Welcome back to NHL Predictions! Each day, the Last Word on Hockey team will break down every game and give our NHL predictions for each game. This is the early game slate of NHL Predictions for February 9th. Be sure and check out the late games of today’s predictions too.
NHL Predictions February 9th – Early Games
Philadelphia Flyers vs Washington Capitals
Head to Head: Capitals 1-0 Flyers
The first meeting between these two teams turned out to be a pretty electric game. The two teams put up 11 total goals last game, which was lead by a Scott Laughton hat-trick for the Philadelphia Flyers. Also showing up big for the Flyers were forwards Sean Couturier and James van Riemsdyk. For the Washington Capitals it looks like veteran superstar Alex Ovechkin has found his stride, notching two goals and two assists during the game.
JVR has been an elite scoring force for the Flyers this season. He is currently on pace for a 78 point campaign during this shortened season. Never in his entire career has he hit above 62 points. He will look to continue his monster season against the Capitals this game as well. With the weaker set of goaltenders that the Capitals have been playing recently, there is no doubt the 31-year-old forward should find his name on the scoresheet again. If he continues his path, as well as his teammates continuing where they left off on Sunday, this game will surely go their way. For the Capitals, however, they’ll need to play a much more containment style defence if they want to have a chance at winning the game. They’ll need to take advantage of turnovers and punish them in the neutral zone with speed if they want to win.
The Capitals might come out controlling the game, but the Flyers’ top players will pick up momentum and be no match for them.
Final: Flyers 5-Capitals 3
Detroit Red Wings vs Florida Panthers
Head to Head: Panthers 2-1 Red Wings
In the fourth of seven matchups between these teams, the Florida Panthers will look to bounce back after a surprising defeat at the hands of the Detroit Red Wings. Their last game was the club’s first regulation loss of the season and coming against the lowly Red Wings has to have left a bitter taste in their mouth. The Panthers offence has been on fire lead by Jonathan Huberdeau and Aleksander Barkov. However, neither of them could find their way onto the score sheet on February 7th. However, surely they will bounce back in this game. This has been the deepest offence the Panthers have put out in a long time. Offseason acquisitions Anthony Duclair and Patric Hornqvist both have six and eight points respectively, with the latter notching five goals on the season.
For Detroit, they’ll look to ride the momentum of their previous victory against the Panthers into tonight’s game. However, outside of their win on Sunday, there hasn’t been too much to be happy about for the Red Wings. Captain and team leader in points, Dylan Larkin, has been the only efficient player on the lineup. Bobby Ryan got off to a hot start with five points in his first five games. However, has registered just two assists in his last seven.
The team’s second-leading scorer Tyler Bertuzzi hasn’t played since January 30th and is expected to miss at least the next three games on the current road trip. Anthony Mantha was made a healthy scratch in the club’s latest victory against the Panthers. It is expected he will draw back into the lineup for this game, however. They have found their aggressive side of the game, however. Just last game Givani Smith had himself a Gordie Howe hat-trick.
The Red Wings have goaltender Thomas Greiss to thank for their last victory, which was his first of the season. However, the offensive depth and efficiency of the Panthers will overpower the Red Wings in this one.
Final: Panthers 3-0 Red Wings
Edmonton Oilers vs Ottawa Senators
Head to Head: Edmonton 3-0 Senators
Another game against the Ottawa Senators means another chance for Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers to show their offensive talent. That same talent has been the only consistent part of the team’s play. On the blue line this season they have been hot and cold. Tyson Barrie and Darnell Nurse lead blue liners in points and have been the only two players that seem to show up on a somewhat-nightly basis. Aside from them, there defensive teammates haven’t been all too great. Adam Larsson continues to prove that he might not have been fully worth the cost of Taylor Hall, despite the massive upside he brings to his game.
Similar to the Red Wings, the Senators are playing another forgetful season. With that being said, however, they are in the Scotia Bank North Division. Crazier things than the Senators beating the Oilers have happened this season, so it isn’t entirely out of the question. Joshua Norris and Brady Tkachuk will need to keep being the teams best forwards if they want a chance to shock the Oilers. Rookie sensation and bromantic partner to Tkachuk, Tim Stützle, has put up five points in his last six games. This includes a three point night in the team’s win over the Montreal Canadiens on the 4th.
Despite the tough 3-1 loss yesterday, this might be a different game for the Senators. It was the lowest scoring game between the two teams so far. The trend might prove to turn into a win for the Senators, much to the Oilers surprise. Expect a fiery game from both sides. However, the Senators will be able to find a groove and just get past their opponent.
Final Score: Senators 3-2 Oilers
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