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 Colorado Avalanche vs Los Angeles Kings.
NHL Predictions with Colorado Avalanche vs Los Angeles Kings
Boston Bruins vs Chicago Blackhawks
Head-to-Head: Bruins 1 – 0 Blackhawks
The Blackhawks and Bruins meet for a second time this season. The first meeting was on March 10th where the Bruins won 4-3. A close game that could have seen either team win ultimately ended up with the better team taking two points. However, Boston now needs to go on the road and do the same thing. Jeremy Swayman has been huge for them this season with Linus Ullmark struggling. Look for goaltending to be the key difference here. The Blackhawks have been playing .500 hockey lately, and with a win in their last game expect for that to continue.
Prediction: Bruins win 5-3.
Detroit Red Wings vs Edmonton Oilers
Head-to-Head: Red Wings 1 – 0 Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers are back in a playoff spot, mostly thanks to other teams struggling. However, they look to keep it that way with a win against a team that has very little playoff hopes. Detroit already took two points from them in their first meeting and Edmonton can’t let that happen again. As the deadline approaches, the Oilers need to show why they should have help added. They have already signed Evander Kane, but is there more to come?
For Detroit, it’s all about playing spoiler. They are having a solid season led by Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond. However, their defensive game as a team has really lacked quality at times; fixing that will be the key going forward.
Prediction: Oilers win 4-2.
New Jersey Devils vs Vancouver Canucks
Head-to-Head: Devils 1 – 0 Canucks
The Devils laid a beatdown on the Canucks in their first meeting of the season. A 7-2 win on February 28th is sure to leave a bad taste in the mouths of the Canucks. Unfortunately, they can’t use the excuse of being a different team (like maybe could have been stated earlier this season). Instead, they too will be out looking for some revenge.
The Devils continue to try and climb out of the Metro’s basement. Currently, in second-last, it has been another pretty poor season for a team that wanted to take a legit step forward. Instead, it’s been more mediocrity with some serious questions about what to do in net. It will be interesting to see if their young offensive players can propel them to a win again tonight.
Prediction: Devils win 3-2 in Overtime.
Colorado Avalanche vs Los Angeles Kings
Head-to-Head: Avalanche 1 – 0 Kings
The Colorado Avalanche is fresh off of acquiring Josh Manson to help solidify an already amazing defensive core. Tonight, they look to keep rolling as they now have two Eastern teams closing in on the President’s Trophy race. Although, winning the West is likely all they care about for home-ice advantage in the playoffs. Currently, they have a 10-point lead on second in the Conference and a 13-point lead on second in their division. This team is stacked, no dancing around that. However, they are dealing with injury trouble right now. Gabriel Landeskog is out with knee surgery and Samuel Girard is hurt too. Injuries haven’t slowed this team down yet though as they have been fighting through them all season long. As a result, you should expect a competitive contest.
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Meanwhile, the Kings have shocked everyone and are currently second in the Pacific while getting close to becoming a lock for the playoffs. The most impressive part about this may be that they have done it with just OK goaltending. Jonathan Quick started out hot but has one of the worst save percentages since January 1st. His overall season save percentage is down to .907. Meanwhile, Cal Petersen is at a .900. The team has played well enough defensively and solid offensively to get things done. With all of Colorado’s injuries, look for a close one tonight.
Prediction: Kings win 4-3 in Overtime.
Florida Panthers vs San Jose Sharks
Head-to-Head: Panthers 1 – 0 Sharks
The Florida Panthers are one of those teams closing in on the Avs for first. They are starting to run away with the top-heavy Atlantic division as they now have a four-point lead on second and seven on third. This Panthers team is deep; all four lines can cause issues and their defensive core is solid on every pair. It’s scary to think they could add even more at the deadline. The only question will be can they get consistent goaltending? If so, look out!
San Jose has had the year most expected from them. James Reimer was hot to start but has cooled off lately. It has left them out of the basement but also out of the playoffs: a tough spot for teams to be. Currently, they just want to see who will be a part of the future as they look for a high pick to help hit the reset button. Their biggest advantage may be the time zone tonight.
Prediction: Panthers win 4-1.
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