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 Colorado Avalanche vs Los Angeles Kings. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days.
NHL Predictions
Chicago Blackhawks vs Minnesota Wild
Head-to-Head: Blackhawks 0-0 Wild
TV: NHL Network; Bally Sports North; Bally Sports Wisconsin; NBC Sports Chicago
Our opening game of NHL predictions has the Chicago Blackhawks taking on the Minnesota Wild. Chicago is coming off a loss to the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday night. Petr Mrazek is the projected starter, but always check social media before locking a goalie. Connor Bedard has 11 goals and is coming off a goal last night.
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Minnesota has been through a lot this season with a coaching change. However, the team has been struggling to produce goals. Joel Eriksson Ek leads the team in goals with 10. The Wild have gotten two wins from the new coach bump with John Hynes behind the bench. Marc-Andre Fleury is the likely starter in goal for the Wild.
It’s hard to tell when the new coach momentum is going to run out. However, the Wild will win a low-scoring affair.
Prediction: Wild win 3-2.
San Jose Sharks vs New York Rangers
Head-to-Head: Sharks 0-0 Rangers
TV: MSG; NHL Network; NBC Sports California
The San Jose Sharks are actually winners of three of their last five games. Mackenzie Blackwood is the projected starter for a Sharks team that’s been playing a lot better than the opening part of the season. San Jose is still last in goals for and goals against.
The New York Rangers are coming off a wild comeback over the Nashville Predators last night. Chris Kreider continues to be strong on the power play and has 14 goals already. Jonathan Quick will get the start, but he’s not been a step down from Igor Shesterkin.
Things are going better for the Sharks, but the Rangers won’t overlook anyone after last night’s scare.
Prediction: Rangers win 4-2.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs Boston Bruins
Head-to-Head: Blue Jackets 1-0 Bruins
TV: Bally Sports Ohio; NESN: ESPN+
The Columbus Blue Jackets have a 5-2 win over the Boston Bruins earlier in the season. Elvis Merzlikins will likely draw the start for the Blue Jackets in this one. Columbus has wins in three of its last five games.
Boston likely goes with Jeremy Swayman, as Boston beat the Toronto Maple Leafs last night. David Pastrnak has 14 goals and 22 assists to lead the club in both categories. The Bruins are third on the penalty kill and in goals allowed.
Columbus has been better as of late, but Boston seems to have tightened some things up.
Prediction: Bruins win 4-2.
Nashville Predators vs Buffalo Sabres
Head-to-Head: Predators 0-0 Sabres
TV: MSG Buffalo; Bally Sports South; ESPN+
Nashville is stewing over the missed opportunity from last night against the Rangers. Juuse Saros will get the start after the Predators have been playing on back-to-back evenings.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is the projected starter for the Buffalo Sabres, who have given up six goals in two straight games. Injuries, defence and goaltending have made life miserable for Buffalo this season.
The Predators feel like they let two points slip away, but they’ll cash in here.
Prediction: Predators win 5-2.
Colorado Avalanche vs Los Angeles Kings
Head-to-Head: Avalanche 1-0 Kings
TV: Altitude; Bally Sports West; ESPN+
Our last and featured game has a Colorado club that has lost two in a row. Alexandar Georgiev is the likely starter after playing the night before. The Avalanche are third in goals scored with 85. However, the teams power play has been less than spectacular.
Los Angeles had a recent winning run stopped by the Washington Capitals the last time out. Cam Talbot is the projected starter for a Kings team that’s ninth in goals scored. LA is also tops in killing off penalties. Scoring depth has been solid for the Kings this season.
Both teams are coming off a loss, but Colorado salvages the trip to So Cal with a win.
Prediction: Avalanche win 4-3.
Main photo by: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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