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 Calgary Flames vs Edmonton Oilers. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days.
NHL Predictions
Colorado Avalanche vs Buffalo Sabres
Head-to-Head: Avalanche 0-0 Sabres
TV: Altitude; MSG
Our opening game of NHL predictions has the Colorado Avalanche visiting the Buffalo Sabres. Colorado likely goes with Alexandar Georgiev in goal, but always check social media before locking in a starter. The Avs suffered their first loss of the season in a 4-0 shutout to the Pittsburgh Penguins the last time out.
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Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is the confirmed starter for the Sabres, who are 3-5 this season. Buffalo was supposed to take the next step and be a contender. However, there have been struggles on defence and on special teams. The Sabres can score, but need to do a better job at stopping pucks.
Colorado is looking to bounce back from a sub-par performance and will do so here.
Prediction: Avalanche win 5-2.
Minnesota Wild vs New Jersey Devils
Head-to-Head: Wild 0-0 Devils
TV: Bally Sports North; BS Wisconsin; MSGSN
The Minnesota Wild have lost four of their last five and will try to rebound against the New Jersey Devils. Filip Gustavsson is the projected starter for the Wild, who are struggling to keep the opposition off the board. Minnesota is also in the 20s on both the power play and the penalty kill.
New Jersey will likely counter with Vitek Vanecek in between the pipes. The Devils have won three out of their last five and have scored at least four goals in each of their last four games. Tyler Toffoli has six goals so far in the campaign.
The Devils have been a solid offensive team and will continue that.
Prediction: Devils win 5-3.
San Jose Sharks vs Washington Capitals
Head-t0-Head: Sharks 0-0 Capitals
TV: NBC Sports California; Monument Sports
The San Jose Sharks are still winless and are struggling this season. Mackenzie Blackwood is the probable starter and has done well in some games. However, the team is in the 30s in goals for and goals against. This team seems to be the favourite when it comes to landing Macklin Celebrini in the upcoming draft.
The Washington Capitals are winners of two straight games and Dylan Strome has been solid with five goals. Darcy Kuemper is the likely starter with the Capitals and was solid in the last shootout victory. Washington still gives plenty of high-danger chances in front of the net.
Prediction: Capitals win 4-1.
Calgary Flames vs Edmonton Oilers
Head-to-Head: Flames 0-0 Oilers
TV: TBS; Max; Sportsnet
Our featured game of NHL predictions is the Heritage Classic between the Flames and the Oilers. Jacob Markstrom is the likely starter for Calgary in this one. The Flames have lost four straight and haven’t scored more than two goals in any of those games. There’s worry that things are going to go off the rails early in Ryan Huska‘s first season in charge.
Stuart Skinner is the probable starter for an Oilers team that is also struggling. This Battle of Alberta is a critical one as the winner could get the season back on track. The main storyline is whether or not Connor McDavid will play. If he does play, that can get Edmonton the spark they need going forward.
If McDavid does play, it might be worth a play for a McDavid goal on a prop bet.
Prediction: Oilers win 4-3.
Main photo by: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
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