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 Chicago Blackhawks vs Minnesota Wild.
NHL Predictions
Chicago Blackhawks vs Minnesota Wild
Head-to-Head: Blackhawks 0 – 1 Wild
Our NHL Predictions featured game of the night sees the Blackhawks visit the Wild. Minnesota started the season slow but have since picked it up. Currently, the Wild are third in their division and are 7-3 in their last 10. Kirill Kaprizov is leading the way as expected for this team. However, what has made a huge difference is an improvement in goaltending. Both Marc-Andre Fleury and Filip Gustavsson struggled mightily to start the year and have since improved. This Minnesota team is a solid one, and that is without someone like Marco Rossi who is currently in the AHL.
On the other side, the Blackhawks have fallen off heavily after an OK start. They have lost five in a row and are 1-8-1 in their last 10. Needless to say, they are very far out of playoffs. Currently sitting last in the division, this is a team that is OK with their record. Most people expected a tough year for the team, as a high draft pick is the end goal. For now, it will be keeping an eye on Patrick Kane, who hasn’t had as great of a year as we are used to. Still, he is a threat offensively whenever he is on the ice.
Overall, this game feels like a bit of a mismatch. However, the Wild only took the last game 4-3. The Hawks have a long history against Minnesota, and even though this isn’t the team of the mid-2010s, look for them to keep it close.
Prediction: Wild win 5-3.
St. Louis Blues vs Calgary Flames
Head-to-Head: Blues 0 – 0 Flames
This is the first of just two meetings between the St. Louis Blues and Calgary Flames. The Blues have had a crazy season. Seemingly always on a hot streak or a cold streak, which has led to a .500 record. Their biggest issue has been they can’t outscore their issues this season. The 111 goals against leads their division by a wide margin. The Blackhawks sit second at 105 and then no one else is above 100. On top of that, the Blues sit fourth in their division for goals scored with 89.
The Flames had high expectations heading into this season but it has not worked out so far. They have lost four in a row and people are starting to panic. Thankfully, three of those four games went into Overtime which gave Calgary a point. Jacob Markstrom has looked better lately, and he will be needed to turn the season around. Jonathan Huberdeau also needs to find a form much closer to last season.
Prediction: Flames win 3-2.
New York Islanders vs Arizona Coyotes
Head-to-Head: Islanders 0 – 1 Coyotes
The New York Islanders look for revenge as they actually dropped the first meeting of this season series. That win is one of just nine that the Arizona Coyotes have found this year. Much like the Blackhawks, they too expected to have a bad season and that is happening. Still, they have shown if teams take them lightly they will play them hard.
For the Islanders, a hot start has come back down to Earth a little bit recently. Divisional rivals have picked up the pace which means their 5-4-1 last 10 won’t cut it. Ilya Sorokin has been lights out this season, which is very encouraging considering he was underrated last season too. Look for the Isles structure and system to overwhelm the Coyotes.
Prediction: Islanders win 4-2.
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