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 New York Islanders vs Washington Capitals. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days.
NHL Predictions
Detroit Red Wings vs Winnipeg Jets
Head-to-Head: Red Wings 0-1 Jets
TV: Sportsnet; Bally Sports Detroit; ESPN+
Our first game of NHL predictions has the Detroit Red Wings taking on the Winnipeg Jets. Detroit has three straight losses and has been dealing with plenty of injuries. James Reimer is the projected starter for the Red Wings, but always check social media before locking in a fantasy starter. Alex DeBrincat reached the 400-point mark the other night. Detroit is fifth in goals allowed, but is 18th in goals allowed.
Winnipeg will likely counter with Laurent Brossoit in between the pipes. The Jets have points in their last three games, but lost to the Montreal Canadiens in overtime the last time out. Other scorers are going to have to step up with Kyle Connor being on the shelf for a bit. However, the team has good defensive structure and can play well in front of any goalie.
Detroit is a walking wounded and Winnipeg should take advantage of that.
Prediction: Jets win 3-1.
New York Islanders vs Washington Capitals
Head-to-Head: Islanders 1-1 Capitals
TV: Monument Sports; TNT; Max
Our featured game has the Islanders looking to get their second win in as many nights. The Isles defeated the Edmonton Oilers, 3-1, on Tuesday night. Semyon Varlamov is the likely starter after Ilya Sorokin baffled the Oilers the night before. New York is 15th in goals for and goals allowed. However, the Islanders are fifth on the power play. Brock Nelson leads in goals (15) while Noah Dobson has the team lead in assists (28).
Darcy Kuemper is likely to get the call for the Capitals, who have won three of the last five games. Alex Ovechkin has been struggling to score goals and his goalless drought is up to 12 games. Dylan Strome (12 goals) and John Carlson (14 assists) have been trying to pick up the slack. However, defence has been the way that the Capitals have been staying close in the Metropolitan Division.
The Isles are coming off a back-to-back, but have just enough firepower to get the win.
Prediction: Islanders win 3-2.
Seattle Kraken vs Los Angeles Kings
Head-to-Head: TNT; Max; Bally Sports West
Our last game of NHL predictions has the Seattle Kraken and Los Angeles Kings playing for the second time in four days. Los Angeles squeaked out a shootout win at Climate Pledge Arena on Sunday night. Joey Daccord has seemingly taken the number one job in goal and will be the expected starter. Seattle is 25th in goals scored and 24th in goals allowed. Jared McCann is the team’s leading goal-scorer with 14.
Los Angeles is looking for his second win in as many night’s after beating the San Jose Sharks. Cam Talbot will likely get the start after David Rittich played well against San Jose. The Kings are tops in goals allowed in the league with 66. Trevor Moore is the team’s leader in goals with 15 this season.
Back-to-Backs are tough to gauge, but the Kings should pick up the win against a team that has trouble scoring.
Prediction: Kings win 4-1.
Prop Bet of the Night
We go back to our featured game for our prop of the evening. The over/under on many sites for the Isles and Capitals is six. We like the under because both teams have been solid on the defensive end this year.
Main photo by: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
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