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 Winnipeg Jets vs Ottawa Senators.
NHL Predictions With Winnipeg Jets vs Ottawa Senators
Anaheim Ducks vs Carolina Hurricanes
Head-to-Head: Ducks 0 – 1 Hurricanes
With the Hurricane’s lastest loss, the window was open for the New York Rangers to catch them atop the Metropolitan Division standings. And last night, the Rangers did just that. A 5-1 thumping of the Ottawa Senators now has the Rangers tied with the Hurricanes for the first time this year. Carolina seemed to have a stranglehold on the division the whole year and that it would be cruise control towards the playoffs. Perhaps they cruised a little too much.
If the Hurricanes want to regain control of their division they will need to take advantage of an easy matchup tonight. No mistakes here. The Ducks enter this one having won just two of their last 15. As for those two wins, they came against the lowly Arizona Coyotes and Philidelphia Flyers.
‘Canes shouldn’t take them lightly but also shouldn’t mess this one up. Time to take care of business.
Prediction: Hurricanes win 4-1
Dallas Stars vs Chicago Blackhawks
Head-to-Head: Stars 2 – 0 Blackhawks
The two Wild Card spots in the Western Conference continue to be a highly contested battle between four teams. The Nashville Predators, Vegas Golden Knights, Vancouver Canucks, and the Dallas Stars are all vying for the final two spots. With 10 or fewer games left for each of those teams and only separated by four points, every game is paramount.
Dallas has won both of their meetings with the Blackhawks this year but they haven’t come easy. Each win was by only a single goal. The ‘Hawks play the Stars hard and despite their own season being lost, they will surely revel in the fact they can play spoilers to their division rivals.
Dallas is coming off of two straight losses, including an overtime loss against the Toronto Maple Leafs. They came back from three goals down to tie and snag a crucial point. But a loss to the lowly New Jersey Devils has taken some wind out of their sails.
It’s time to right the ship and get back on course towards the playoffs.
Prediction: Stars win 4-3
Winnipeg Jets vs Ottawa Senators
Head-to-Head: Jets 0 – 1 Senators
The Winnipeg Jets have an outside chance here of snagging a Wild Card spot. And by outside, I mean they are outside their house and ran to the next town over. Winnipeg sits seven points back of the final playoff spot and has one fewer game remaining. It’s going to take a monster run by the Jets, who swept the Edmonton Oilers last year in the first round if they want to make back-to-back postseasons.
Ottawa will try and rain on the parade tonight. The Sens have an opportunity to put one of the final nails in the coffin, especially if the Dallas Stars win tonight too. The Senators are led by the red-hot Mathieu Joseph, who has 10 points in his last five games. Joseph has found his stride in Ottawa since coming over from Tampa Bay at the deadline.
Joseph is an RFA at the end of the season. So a strong showing to finish out the year could keep the Senators management very interested in re-signing the former fourth-round pick.
Prediction: Senators win 4-3 in overtime
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