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 Pittsburgh Penguins vs Washington Capitals. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days.
NHL Predictions
Arizona Coyotes vs New Jersey Devils
Head-to-Head: Coyotes 0-0 Devils
TV: MSGSN; Scripps
It’s a light night on the ice with the Arizona Coyotes taking on the New Jersey Devils. Arizona made some improvements and is ready to take the next step forward. However, there may be some bumps along the way. Karel Vejmelka likely get the starting nod for the Coyotes, but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy goalie. It’ll be tough to tell how Arizona will come out, but there is some good young talent with players like Logan Cooley on the roster.
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Akira Schmid is likely to get the call in between the pipes for the Devils. This is after Vitek Vanecek started the night before in a 4-3 season-opening win over the Detroit Red Wings. Jack Hughes picked up where he left off last season with a pair of goals. The Devils know they’ve got a world of expectations to fulfill. However, they’re off to a good start so far. Back-to-backs are always tough to gauge, especially early in the season.
It might be worth a prop bet to for Cooley to get a point like Connor Bedard and Adam Fantilli did in their first games. However, the veteran Devils get the win.
Prediction: Devils win 4-2.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Washington Capitals
Head-to-Head: Penguins 0-0 Capitals
TV: ESPN+; Hulu
Our featured game of NHL predictions renews an old rivalry. However, both the Penguins and Capitals were in the unfamiliar position of missing out on the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Pittsburgh found a way to land Erik Karlsson, but the Penguins were beaten by the Chicago Blackhawks in the opener. There’s not much margin for error in a very good Metropolitan Division with some very good teams in the division. Tristan Jarry is the slated starter and made 32 saves in the opening game.
Darcy Kuemper is the supposed starter for the Capitals, who want to also make a strong start to the season. The club did make some key signings with Tom Wilson getting a nice extension. However, it seems to be Washington’s mission to get Alex Ovechkin the NHL goal record and let the other chips fall where they may. The Capitals still have some talented players, but it’s a matter of putting it all together. Two acquisitions in Joel Edmundson and Max Pacioretty are on injured reserve for Washington.
Rivalry games are tough to gauge and both teams are at a similar spot. However, Pittsburgh spoils the Washington home-opener with an overtime victory.
Prediction: Penguins win 4-3 in overtime.
Main photo by: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
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