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 Vegas Golden Knights vs Vancouver Canucks. Be sure to check out our earlier two predictions articles, as well.
NHL Predictions With Vegas Golden Knights vs Vancouver Canucks
Los Angeles Kings vs Chicago Blackhawks
Head-to-Head: Kings 0-1 Blackhawks
The Kings are still in the mix for a Stanley Cup Playoff spot, but have the Golden Knights breathing down their neck. Los Angeles has picked the wrong time to have a three-game losing streak. Chicago did beat Los Angeles via a 4-3 shootout victory earlier in the season. The Kings will probably turn to veteran Jonathan Quick to stop the streak. Drew Doughty being out for the rest of the season is a big blow.
Colin Delia will get the call for the Hawks in between the pipes. Chicago has lost seven straight and has been shutout in two of those losses. The under of 5.5 may be a good play despite it being a low number. Alex DeBrincat is one goal away from getting a 40-goal season for the first time since 2018-19.
The Kings needs points and this could be just the tonic they need.
Prediction: Kings win 3-1.
Seattle Kraken vs Calgary Flames
Head-to-Head: Kraken 0-3 Flames
It’s the final meeting of the season for the Pacific Division foes as the Flames look for the clean sweep. The Kraken have the 30th ranked offence in the league and have been inconsistent putting pucks in the net. Philipp Grubauer is likely to get the call in this own.
Calgary may not be able to catch the Colorado Avalanche for the President’s Trophy or the West’s top seed. However, they’re seven points ahead of Alberta-rival Edmonton for first in the division. Jacob Markstrom will probably draw the start as the Flames want to sew up the division crown. Calgary’s four-game winning streak has bolstered those efforts.
Seattle has shown flashes on putting things together and Matty Beniers is slated to make his debut. However, the Flames will make the clean sweep.
Prediction: Flames win 4-2.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Dallas Stars
Head-to-Head: Lightning 1-0 Stars
It’s a rematch of the 2020 Stanley Cup Final and both teams are fighting for post-season positioning. Tampa is going to try to cycle through some of their players to get them some rest. The Lightning have played a lot of hockey over the last three years due to their back-to-back titles. Make sure you check your daily fantasy lineup so you can adjust accordingly. Andrei Vasilevskiy may draw the start in this one.
Dallas likely goes with Jake Oettinger in between the pipes in an important game. The Stars got a 6-4 win over the Blackhawks in their last game, but need to tighten things up on defence. Vegas is only two points in back of Dallas, but the Stars have a game in hand. Oettinger has played like the team’s goalie of the future with 26 wins.
The uncertain lineup choices Tampa coach Jon Cooper may make throw this one into doubt. Stars could be a good value at +125.
Prediction: Stars win 3-2 in a shootout.
Vegas Golden Knights vs Vancouver Canucks
Head-to-Head: Golden Knights 2-1 Canucks
Our featured game is a pivotal one in the chase for the second Western Conference Wild Card spot. The Golden Knights know they have work to do if they want to catch the Stars. Keep an eye on the Vegas lineup, as there may be some moves made to keep compliant. Veteran Robin Lehner likely starts in a pretty-much must-win game. The Knights do have wins in four of their last five.
However, that loss was a 5-1 setback to the Canucks. Time has probably run out on a miracle run, but Bruce Boudreau will have the team playing hard. Thatcher Demko probably gets the start for a Vancouver team that has won three straight. The Canucks have five goals in two of those victories.
This will be a tough one, but Vegas squeaks by knowing their playoff fate is in their hands.
Prediction: Golden Knights win 4-3.
New Jersey Devils vs Arizona Coyotes
Head-to-Head: Devils 0-1 Coyotes
The main thing these teams are playing for is the chance at more ping pong balls in the Shane Wright lottery. Nico Daws likely starts for the Devils while Karel Vejmelka gets the call for the Coyotes. Both teams have lost four of five, but New Jersey has a 3-1 win over Dallas in the last outing.
It’s a coin flip, but go Devils in this one.
Prediction: Devils win 3-2.
