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 Vegas Golden Knights vs New York Rangers. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days.
NHL Predictions
Vegas Golden Knights vs New York Rangers
Head-to-Head: Golden Knights 1-0 Rangers
TV: ESPN
Our opening and featured game of NHL predictions has the Golden Knights trying to keep a successful East Coast road trip going. Vegas has won four of its last five and is expected to go with Logan Thompson in between the pipes. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. The Knights seemingly responded after head coach Bruce Cassidy ripped into his team’s defensive effort a few nights ago against the New Jersey Devils. Jonathan Marchessault leads Vegas with 22 goals.
Igor Shesterkin is the expected starter for the Rangers, who are slumping at the moment. The early Eastern Conference favourite has run into a rough patch and will need a big performance against the defending Stanley Cup champions. Artemi Panarin is one goal away from the 30-goal mark, but also leads the team in assists with 34. This team will need to find its offensive touch if it wants to keep the chasing pack at bay in the Metropolitan Division.
There will be a better effort for the Blueshirts, but the Knights get the win.
Prediction: Golden Knights win 3-2.
Florida Panthers vs Pittsburgh Penguins
Head-to-Head: Panthers 1-0 Penguins
TV: Bally Sports Florida; Sportsnet Pittsburgh; ESPN+
The Florida Panthers take on the Pittsburgh Penguins in this next game on NHL predictions. Florida is on a two-game winning streak and is expected to go with Sergei Bobrovsky in the crease. The Panthers are in that mix of teams that want a top two spot in the Atlantic Division. Sam Reinhart leads the team in goals with 35 in a career season for him.
Pittsburgh is expected to roll with Tristan Jarry in the blue paint. The Penguins have lost four of the last five games, including a loss to the Arizona Coyotes. Pittsburgh’s last game was capped by an embarrassing own goal against Arizona. Offence has also been a problem for the Penguins, who have only scored a maximum of three goals in the last five games. Sidney Crosby leads the club in goals with 27.
Florida has been better defensively as of late and takes the victory.
Prediction: Panthers win 4-2.
Los Angeles Kings vs Colorado Avalanche
Head-to-Head: Kings 1-1 Avalanche
TV: Altitude; Bally Sports West; ESPN+
Our last game of NHL predictions has the reeling Los Angeles Kings trying to get back on track against the Colorado Avalanche. The Kings have also lost four of the last five games and is expected to run with David Rittich in goal. Los Angeles has had some puzzling losses during this recent run and has fallen into a Wild Card spot in the Western Conference. Trevor Moore leads the way in goals with 21 for Los Angeles.
Alexandar Georgiev is the projected starter for the Avalanche, who have won three of the last five games. Nathan MacKinnon recorded a four-goal game in a 6-2 victory over the Washington Capitals. Colorado is trying to keep pace with the Winnipeg Jets on points as both teams have 65. The Avs have scored at least six goals in each of the last three victories.
Los Angeles has been a good road team, but this club is struggling.
Prediction: Avalanche win 5-2.
St Louis Blues vs Seattle Kraken
Head-to-Head: Blues 1-0 Kraken
TV: Root Sports Northwest; Bally Sports Midwest; ESPN+
Prediction: Kraken win 4-3.
Main photo by: Stephen R. Sylvanie – USA TODAY Sports
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