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 Minnesota Wild vs Edmonton Oilers. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days.
NHL Predictions
St Louis Blues vs Columbus Blue Jackets
Head-to-Head: Blues 0-0 Blue Jackets
TV: Bally Sports Ohio; Bally Sports Midwest
Our opening game of NHL predictions is the Eiffel 65 special between the St Louis Blues and the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Blues did split a home-and-home series with the defending Stanley Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights. Jordan Binnington is slated to get the start in goal for the Blues. However, always check social media before locking in a fantasy starter in goal. The Blues are only a point off the last post-season spot in the muddled Western Conference. Jake Neighbours and Robert Thomas are both off to solid starts for the Blues.
Columbus will try to stop its losing streak with projected starter Spencer Martin. The Blue Jackets have dropped the last three games and four of their last five games. Columbus is 30th in goals allowed, but is surprisingly a good penalty killing team. This could mean problems for St Louis and its second-to-last rated power play. Boone Jenner has 13 goals for the Jackets while Zach Werenski has bounced back with 19 assists.
Columbus will be the one that’s feeling blue after this one. St Louis is just a bit further along.
Prediction: Blues win 4-2.
Minnesota Wild vs Edmonton Oilers
Head-to-Head: Wild 1-0 Oilers
TV: Bally Sports North; Bally Sports Wisconsin; Sportsnet West
Our final and featured game of NHL predictions has the Wild trying to stop a six-game losing streak. Marc-Andre Fleury is the confirmed starter in goal for the Wild. Joel Eriksson Ek (12 goals) and Mats Zuccarello (21 assists) have been two of the few bright spots for Minnesota this season. This season has already resulted in Dean Evason getting fired behind the bench and replaced by John Hynes. Goals have been hard to come by this season for Minnesota.
The Oilers have been flying high with five straight victories. Connor McDavid is starting to play like the reining Hart Trophy winner with 19 points in the last seven games. Zach Hyman recorded a hat trick last time out and leads the team with 15 goals this campaign. Edmonton will likely go with Stuart Skinner in between the pipes. The Oilers may be awake and ready to make a run for a post-season in the Western Conference. All phases of the game look like they’re coming together.
These two teams are trending in opposite directions. Fleury gives the Wild a shot to make it a game. However, the Oilers are finding their footing under new coach Kris Knoblauch.
Prediction: Oilers win 5-2.
Prop Bet of the Night
Let’s stay with our last game of the evening for the prop bet of the night. Edmonton’s power play unit faces the 31st-rated penalty kill in Minnesota tonight. One player that’s ready to break out is Leon Draisaitl. The German has a nasty shot, but can also make some deft passes on the extra-man unit. We like Draisaitl getting the over on 0.5 power play points tonight for the Oilers. Playmakers like Evan Bouchard and McDavid make this unit dangerous and their current winning run makes them even more troublesome for the Wild.
Main photo by: Brad Rempel – USA TODAY Sports
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