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 Colorado Avalanche vs Vancouver Canucks. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days.
NHL Predictions
Los Angeles Kings vs St Louis Blues
Head-to-Head: Kings 1-1 Blues
TV: TNT; Max; Bally Sports Midwest
Our opening game of NHL predictions is the Los Angeles Kings playing the St Louis Blues. Los Angeles is slated to go with Cam Talbot in goal, but always check social media before locking in a fantasy starter. The Kings are 5-4-1 in the last 10 and hold the last automatic spot in the Pacific Division. However, the Kings are tied with the Vegas Golden Knights for third. Trevor Moore leads the team in goals with 25.
Jordan Binnington is the projected starter for the Blues, who sit eight points off the final wild card spot out West. The Blues are 4-5-1 in the last 10 games and are trying to stay alive in the playoff race. Pavel Buchnevich is first in goals with 24 while Robert Thomas is tops in assists with 49.
St Louis is in bad need of points, but Los Angeles has been solid since the coaching change.
Prediction: Kings win 4-2.
Nashville Predators vs Winnipeg Jets
Head-to-Head: Predators 1-1 Jets
TV: Bally Sports South; Sportsnet; ESPN+
A game that could have made an argument for the featured game has the Nashville Predators squaring off with the Winnipeg Jets. Nashville is 8-0-2 in the last 10 games and has revived its season from the dead. Juuse Saros is the projected starter in between the pipes for the Predators. Filip Forsberg has 33 goals to lead the club in that category. Dante Fabbro is out for the next three weeks for the Predators.
Connor Hellebuyck is the confirmed starter in the blue paint for Winnipeg, which is 7-3 in the last 10. The Jets have gone 35-4-1 when scoring at least three goals this season. Kyle Connor leads the team in goals with 27. Gabe Vilardi did not play in Monday’s game and might be a game-time decision.
Both teams are in form, but Winnipeg does well on home ice.
Prediction: Jets win 3-2.
Washington Capitals vs Edmonton Oilers
Head-to-Head: Capitals 0-1 Oilers
TV: SN1, SN West; TNT; Max; Tru TV
The Washington Capitals travel to Alberta to play the Edmonton Oilers in this nationally televised game. Washington is three points off the last wild card spot in the Eastern Conference. Charlie Lindgren is the expected starter for the Caps in this game. Washington could be without Tom Wilson, who did not play against Winnipeg on Monday. Dylan Strome leads the team in goals with 22.
Stuart Skinner is the confirmed starter for the Oilers, who are 6-3-1 in the last 10. Edmonton is led this season by Zach Hyman‘s 43 goals and Connor McDavid‘s 79 assists. The Oilers are trying to hold off the Golden Knights for second in the Pacific Division. Edmonton has been better at 5-on-5 situations in recent games.
Losing Wilson could be a big blow for the Caps’ chances.
Prediction: Oilers win 5-3.
Colorado Avalanche vs Vancouver Canucks
Head-to-Head: Avalanche 2-0 Canucks
TV: Altitude; Sportsnet Pacific; ESPN+
Our featured game of NHL predictions has the Avalanche looking for the season sweep of the Canucks. Alexandar Georgiev is the confirmed starter for the Avs. who have won four straight and are 7-2-1 in the last 10. Nathan MacKinnon is making his case for the Hart Trophy with 41 goals and 72 assists. Colorado is in three-way fight with Winnipeg and the Dallas Stars for first in the Central.
Casey DeSmith is tasked with carrying the Canucks the last few weeks with Thatcher Demko being injured. Vancouver has also won four in a row, but are 5-4-1 in the last 10. The loss of Demko could dent the Canucks’ hopes of being first overall in the Western Conference. Brock Boeser leads the team in goals with 35 while Quinn Hughes is first in assists with 63.
Vancouver will be game, but the loss of Demko leaves a big hole.
Prediction: Avalanche win 4-2.
Main photo by: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
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