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 Los Angeles Kings vs Washington Capitals. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days.
NHL Predictions
Calgary Flames vs Chicago Blackhawks
Head-to-Head: Flames 0-0 Blackhawks
TV: NBC Sports Chicago; Sportsnet; ESPN+
Our first game of NHL predictions has the Calgary Flames taking on the Chicago Blackhawks. Daniel Vladar is the expected starter, but always check on social media before locking in a fantasy starter. Calgary is two points out of the last playoff spot in a tightly-contested Western Conference race. Blake Coleman leads the team in goals with 15 while Elias Lindholm has 17 assists.
The Blackhawks will be in the first game without Connor Bedard, who is out with a broken jaw. Petr Mraek is the expected starter for Chicago, which has lost five in a row. Bedard was leading the team in goals in his rookie campaign, but the team is still 30th in goals for and goals against.
One wonders how the Hawks will adjust to life without Bedard. Calgary will make it a difficult first game.
Prediction: Flames win 5-2.
Los Angeles Kings vs Washington Capitals
Head-to-Head: Kings 0-1 Capitals
TV: NHL Network; Bally Sports West; Monument Sports
Our featured game of NHL predictions has the Capitals hosting the Kings. Washington won the first meeting of the season, 2-1, in Southern California. Both teams are struggling at the current point with the Caps losing four of their last five games. Dylan Strome leads the team in goals with 14, but Washington is 31st in goals scored. Darcy Kuemper is the projected starter for the Capitals.
Cam Talbot is the expected starter for the Kings, who have lost four straight games. However, Los Angeles is still one of the better teams on the road win a 13-2-1 record. Trevor Moore leads the club in goals with 17 while Kevin Fiala has handed out 23 assists. One thing the Kings can rely on is their top-ranked defence.
Los Angeles will find a way to get back to basics and see out another road victory.
Prediction: Kings win 3-1.
Winnipeg Jets vs Arizona Coyotes
Head-to-Head: Jets 2-0 Coyotes
TV: Scripps; TSN3; ESPN+
It’s the old Winnipeg Jets taking on the new Winnipeg Jets as the Arizona Coyotes host Winnipeg. It’s been a solid run for the current incarnation of the Jets with five straight victories. The Jets are tied with the New York Rangers for the most points in the NHL. Winnipeg has scored at least five goals in both of the previous meetings this season. Mark Scheifele has been outstanding since the injury to Kyle Connor. Winnipeg is expected to go with Connor Hellebuyck in net.
Karel Vejmelka is the confirmed starter in the blue paint for the Coyotes, who have lost two straight games. Arizona is also one of the number of teams in the mix for the wild card spots in the West. The Coyotes are one point off the final spot held by the Edmonton Oilers. Lawson Crouse leads the team in goals with 16 this campaign.
The Jets have been solid at both ends of the ice and that should continue.
Prediction: Jets win 5-3.
Here’s our other game for tonight’s NHL predictions.
Detroit Red Wings vs Anaheim Ducks
Head-to-Head: Red Wings 0-1 Ducks
TV: Bally Sports Detroit; Bally Sports West
Prediction: Red Wings win 4-2.
Main photo by: Kiyoshi Mio – USA TODAY Sports
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