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 Vegas Golden Knights vs Pittsburgh Penguins. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days.
NHL Predictions
Columbus Blue Jackets vs Philadelphia Flyers
Head-to-Head: Blue Jackets 0-1 Flyers
TV: NBC Sports Philadelphia; Bally Sport Ohio
Our first game of NHL predictions has the Columbus Blue Jackets taking on the Philadelphia Flyers. Spencer Martin is the projected starter, but always check social media before locking in a fantasy starer. Columbus fell to the Washington Capitals, 4-3, on Saturday. Things are going badly for the Jackets early on in the season.
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Philadelphia seems to be humming along with four straight wins. John Tortorella’s young team has beaten some pretty good clubs along the way. The Flyers may be a year or two away from really contending for a Stanley Cup Playoff spot. However, this team is going to give a maximum effort and make teams earn points on most nights. Samuel Ersson will be the likely starter for the Flyers.
Philadelphia has shown plenty of promise early on this season. That trend continues against a scuffling Columbus team.
Prediction: Flyers win 4-1.
Vegas Golden Knights vs Pittsburgh Penguins
Head-to-Head: Golden Knights 0-0 Penguins
TV: Scripps; Sportsnet Pittsburgh; NHL Network
Our featured game has the Golden Knights battling the Penguins. Both teams are coming off losses on Saturday night, including Vegas losing to Philadelphia. Adin Hill will get the call in goal and he’s the confirmed starter. Vegas is looking to even up things on the road trip with a win tonight. The Golden Knights are second in goals for and plenty of that is due to William Karlsson.
Magnus Hellberg is the projected starter for the Penguins, who have lost two straight games. Pittsburgh has been inconsistent to start the year, but Sidney Crosby has been a mainstay despite being in the latter stages of his career. Jake Guentzel is also at the 20-point mark already this season.
Pittsburgh’s inconsistency put us off a little but. We’ll go with the champs winning in a close one.
Prediction: Golden Knights win 4-3.
Buffalo Sabres vs Chicago Blackhawks
Head-to-Head: Sabres 0-0 Blackhawks
TV: MSG-Buffalo; NBC Sports Chicago
Plenty of young talent on display as the Buffalo Sabres battle the Chicago Blackhawks. The Tage Thompson really hurts the club, who have lost three straight games. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is the expected starter for the Sabres, who need wins.
Petr Mrazek is likely for the Blackhawks in the nets. Connor Bedard already has nine goals to start his rookie campaign and has entrenched himself into the Calder Trophy conversation. Seth Jones has yet to score, but has seven assists.
Buffalo is desperate for a win and it gets one.
Prediction: Sabres win 4-2.
St Louis Blues vs Anaheim Ducks
Head-to-Head: Blues 0-0 Ducks
TV: Bally Sports Midwest; Bally San Diego; Bally So. Cal.
Our last game of the night has the St Louis Blues versus the Anaheim Ducks. Joel Hofer is the current projected starter for the Blues, who have lost two straight. Robert Thomas has been the go-to guy for St Louis this season.
John Gibson is the projected starter in goal for the Ducks, who are also coming off two straight losses. Frank Vatrano has 12 goals to lead Anaheim so far this season.
Both teams are good on defence, but Anaheim gets it done with a little more scoring pop.
Prediction: Ducks win 3-2.
Main photo by: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
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