predictions has the New York Islanders trying to stay alive in their series against the Carolina Hurricanes. Ilya Sorokin will get the start for the Isles, who are trying solve Canes starter Antti Raanta. New York can win ugly, but it’s also going to need some goal-scoring in order to stay alive in the series. Sorokin has done a great job keeping the Islanders alive, but he’ll need some help.
Carolina head coach Rod Brind’Amour took a risk in starting Raanta and it’s paid off so far. The Hurricanes have found different scoring sources like Seth Jarvis with injuries to a couple of their forwards. Closing out the series tonight would be massive for the team to rest up and await a New Jersey Devils or New York Rangers team that will likely have to go through a tough series.
The Hurricanes are strong at home and will finish the job tonight.
Prediction: Hurricanes win 4-1.
Minnesota Wild vs Dallas Stars
Series: Wild 2-2 Stars
This Central Division battle between the Minnesota Wild and the Dallas Stars has lived up to the hype. Filip Gustavsson will get the nod once again for the Wild and he’s played solid in between the pipes. Brock Faber has been a good addition to the Minnesota defence and has played like a veteran. This series has the feeling that it’s going to go the full seven games. It’s pretty much a best-of-three at this point.
Jake Oettinger has been brilliant at times for the Stars and he’ll get the call once again in net. Injured forward Joe Pavelski did skate on Monday, but it’s very hard to see him make the lineup after a concussion. Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn will need to add goals while Pavelski is out for the foreseeable future.
This series seems like an alley fight and it’s going to be another close one. However, the Stars will take the series lead back to the Twin Cities.
Prediction: Stars win 3-2.
Los Angeles Kings vs Edmonton Oilers
Series: Kings 2-2 Oilers
Our featured game of NHL predictions is a pivotal one between Pacific Division rivals. The Kings will go with Joonas Korpisalo in between the pipes, who has regained the form he had with the Columbus Blue Jackets from the 2020 playoff bubble. Phillip Danault has done a fairly solid job limiting Connor McDavid‘s opportunities in the series. The Kings have found a way to bring the fight to the Oilers and aren’t intimidated by the high-powered offence. However, Los Angeles is going to have to stay out of the penalty box if it wants to go to back to Southern California with a series lead.
Stuart Skinner will be the confirmed starter in goal for the Oilers, who have a new lease on life. Some thought Edmonton was in deep trouble, but it found a way to rally and get the overtime win. Zach Hyman‘s OT-clincher has turned this series into a proverbial best-of-three. McDavid may not be depositing goals, but he’s played distributor for his team. Leon Draisaitl has been the won that’s picked up the scoring slack in recent games for the Oilers.
Los Angeles will need play smart. It can win by staying out of the box, but it feels like a McDavid breakout game is on the way.
Prediction: Oilers win 4-3.
Main photo by: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
