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 in this set is the St Louis Blues vs San Jose Sharks. Be sure to check out our other two sets of predictions.
NHL Predictions featuring St Louis Blues vs San Jose Sharks
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Montreal Canadiens
Head-to-Head: Penguins 0-0 Canadiens
Both of these teams are coming into the game with three-game losing streaks. This pair of teams are usually in the mix for the Stanley Cup Playoffs but are adrift in the standings right now. Sidney Crosby is back for the Pens, but he still needs time to get into game shape. Evan Rodrigues is the team’s unlikely goals leader with six so far this season. Tristan Jarry hasn’t played bad, but has faced a high volume of shots and likely gets the start.
Montreal is struggling and is on their third goalie in Cayden Primeau. However, he played well in a loss to the New York Rangers on Tuesday night. Injuries have ravaged the Habs as Mike Hoffman and Jake Allen are both out. Nick Suzuki has been one of the lone bright spots with 10 assists so far this season.
One of these teams is going to have to win and Pittsburgh has just a little more firepower.
Prediction: Penguins win 4-2.
New Jersey Devils vs. Florida Panthers
Head-to-Head: Devils 1-0 Panthers
The Panthers have a lot of offensive weapons, but lost, 7-3, to the Devils on Nov. 9. Andreas Johnsson scored twice in the victory, as New Jersey has gotten off to a surprisingly good start. Florida stopped the bleeding with an empathic 6-1 victory over the New York Islanders. However, they lost Aleksander Barkov to a knee injury. Sam Bennett likely shifts up to the top line and maybe a good daily fantasy play. Sergei Bobrovsky has regained his Vezina Trophy form with a 1.78 goals-against-average and .942 save percentage.
The Devils have some extra time due to the game against the Ottawa Senators being called off. Pavel Zacha and Jesper Bratt have been solid point-getters for the Devs this season. Jonathan Bernier and Mackenzie Blackwood have split time in the net.
Florida will have to make do without Barkov but have a sour taste in their mouth from last time around.
Prediction: Panthers win 3-1.
Dallas Stars vs. Minnesota Wild
Head-to-Head: Stars 0-0 Wild
It’s the first meeting between the Central Division rivals. Both clubs have wins in three of their last five, but Dallas is coming off a win while Minnesota is trying rebound from a loss. Kirill Kaprizov is starting to find the Calder Trophy-winning form with eight assists so far. Cam Talbot‘s numbers of .902 save percentage and 2.97 goals-against average could be a little better.
The Stars have been playing better in the last few games, especially Tyler Seguin. Miro Heiskanen continues to be the standard-bearer on defence with 10 assists. Jake Oettinger got the win over the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday and maybe in line for another look.
One trend to watch is the Wild are 5-1 against the Stars coming off a loss.
Prediction: Wild win 4-3 in overtime.
St Louis Blues vs San Jose Sharks
Head-to-Head: Blues 1-0 Sharks
St. Louis did beat San Jose, 5-3, on Nov. 4. Brandon Saad scored twice while Joel Hofer made 23 saves in net to get the victory. However, the Blues are scuffling with four straight losses, including an embarrassing defeat to the Arizona Coyotes last time out. Robert Thomas already has 14 assists while Jordan Kyrou leads in goals with seven. Jordan Binnington is trying to help the Blues bounce back and might get the start.
San Jose is coming off a 4-1 win over Minnesota on Tuesday night. Brent Burns leads the Sharks in assists with 11 while Tomas Hertl is having a good contract year with seven goals. Adin Hill‘s save percentage (.894) and GAA (3.11) this season. However, San Jose has been playing above expectations and Erik Karlsson has had a bounce-back season.
The Blues are 11-1-2 in their last 14 against the Sharks and need a win bad.
Prediction: Blues win 4-2.
