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 Dallas Stars. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs roll on.
NHL Predictions
Carolina Hurricanes vs New York Rangers
Season Head-to-Head: Hurricanes 1-2 Rangers
TV: ESPN, Sportsnet
Our opening game of NHL predictions is the first game of round two of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Carolina Hurricanes square off against the New York Rangers in what should be a heated series. Carolina is the third-best team in points while New York won the President’s Trophy. The Canes took out the New York Islanders in five games to advance to round two. Pyotr Kochetkov is listed as the starter, but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. Seth Jarvis leads the team in points with three goals and four assists for seven points.
The Rangers are likely to go with Igor Shesterkin in between the pipes in this one. New York took down the Washington Capitals in four straight games. The Blueshirts should be rested and ready to go. However, there’s always the concern with rest versus rust. Mika Zibanejad had a great opening round with a goal and six assists for seven points. Former Hurricane Vincent Trocheck recorded three goals and three assists for six points.
Both teams might come out a little slow and this should be a great matchup. However, the Canes take the series-opener in this one due to a shorter layoff.
Prediction: Hurricanes win 3-2.
Vegas Golden Knights vs Dallas Stars
Series Head-to-Head: Golden Knights 3-3 Stars
TV: TBS, TruTV, BSSW, Scripps, Sportsnet, Sportsnet 360
Our final and featured game of NHL predictions has the Golden Knights trying to extend their defence of the Stanley Cup. However, the Stars provide stiff opposition to the champs. Adin Hill is the projected starter for the Golden Knights, who forced Game 7 with a home victory. Jack Eichel has three goals and four assists for seven points. A pair of defenceman are second in the post-season in points with Brayden McNabb and Noah Hanifin.
Jake Oettinger will get the call once again as the Stars look to continue the trend of the home team winning the last two games. The first four games of the series were taken by the road team before Dallas stopped the pattern in Game 5. Wyatt Johnston leads the Stars in points with three goals and three assists for six points. Jason Robertson and Miro Heiskanen are next on the list with five points each. Keep an eye on Mason Marchment‘s status after he missed the last game.
This series has lived up to the hype. No team has won a game by more than two goals. Dallas will come away with the victory in another tight defensive battle.
Prediction: Stars win 3-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
We’ll add a couple of prop bets to spice up the action for Sunday’s two games. In the opener, we like Sebastian Aho to collect the over on +0.5 points for the Hurricanes. We also like Artemi Panarin to get the over, but on +1.0 points.
In the last game, the over/under of 5.5 might be a bit scary, but take the under in this number. As for individual players, go with Eichel and Robertson getting the over on +0.5 points if you feel like a parlay.
Main photo by: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
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