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 St. Louis Blues vs Boston Bruins.
NHL Predictions with St. Louis Blues vs Boston Bruins
St. Louis Blues vs Boston Bruins
Head-to-Head: Blues 1-0 Bruins
This is the second rematch of the 2019 Stanley Cup Final in the past week. Last Tuesday, the Blues came out on top 4-2 in Boston. Vladimir Tarasenko had two goals. This matchup is in St. Louis.
The Blues come into the game with nine straight wins and have scored at least four goals in their past 12 games. St. Louis is led by Tarasenko, who has 76 points in 69 games, and Robert Thomas, who has 73 points in 66 games, both career highs.
The Bruins won their previous game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Boston is led by Brad Marchand, who has 73 points in 64 games, and David Pastrnak, who has 71 points in 69 games.
Both the Blues and Bruins have clinched playoff spots. The Blues will likely get the Minnesota Wild in the first round, but they are still fighting for home-ice advantage. The Bruins are currently in a wild-card spot and are looking to gain some ground.
Prediction: 4-3 OT Blues
Nashville Predators vs Calgary Flames
Head-to-Head: Predators 1-0 Flames
The Predators beat the Flames 3-2 in overtime on Nov. 2.
The Predators lost their last game 8-3 to the Blues. The Predators are led by Roman Josi, who has 88 points in 74 games, and Matt Duchene, who has 77 points in 72 games, both career highs.
This is the second game of a back-to-back for the Flames. They played the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday night. They won their previous game 9-1 over the Arizona Coyotes. The Flames are led by Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Tkachuk, who have both set new career highs in points.
The Flames have already clinched a playoff spot, but the Predators are trying to hang on to a wild card spot.
Prediction: 2-1 Flames
Vancouver Canucks vs Ottawa Senators
Head-to-Head: Canucks 1-0 Senators
The two teams last played each other on December 1, when the Canucks came out on top 6-2. Quinn Hughes led both teams with four assists.
This is the second game of a back-to-back for the Canucks. They played the Dallas Stars on Monday night. Before Monday, they won their previous five games. J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson lead the team in points.
It’s also the second night of a back-to-back for the Senators. They played the Seattle Kraken on Monday night. Before Monday, they lost their previous game to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Captain Brady Tkachuk and Tim Stutzle lead the team in points.
While the Canucks are much closer, neither team will likely make the playoffs.
Prediction: 3-2 Canucks
Anaheim Ducks vs Los Angeles Kings
Head-to-Head: Kings 1-1 Ducks
The last time the two teams played, the Kings came out on top 4-1 on Feb. 19. Adrian Kempe had a three-point game. Before that, the Ducks won 5-4 in a shootout on November 30.
The Ducks won their last game 6-4 over the Blue Jackets. Anaheim is led by Troy Terry, who has 63 points in 70 games, and Trevor Zegras, who has 57 points in 70 games.
The Kings won their last game 2-1 over the Blue Jackets. Los Angeles is led by captain Anze Kopitar, who has 62 points in 77 games.
The Kings haven’t clinched a playoff spot yet but should make the playoffs, while the Ducks won’t make the playoffs.
Prediction: 4-3 Kings
San Jose Sharks vs Columbus Blue Jackets
Head-to-Head: Blue Jackets 1-0 Sharks
The last time the two teams faced off, the Blue Jackets won 6-4 on Dec. 5. Adam Boqvist had two goals.
The Sharks have lost their past 10 games. Timo Meier leads the team with 73 points in 70 games, and Tomas Hertl has 62 points in 75 games.
The Blue Jackets lost their last game to the Kings. Patrik Laine leads the team with 56 points in 56 games, and Jakub Voracek has 55 points in 73 games.
This game should see Kent Johnson and Nick Blankenburg face off against their former Michigan teammate Thomas Bordeleau for the first time since leaving Ann Arbour.
Neither team is even particularly close to making the playoffs.
Prediction: 3-1 Blue Jackets
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