Welcome back to another day of 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 Seattle Kraken vs Vegas Golden Knights. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days.
NHL Predictions
Nashville Predators vs Tampa Bay Lightning
Head-to-Head: Predators 0-0 Lightning
TV: ESPN, ESPN+
The day has finally arrived where we have hockey once again. This year’s first game of the season will be the Nashville Predators versus the Tampa Bay Lightning. Nashville has a new bench boss in Andrew Brunette and a new general manager in Barry Trotz. Juuse Saros will likely draw the start, but always check social media before locking in your daily fantasy goalie. There are some new faces in Smashville with Ryan O’Reilly and Luke Schenn.
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Tampa Bay is already coming in hurting without goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy, who will be out of the lineup for the near future. Jonas Johansson will have to step up, as he’ll get the lion’s share of starts. The Lightning are still a potent team that can light up the scoreboard with their lethal power play. Tampa will need its goalscorers to step up while its Vezina Trophy-winning goalie is out.
The energy at the Amalie Arena is huge, but the Predators steal one with the edge in goal.
Prediction: Predators win 4-2.
Chicago Blackhawks vs Pittsburgh Penguins
Head-to-Head: Blackhawks 0-0 Penguins
TV: ESPN, ESPN+
The future is now as Connor Bedard takes on Sidney Crosby. Chicago Blackhawks fans are liking what they’re seeing so far, but this team still has a long ways to go. Petr Mrazek likely gets the call in goal for the Blackhawks. There has been some improvement, but let’s see how it translates to when the games start to count.
The Pittsburgh Penguins are trying to squeeze some more years out of their Stanley Cup contending window. New President Kyle Dubas made a big splash when getting defenceman Erik Karlsson in the off-season. However, let’s see if it puts the Penguins back among the contenders. Likely starter Tristan Jarry will have to play better if Pittsburgh wants to get back into the post-season.
It may be worth a prop bet of Bedard getting his first point, but Pittsburgh should get the win.
Prediction: Penguins win 5-2.
Seattle Kraken vs Vegas Golden Knights
Head-to-Head: Kraken 0-0 Golden Knights
TV: ESPN, ESPN+
Our featured game has the latest two expansion teams wrapping up a tripleheader of hockey. Seattle took a big leap forward last season and made the final eight. However, the Kraken want more and want to go even further. Philipp Grubauer will look to be more consistent in net this season. Additions like Kailer Yamamoto and Brian Dumoulin are looking to make instant impacts for their new team. Seattle got something from everyone and its depth was useful in the playoffs.
Vegas is ready to hoist its championship banner, but knows how tough Seattle can be. Adin Hill will get the start and hopefully prove his Cup win wasn’t a fluke. The Golden Knights didn’t do a lot in free agency, but are still a formidable group. Conn Smythe winner Jonathan Marchessault is looking to justify another large contract after a great post-season. Vegas did lock down Ivan Barbashev in the off-season after a great playoff run.
There are a lot of similar pieces to both teams, but the Knights should get the victory on banner raising night.
Main photo by: Ethan Miller/Getty Images
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