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 San Jose Sharks vs Edmonton Oilers.
NHL Predictions with San Jose Sharks vs Edmonton Oilers
San Jose Sharks vs Edmonton Oilers
Head-to-Head: Sharks 0-0 Oilers
This is the first meeting between the Sharks and the Oilers this season. It’s also the first time Evander Kane will face his former team that released him last month.
The Sharks have lost their past three games, but they took two of those to overtime. The Sharks are led by Timo Meier, who has 47 points in 41 games. In six games for the Sharks, Kane has four points, and it wouldn’t be surprising if he added to that Monday.
The Oilers won their previous game 3-1 against the New York Islanders. The Oilers are led by Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid. Draisaitl is up to 65 points in 45 games, and McDavid has 63 points in 44 games.
Both teams are on the outside looking into the playoff picture and need a win, but the Oilers have three points on the Sharks and one game in hand.
Prediction: 4-2 Oilers
Minnesota Wild vs Detroit Red Wings
Head-to-Head: Wild 0-0 Red Wings
The Wild and the Red Wings will face off for the first time this season.
Minnesota was shut out 2-0 by the Winnipeg Jets in their last game. The Wild are led by Kirill Kaprizov and Mats Zuccarello. Kaprizov has 54 points in the first 42 games of his sophomore campaign. Zuccarello has 43 points in 37 games.
The Red Wings are on a two-game winning streak heading into this game. Dylan Larkin leads the Red Wings with 49 points in 44 games. Tyler Bertuzzi has 42 points in 41 games, and rookie Lucas Raymond has 38 points in 49 games.
The Wild are in the top three of the Central Division, while the Red Wings are just out of a wild card spot.
Prediction: 3-1 Wild
Winnipeg Jets vs Chicago Blackhawks
Head-to-Head: Jets 1-0 Blackhawks
The last time the Jets and the Blackhawks played each other, the Jets won 5-1 on Nov. 5. Andrew Copp had three assists in the win.
The Jets won their last game 5-2 over the Nashville Predators. Kyle Connor leads the Jets with 50 points in 45 games. Pierre-Luc Dubois and Mark Scheifele each have 35 points. Dubois has played in 44 games, and Scheifele has played in 39.
The Blackhawks are on a two-game losing streak, getting outscored 9-2 in those games. Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat lead the Blackhawks in points. Kane has 44 points in 44 games. DeBrincat has 39 points in 48 games.
Both the Jets and the Blackhawks are battling for a wild-card spot, but the Jets have seven points on the Blackhawks and three games in hand.
Prediction: 4-1 Jets
Seattle Kraken vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Head-to-Head: Kraken 0-0 Maple Leafs
This will be the first ever meeting between the Kraken and the Maple Leafs.
The Maple Leafs are on a two-game losing streak. The Maple Leafs have five players with 40 or more points this season. Auston Matthews leads the way with 55 points in 42 games. John Tavares has 44 points in 44 games. William Nylander has 43 points in 45 games. Mitch Marner has 40 points in 36 games. Morgan Reilly has 40 points in 45 games.
The Kraken are coming off a 4-3 win over the Anaheim Ducks. The Kraken’s top scorer, Jared McCann, only has 30 points in 43 games.
The Maple Leafs are currently in a playoff spot, but the Kraken likely won’t make the playoffs in their first year in the league.
Prediction: 4-2 Maple Leafs
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