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 for NHL Predictions is the Minnesota Wild vs Calgary Flames.
NHL Predictions
Washington Capitals vs Philadelphia Flyers
Head-to-Head: Capitals 1 – 0 Flyers
The Washington Capitals and Philadelphia Flyers both find themselves near the bottom of the Metro division. It has been years since we have been able to say that. The Capitals currently sit five points outside of a wildcard spot, so all hope is not lost, but they need to start improving on the .500 hockey they have been playing. Unfortunately, injuries have been overwhelming this season.
The Flyers started strong but have tempered off since then. Carter Hart was a massive reason for their early success, posting upwards of a .950 save percentage which was always unsustainable. He has dipped as we head into December but still has a respectable .911 on the year.
Both of these teams played on Monday, but the Capitals are coming from out West. Look for the Flyers to have an edge in this one.
Prediction: Flyers win 4-2.
Buffalo Sabres vs Columbus Blue Jackets
Head-to-Head: Sabres 0 – 0 Jackets
Two more teams having disappointing seasons, the Columbus Blue Jackets injuries have been too much to handle. They have been dominated by injuries and haven’t been able to recover. It is starting to look like a completely lost season for the team.
The Buffalo Sabres had higher hopes entering this year. Once again starting very hot, they have slowed down and now find themselves eight points out of a playoff spot. 4-5-1 in their last 10, they haven’t been bad, but they haven’t been very good either. The goaltending is very iffy, with two of their goalies under .900 and Craig Anderson at .910 over 10 games. Tage Thompson however has been a highlight, proving his breakout year last season was no fluke.
Look for the Sabres to take over a very injured Jackets team.
Sabres win 4-1.
Minnesota Wild vs Calgary Flames
Head-to-Head: Wild 0 – 0 Flames
Our NHL Predictions featured game includes two teams absolutely desperate for points. The Minnesota Wild have made some ground up after a slow start in the Central. However, they would like to keep putting up some points as there are some solid teams still in the hunt. The Wild have won four in a row and to no one’s surprise, Kirill Kaprizov has been electric. He has 32 points in 24 games and has solidified himself as one of the best players in the league. This team still needs more from Marc-Andre Fleury who has a .895 save percentage this season. If he can find his game this team could be dangerous.
On the other side, the Flames are sputtering in a suddenly very competitive Pacific division. Currently fifth, the Flames are right on the playoff bubble. Not somewhere they imagined they would be. Jacob Markstrom has really struggled which has led Daniel Vladar to earn some more starts. And Jonathan Huberdeau has had a miserable start in Calgary. They have won two in a row and on paper, both of these teams are still very good. With both of them desperate for two points, it should make for a thrilling game.
Prediction: Wild win 3-2 in Overtime.
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