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 between the Los Angeles Kings and the Carolina Hurricanes. Be sure to check out other NHL Predictions in the coming days.
NHL Predictions
Los Angeles Kings vs Carolina Hurricanes
Head-to-Head: Kings 0-1 Hurricanes
Our featured game has two teams with designs on the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Carolina defeated Los Angeles, 4-2, in the first meeting of the season on December 3. The Kings had their three-game winning streak on Saturday against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Jonathan Quick is slated to be the starter in goal, but check social media for up-to-date information before setting your fantasy lineup. There are plenty of questions in goal, which means the Kings could be in the goalie market. Los Angeles is 10th in goals for and on the power play, but goals allowed are an issue.
Carolina is riding a five-game winning streak and trying to get the Metropolitan Division title. Antti Raanta is the current unconfirmed starter in goal for the Hurricanes. The Canes have scored at least five goals in three of their recent victories. Carolina loves spreading the offence around, but Sebastian Aho leads the team in goals with 21. Brent Burns is tops in the assist category with 26.
This should be a good one, but one should ride the hot hand and that’s Carolina.
Prediction: Hurricanes win 4-2.
Ottawa Senators vs Montreal Canadiens
Head-to-Head: Senators 2-0 Canadiens
The Ottawa Senators blanked the Montreal Canadiens, 5-0, in the last meeting on Saturday night. Ottawa has won three straight games as it shows some promise nearing the All-Star Break. Anton Forsberg is the scheduled starter for the Senators in goal for tonight’s game. Ottawa is third on the power play with a 26.3% success rate.
Montreal is coming into the game with three straight losses. The Habs have taken some injury blows with talented youngsters like Cole Caufield out for the rest of the season. Jake Allen is the confirmed starter between the pipes for the Canadiens.
Rivalry games are tough to pick, but Ottawa has shown some fire in the last few games.
Prediction: Senators win 3-1.
Washington Capitals vs Columbus Blue Jackets
Head-to-Head: Capitals 2-0 Blue Jackets
Our final game of the night features the Washington Capitals trying to stay in one of the two Eastern Conference Wild Card spots. Washington know the Buffalo Sabres and New York Islanders are trying to make a chase of it. The Caps are getting another phenomenal season from the ageless Alex Ovechkin, who has 32 goals already. Washington is 13th in goals for and goals against. Darcy Kuemper should get the start in this one.
The Columbus Blue Jackets are rooted to the bottom of the Metro Division and are in the Connor Bedard sweepstakes. Columbus currently has the best odds of landing the “generational talent.” However, the Jackets have to worry about surviving this slow march of a season. Elvis Merzlikins is the likely starter for Columbus in net. The Blue Jackets are 28th on the power play, 29th in goals for and 31st in goals against. Surely this isn’t what Johnny Gaudreau pictured when he signed in the Ohio capital.
Washington is playing for post-season positioning while Columbus is playing out the string. Ovechkin scoring on the power play could be an interesting prop bet worth a roll of the dice on.
Prediction: Capitals win 5-2.
