Welcome back to NHL Predictions, February 14th edition! Each day, the Last Word on Hockey team will break down every game and give our NHL predictions for each game. There are only two games on the NHL slate for Sunday, February 14th. The New York Rangers versus Philadelphia Flyers has been postponed. Be sure to look for our NHL predictions tomorrow!
NHL Predictions
Washington Capitals vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
Head-to-Head: Capitals 0-2 Penguins
Rumbling into the first of two NHL Predictions today we have a good old rivalry in the scripts. Two teams who know each other quite well in the East Division includes the ongoing battle of Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby.
The Washington Capitals sit two points ahead of the Pittsburgh Penguins, both of which have six wins each. What separates the two teams are Washingtons two extra overtime points. Pittsburgh has edged Washington in both meetings this season by one goal deciding the game. In their first meeting, it was Jake Guentzel who scored the shootout winner in round four against Ilya Samsonov. In their second outing, it was Sidney Crosby who buried the game-winner in overtime.
Washington is currently on a three-game losing streak and what a better way to snap their skid against their rival. They have had a week off in between their last game and things could go either way, hopefully, the team is well-rested with a dominant game plan intact. Both of the teams’ superstars Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby each have three points in the two meetings thus far. Each player will be hungry to one-up the other, Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals come to play tonight and spoil the Penguins night.
Prediction: Capitals Win 4-2
Colorado Avalanche vs. Vegas Golden Knights
Head-to-Head: Avalanche 0-0 Knights
In the West Division, this is the first of four consecutive matchups between the Colorado Avalanche and Vegas Golden Knights. Both teams are neck and neck in the standings and carry out some significant weapons. The powerhouse Nathan MacKinnon practiced for the first time on Thursday since sustaining a lower-body injury on January 31st. It is expected that MacKinnon will dress for tonight’s game, and this would be perfect timing. Colorado has not played a game since February the 2nd due to COVID-19 protocols, they won that game 2-1 versus the Minnesota Wild.
Vegas Golden Knights recently named captain Mark Stone has been on a voyage this season, he has 15 points in 11 games to lead the team. Goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury has been off to a considerable start this season showing the NHL he still has competition left in his tank. Marc-Andre Fleury got the nod last night against the San Jose Sharks and Robin Lehner is day-to-day with an upper-body injury. This means we could see Oscar Dansk making his season debut between the pipes. Either way, this should be an exciting matchup and it could very well come down to goaltending tonight. The well-rested Avalanche will have their work cut out for them and see themselves to a strong test.
Prediction: Avalanche Win 3-1
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That does it for the February 14th games set of NHL Predictions! Make sure to tune in tomorrow for a new set of NHL Predictions!
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
