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 Winnipeg Jets vs Chicago Blackhawks. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days.
NHL Predictions
Buffalo Sabres vs Columbus Blue Jackets
Head-to-Head: Sabres 1-1 Blue Jackets
TV: NHL Network; MSG Buffalo; Bally Sports Ohio; Sportsnet Ontario; Sportsnet East
Our opening game of NHL predictions is the rubber match between the Buffalo Sabres and the Columbus Blue Jackets. Buffalo is likely to go with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, but always check social media before locking in a fantasy starter. The Sabres have won three of the last five, but it’s likely too little, too late for a post-season push. JJ Peterka tops the team in goals with 19 while Casey Mittelstadt is first in assists with 31.
Elvis Merzlikins is the projected starter for the Blue Jackets, who have lost three of the last five games. However, Columbus is coming off a 7-4 victory against the Anaheim Ducks. The Jackets are likely playing out the string as the worst team in the Eastern Conference. Boone Jenner leads the team in goals with 18 while Johnny Gaudreau is first in assists with 32.
Both teams are likely out of the mix, but the Sabres snag the victory.
Prediction: Sabres win 5-3.
Winnipeg Jets vs Chicago Blackhawks
Head-to-Head: Jets 2-1 Blackhawks
TV: NBC Sports Chicago; TSN3; ESPN+
Our featured game has the Jets looking get their fifth win in the last six games. Connor Hellebuyck is the expected starter for Winnipeg, which is first in goals allowed in the NHL. Leading scorer Kyle Connor finally got back on the scoresheet with his 20th of the season against the Minnesota Wild. Josh Morrissey also got back on track with a pair of assist the last time out. Special teams have been a problem with the Jets this season.
Chicago has lost four of the last five and is likely to go with Petr Mrazek in between the pipes. The Blackhawks haven’t scored more than three goals in any of the last five games. Jason Dickinson and Connor Bedard are tied for the team lead in goals with 17. Philipp Kurashev is first in assists with 23 to lead the Blackhawks in that statistic.
All of these games have been low-scoring, but the Jets pull off the victory. The over/under of 5.5 might be worth a look if you’re going for a prop bet of the night.
Prediction: Jets win 3-2.
Minnesota Wild vs Edmonton Oilers
Head-to-Head: Wild 1-1 Oilers
TV: Bally Sports North Xtra; Bally Sports Wisconsin Xtra; Sportsnet West; Sportsnet Pacific; ESPN+
Our last game of NHL predictions has the Wild taking on the Edmonton Oilers. Minnesota has won three of the last five, but defence has been a problem the last couple of games. The Wild have allowed 13 goals in the last two outings. Joel Eriksson Ek is first in goals on the Wild with 28 while Kirill Kaprizov has 35 assists. Filip Gustavsson is the expected starter in goal for the Wild.
Edmonton is coming off the game of the year candidate against the Boston Bruins. However, the Oilers lost that one in overtime. Edmonton has won three of the last five games and is trying to track down the Vegas Golden Knights for second in the Pacific Division. Zach Hyman is continuing to fill up the nets with 34 goals while Connor McDavid leads in assists with 64. Stuart Skinner is slated to get the call in goal.
This could be a high-scoring game between the two clubs, but Edmonton has just enough firepower.
Prediction: Oilers win 5-4.
Main photo by: Carey Lauder-USA TODAY Sports
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