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 Edmonton Oilers. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days.
NHL Predictions
Chicago Blackhawks vs St Louis Blues
Head-to-Head: Blackhawks 1-2 Blues
TV: NBC Sports Chicago; Bally Sports Midwest; ESPN+
Our opening game of NHL predictions has the St Louis Blues fighting for their post-season lives against the Chicago Blackhawks. Petr Mrazek is the confirmed starter for the Blackhawks, who are 5-5 in the last 10 games. Nick Foligno will miss this game against St Louis due to personal reasons, but should be back for Friday. Connor Bedrard leads the team in goals with 22 while Seth Jones has four goals and one assist over the last 10 games.
St Louis needs to win out and hope Vegas loses out because there’s no margin for error. Jordan Binnington is the projected starter, but always check social media before locking in fantasy starter. The Blues are 5-3-2 in the last 10 games and beat the Anaheim Ducks last time out. Robert Thomas has 24 goals and 57 assists for the Blues. Brandon Saad has scored six goals and added two assists over the last 10 games.
The Blues are desperate and need points. They’ll win, but it may not be enough.
Prediction: Blues win 5-2.
Vegas Golden Knights vs Edmonton Oilers
Head-to-Head: Golden Knights 1-1 Oilers
TV: TNT; Max; Scripps; Sportsnet 1; Sportnet
Our featured game has the Golden Knights looking to clinch a Stanley Cup Playoff spot in Alberta against the Oilers. Logan Thompson is the expected starter for the Golden Knights, who are 6-3-1 in the last 10 games. However, Vegas has dropped the last two games and given teams like St Louis hope. Jonathan Marchessault has 41 goals and 26 assists for the Golden Knights. Shea Theodore has one goal and six assists over the last 10 games.
The big news is that Connor McDavid could be out for this game due to a lower-body injury. Not having McDavid would put a dent in their chances of winning this game. Edmonton is also 6-3-1 in the last 10 games and is likely to go with Stuart Skinner in between the pipes for this one. Zach Hyman has 52 goals and 22 assists for the Oilers. Leon Draisaitl has scored six goals with nine assists over the last 10 games.
Vegas has been good at dealing with injuries and no McDavid would give the Oilers a massive problem.
Prediction: Golden Knights win 4-2.
Arizona Coyotes vs Vancouver Canucks
Head-to-Head: Coyotes 0-2 Canucks
TV: Scripps; Sportsnet Pacific; ESPN+
Our final game of NHL predictions has the Arizona Coyotes trying to delay the Vancouver Canucks from clinching the Pacific Division. Connor Ingram is the expected starter for the Coyotes, who are 5-5 in the last 10 games. Arizona is dealing with some injuries to Nick Bjugstad and Travis Dermott. Clayton Keller has 33 goals and 40 assists for the Coyotes. Logan Cooley has five goals and four assists over the last 10 games.
Casey DeSmith is expected to get the call once again in the blue paint for the Canucks, who are 6-4 in the last 10 games. Elias Lindholm was out of the lineup once again against Vegas the last time out. Quinn Hughes has 17 goals and 71 assists for the Canucks. Connor Garland has five goals and five assists over the past 10 games, including two the last time out.
Vancouver is starting to play better just before the end of the regular season. It’ll be another close one, though.
Prediction: Canucks win 3-2.
Prop Bet of the Night
We’ll stay with the last game and we like the under on the six number we’ve seen. Both meetings have been 2-1 affairs and we predict another one.
Main photo by: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
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