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 Vegas Golden Knights. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days.
NHL Predictions
Seattle Kraken vs St Louis Blues
Head-to-Head: Kraken 0-2 Blues
TV: TNT; Max
Our opening game of NHL predictions has the Seattle Kraken and St Louis Blues playing out the string. Seattle is expected to go with Joey Daccord in goal for this one, but always check social media before locking in a fantasy starter. The Kraken are 5-5 in the last 10 and have lost two straight games. Jared McCann has 28 goals and 32 assists for the Kraken. Matthew Beniers has four goals and four assists over the last 10 games.
Joel Hofer is the confirmed starter for the Blues, who are 5-3-2 in the last 10 games. St Louis was eliminated from contention when Vegas clinched the last post-season spot. Robert Thomas has 25 goals and 60 assists for the Blues. Jordan Kyrou has eight goals and five assists over the last 10 games.
It’s hard to tell how the teams will come out when both are eliminated. However, we’ll take the home side in this one.
Prediction: Blues win 4-3.
Colorado Avalanche vs Vegas Golden Knights
Head-to-Head: Avalanche 1-1 Golden Knights
TV: TNT: Max; TruTV
The featured game has the Avs visiting the Golden Knights in their quest to get home ice in the first round. Colorado was thumped 7-0 by the Winnipeg Jets the day before and are two points behind for second in the division. This is with both teams having two games left in the season. Alexandar Georgiev is the confirmed starter for Colorado, which is 4-5-1 in the last 10. Cale Makar has 20 goals and 67 assists for the Avalanche. Hart Trophy candidate Nathan MacKinnon has eight goals and 10 assists over the past 10 games.
Logan Thompson is the expected starter for the Golden Knights, who are 6-3-1 in the last 10 games. Vegas has to win out and the Nashville Predators have to lose out in order to get the wild card one spot out West. Jack Eichel has 30 goals and 35 assists for the Golden Knights. Original Vegas forward William Karlsson has four goals and seven assists over the last 10 games.
Colorado will be a bit angry after the loss, but Vegas is starting to get better at the right time.
Prediction: Golden Knights win 4-2.
Carolina Hurricanes vs Chicago Blackhawks
Head-to-Head: Hurricanes 1-0 Blackhawks
TV: NBC Sports Chicago; Bally Sports South; Sportsnet; ESPN+
Our final game has the Carolina Hurricanes trying to grab first in the Metropolitan Division and/or the President’s Trophy. Pyotr Kochetkov is the expected starter for Carolina, which is 7-2-1 and won four straight games. Jake Guentzel has 30 goals and 46 assists for the Hurricanes. Jaccob Slavin has two goals and seven assists over the past 10 games.
Petr Mrazek is the likely starter for Chicago, which is 4-6 in the last 10 games. The Blackhawks have been better since Connor Bedard‘s return from a jaw injury. However, the team still needs a lot of work. Nick Foligno has 17 goals and 20 assists for the Blackhawks. Philipp Kurashev has four goals and five assists over the last 10 games.
Carolina isn’t letting up in their pursuit of the New York Rangers in the division. The Canes will likely get another two points in this one.
Prediction: Hurricanes win 5-1.
Arizona Coyotes vs Calgary Flames
Head-to-Head: Coyotes 0-2 Flames
TV: Scripps; Sportsnet West; ESPN+
Prediction: Flames win 4-3.
Main photo by: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
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