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 Ottawa Senators vs Vegas Golden Knights. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days.
NHL Predictions
Vancouver Canucks vs Chicago Blackhawks
Head-to-Head: Canucks 0-0 Blackhawks
TV: NHL Network; NBC Sports Chicago; Sportsnet
Out first game of NHL predictions has the Vancouver Canucks looking to get on the winning track after a shootout loss the day before. Thatcher Demko will get the start after Casey DeSmith played against the Minnesota Wild. However, always check social media before locking in a fantasy starter. Vancouver still touts the league’s top offence despite last night’s game.
The Chicago Blackhawks are coming off a humbling 7-1 loss to the Seattle Kraken last time out. Petr Mrazek is the slated starter for the Blackhawks, who have lost three straight games. Connor Bedard leads in goals and assists with 12 each. Keep in mind the early start time when setting your lineups.
Vancouver will be looking to come off a disappointing loss and Chicago has been reeling.
Prediction: Canucks win 4-2.
Anaheim Ducks vs New Jersey Devils
Head-to-Head: Ducks 0-0 Devils
TV: MSGSN; Bally Sports Southern California; Bally Sports San Diego.
The Anaheim Ducks are reeling after a great start to the season. Anaheim has lost five straight games. John Gibson is the projected starter for the Ducks, who have seen their scoring dry up. Frank Vatrano leads the team with 14 goals on the campaign.
Vitek Vanecek will likely draw the start for the New Jersey Devils, who have won four of the last five games. Jack Hughes has been fantastic this season with 14 goals and 23 assists on the season. New Jersey is first in the NHL on the power play, but the penalty kill does need a bit of work.
The Devils have been solid as of late while the Ducks have been floundering.
Prediction: Devils win 5-2.
San Jose Sharks vs Colorado Avalanche
Head-to-Head: Sharks 0-1 Avalanche
TV: Altitude; NBC Sports California; ESPN+
The San Jose Sharks travel to Denver to take on the Colorado Avalanche. San Jose has been much better after a ghastly start to the season. The Sharks have won three of the last five games and are giving teams a hard time. Tomas Hertl leads the team in goals with nine. Mackenzie Blackwood is the projected starter.
Colorado has lost three of its last five games and has been puzzling clubs this season. Alexandar Georgiev is the expected starter in the blue paint for the Avalanche. This team can fill it up with players like Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar and Mikko Rantanen. However, this team needs to be more consistent.
Ottawa Senators vs Vegas Golden Knights
Head-to-Head: Senators 0-0 Golden Knights
TV: Scripps; TSN5; ESPN+
Our final and featured game has the Senators trying to stop a three-game losing skid. Joonas Korpisalo is the expected starter for Ottawa, which has lost four of its last five games. Brady Tkachuk leads in goals with 13, but the problems have been that of the defensive end.
Logan Thompson is the likely starter in goal for the Golden Knights, who had their recent winning streak snapped at the hands of the Buffalo Sabres. Impending free agent Jonathan Marchessault is the team’s leading goal-scorer with 14 goals. The Knights are fifth in goals for and goals allowed.
Vegas will be a bit sore after a loss to Buffalo and that will show against Ottawa.
Prediction: Golden Knights win 5-3.
Main photo by: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
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