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 and the St. Louis Blues. Be sure to check out our other set of predictions later today.
NHL Predictions: Colorado Avalanche vs St Louis Blues
Colorado Avalanche vs St. Louis Blues
Head-to-Head: Avalanche 0-1 Blues
Our featured game is a Central Division matchup and a rematch of last season’s Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Blues took the first meeting of the season, 3-2. Colorado is coming off a shootout loss to the New York Rangers on Friday night. Alexandar Georgiev will likely draw the start in goal after a strong start against the Blueshirts. The Avs offence hasn’t been as vaunted as other years as they’re 24th goals for. However, the defence is top five with only 71 goals allowed.
The Blues are trying to figure things out and have likely starter Jordan Binnington cut down the antics. St. Louis has lost four of its last five and there’s some real trouble surrounding the club for the first time in a while. The Blues are 28th in goals allowed and 19th in goals for. St. Louis’ league-worst penalty kill will have also deal with the second-best power play.
An early-goal by the Avs could open the floodgates. The over/under could worth a shout on this game.
Prediction: Avalanche win 5-2.
Los Angeles Kings vs Columbus Blue Jackets
Head-to-Head: Kings 0-0 Blue Jackets
The Los Angeles Kings continue their Eastern road trip looking to make things happen. Jonathan Quick will likely draw the start after Pheonix Copley started Saturday night’s game in Montreal. Los Angeles had lost three of its last five going into Saturday night’s action. The Kings are seventh in goals for with 96 going into Saturday’s games.
The Columbus Blue Jackets continue to deal with a run of injuries with Joonas Korpisalo the latest name. Elvis Merzlikins will probably get the start of the Jackets in goal. Columbus did win the first round of the Johnny Gaudreau Bowl with a victory over the Calgary Flames on Friday night. However, their power play is dead-last in the league and only Patrik Laine seems to be scoring.
The Kings need to close out the road trip with a win and should get one here. Columbus seems to be just a little too banged up at the moment.
Prediction: Kings win 4-2.
Seattle Kraken vs. Florida Panthers
Head-to-Head: Kraken 0-1 Panthers
Our last game in this slate of predictions features the Seattle Kraken and the Florida Panthers. Florida did win the first meeting of the season, 5-1. Seattle has lost three straight games, but can put in the goals from multiple sources. However, the offence has only scored four goals during that losing streak. Phillipp Grubauer will likely start for the Kraken.
Spencer Knight will probably get the call with Sergei Bobrovsky starting against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday night. The team does carry three goalies with Alex Lyon, so check online before you make a daily fantasy hockey decision. Florida had won three of its last five going into Saturday afternoon’s game. The Panthers have scored five goals in each of those last three victories.
Both teams can score goals and the over of 6.5 could still be manageable. However, the Panthers should get the home victory.
Prediction: Panthers win 4-3.
Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days on our website.
Makar scores late to lift Avalanche past Blues.
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— TSN (@TSN_Sports) April 4, 2021
