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 Edmonton Oilers vs Pittsburgh Penguins. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days.
NHL Predictions
Edmonton Oilers vs Pittsburgh Penguins
Head-to-Head: Oilers 1-0 Penguins
TV: TNT; Max; Sportsnet 360; Sportsnet West
Our opening and featured game of NHL predictions has two teams coming off losses on Saturday. Calvin Pickard is the likely starter, but always check social media before locking in a fantasy starter. Edmonton is coming off a shootout loss to the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday afternoon. Zach Hyman leads the team in goals with 43 while Connor McDavid has 77 assists.
Pittsburgh is slated to go with Tristan Jarry after Alex Nedeljkovic started in the loss against the Boston Bruins. The Penguins seem to be out of contention for a Stanley Cup Playoff spot. Pittsburgh is 4-5-1 in the last 10 and has lost two straight. Sidney Crosby leads the club in goals with 32 this season.
It’s an early start for both clubs that are coming off setbacks. However, the Oilers should have enough to get the win.
Prediction: Oilers win 4-2.
Nashville Predators vs Minnesota Wild
Head-to-Head: Predators 2-1 Wild
TV: TNT; Max
The second game of NHL predictions has the Nashville Predators taking on the Minnesota Wild. Juuse Saros is the likely starter after the Predators played the day before with Kevin Lankinen starting. Nashville has won 10 out of the last 11 and gotten points in the last 11 games. Filip Forsberg leads the team in goals with 33 while captain Roman Josi has 47 assists.
Minnesota is projected to go with Filip Gustavsson in between the pipes for this game. The Wild are 5-4-1 in the last 10 and hanging on by a thread in the playoff chase. Minnesota made a few deadline changes and would need a major push to get into the post-season. Kirill Kaprizov has 30 goals to lead the Wild this season.
Nashville seems to be galvanized since the All-Star Break. The Predators should get the win.
Prediction: Predators win 3-2.
Calgary Flames vs Carolina Hurricanes
Head-to-Head: Flames 1-0 Hurricanes
TV: Bally Sports South; Sportsnet West; Sportnet1; ESPN+
Our last main game of NHL predictions has the Calgary Flames battling the Carolina Hurricanes. Daniel Vladar is the expected starter for a Flames team that’s 6-4 in the last 10. Both Calgary and Carolina are coming off games the night before on Saturday. Yegor Sharangovich leads the Flames in goals with 26 while Nazem Kadri has 33 assists this campaign.
Carolina is expected to go with Frederik Andersen in the blue paint for this game. The Hurricanes are coming off a 4-2 win over the New Jersey Devils on Saturday night. Sebastian Aho leads the team in goals (24) and assists (41) this season. The Canes are 7-2-1 in the last 10 and won two consecutive games.
Things seem to be going off the rails for the Flames at this point with the number of trades. Carolina should get another victory in their push to get first in the Metropolitan Division.
Prediction: Hurricanes win 5-2.
Here are the other games for today’s NHL predictions. Two more matchups on tap to round out the Sunday slate of games.
Arizona Coyotes vs Chicago Blackhawks
Head-to-Head: Coyotes 1-1 Blackhawks
TV: NBC Sports Chicago; Scripps; NHL Network
Prediction: Coyotes win 4-3.
New York Islanders vs Arizona Coyotes
Head-to-Head: Islanders 1-0 Ducks
TV: Sportsnet; MSGSN; Bally Sports San Diego; Bally Sports Southern California; ESPN+
Prediction: Islanders win 6-2.
Main photo by: Charles LeClaire – USA TODAY Sports
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