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 Boston Bruins vs Washington Capitals.
NHL Predictions with Boston Bruins vs Washington Capitals
Boston Bruins vs Washington Capitals
Head-to-Head: Bruins 0 – 0 Capitals
The Washington Capitals enter tonight’s game on a three-game losing streak. In that same timeframe, Alex Ovechkin is -6 and has only one assist. Ovechkin is the motor behind this Capitals’ team, so it’s not a surprise to see them struggle while his production takes a dip. Despite the small skid, the Capitals remain firmly entrenched in the top three of the Metro Division, and look primed to snap back into their winning ways shortly. Even in their last game against the Minnesota Wild, the Capitals had more shots and chances. The tide is starting to turn.
The Boston Bruins will be a real handful for the Capitals, though. Lately, the Bruins have been great with four wins in their last five. That includes their most recent 5-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning. One player who has really started to come alive is Taylor Hall. In the last five games, he has a point in every single one of them for a total of six. No, he’s not playing 20 minutes a night or anything like that, but he is giving the Bruins a depth of scoring that has helped elevate their game to the next level.
The Capitals are the better team but the Bruins are the better team of late. Both of them need the points, so this one should be a close one. Bruins get the edge in extra time based on the momentum factor.
Prediction: Bruins win 4-3 (OT)
Seattle Kraken vs Colorado Avalanche
Head-to-Head: Kraken 0-1 Avalanche
What happens when one of the worst teams in the league at giving up goals plays one of the best teams in the league at scoring them? We’ll find out tonight when the Seattle Kraken visit the Colorado Avalanche. The last time these two teams met, the Avalanche won handily, 7-3. There’s little to suggest that tonight’s results will be any different.
The Avalanche are a wicked 9-1 in their last 10 and are routinely scoring four or more goals a night. In fact, they’re averaging five goals per game over that time span. The Kraken, on the other hand, are a measly 2-6-2 in their last 10 and are averaging four goals per game against in that stretch. This one’s a mismatch, to say the least.
Mikko Rantanen is worth a watch in this one. He has 12 points in his last five and could very well get another three or more this evening.
Prediction: Avalanche win 7-2
New York Rangers vs Los Angeles Kings
Head-to-Head: Rangers 0-0 Kings
The Los Angeles Kings have been surprisingly good as of late. With a 6-3-1 record in their last 10, they’ve actually reached the second spot in the West’s wild-card race. They’re only a point behind the Calgary Flames now too, although with more games played. Drew Doughty is having a sensation season which is a huge part of the Kings’ success. He’s got five points in his last five games with an average of right around 25 minutes a night of ice time. He’ll be busy tonight.
The New York Rangers have been equally as good lately. They have four wins in their last five, including two against the Lightning. Adam Fox will serve as the Rangers’ counter to Doughty, showcasing a matchup of premiere defencemen. Fox currently has 36 points in 36 games, averaging a point per game for the first time in his young career.
The result of tonight’s contest could very well come down to which elite defenceman outperforms the other. In this case, Doughty will find a way to will the Kings past the Rangers, who are on the third stop of a west coast trip.
Prediction: Kings win 4-2
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