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. Be sure and check out the late games of NHL Predictions too.
NHL Predictions
Detroit Red Wings vs Nashville Predators
Head-to-Head: Red Wings 0 – 1 Predators
Prediction: Red Wings win 2-1
Carolina Hurricanes vs Dallas Stars
Head-to-Head: Hurricanes 3 – 0 Stars
The Carolina Hurricanes remain undefeated against the Dallas Stars as they head into tonight’s game. Five individual Hurricanes scored last game, toppling the Stars 5-3 with contributions from three of their four offensive lines. With a win tonight, the Hurricanes will move to second in the Central Division, tying the Florida Panthers for the contentious lead. Every night seems as electric as the last, with every member of the Hurricanes contributing to the team in some manner. They’ll need all the help they can get against the Stars, who will likely push to dig themselves out of the hole they’ve made this series.
The Stars have a lot of work to do in order to make up for their difference in the standings. They’ll need more effort from Denis Gurianov, who has yet to score a single point in the series. With the Hurricanes beefing over the barbecue, tonight’s game in Dallas could spell sweet, delicious revenge for the Stars. If the Hurricanes want to manufacture a win, they’ll need to play hard and not get too cocky.
Prediction: Stars win 5-4 in Overtime.
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Columbus Blue Jackets vs Chicago Blackhawks
Head-to-Head: Blue Jackets 2 – 1 Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks are one of the most surprising teams to start this season. Many pegged them to sit at the bottom of the standings before the start of the season. With a 6-5-4 record, they’re hovering just above those expectations, thanks in no short part to Patrick Kane‘s astonishing offensive output. The Blackhawks forward has 10 points in his last five games, reminding everyone exactly why he won the Hart trophy just a few seasons ago. They’ll need all the help they can get from Kane and the kids as they contend with the Columbus Blue Jackets, who won last round with a 6-5 victory.
The Blue Jackets need more out of Patrik Laine. The Finnish forward, who was benched on Monday, has yet to showcase his immense offensive potential. He’ll need to kick it into high gear against the Blackhawks if the Blue Jackets hope to topple them. Last game’s high-scoring affair saw the Blue Jackets pull together six goals, with two from new addition Jack Roslovic. Chicago’s starting goaltender could spell the difference between sinking and success for the Blue Jackets. Kevin Lankinen let in six goals on 43 shots last game. If a repeat occurs, the Blue Jackets may see an explosive effort from Laine after all.
Prediction: Blue Jackets win 5-3.
Calgary Flames vs Vancouver Canucks
Head-to-Head: Flames 3 – 0 Canucks
The Vancouver Canucks have looked abysmal at best against the Calgary Flames. They’ve allowed 11 goals in three games against Calgary and show zero signs of that effort changing. The Canucks have lost six games in a row and sit sixth in the North Division standings. With a 6-11-0 record, the Canucks need a change quickly. They’ll need much, much more from players like Elias Pettersson if they hope to topple the Flames, who sit on a solid 7-5-1 record.
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Unfortunately for the Canucks, it doesn’t look like the Flames will let up anytime soon. Johnny Gaudreau and Elias Lindholm lead the team with 14 points in 13 games each. They’ve been capitalizing on the Canucks’ mistakes, padding their stats while securing wins for their team. Like the Hurricanes, they shouldn’t let their confidence lead to complacency. The Canucks still have a slew of solid players like Quinn Hughes that can make any team suffer from a sloppy mistake.
Prediction: Flames win 6-2
Main photo:
Embed from Getty Images
