Main photo: Matt Blewett-USA TODAY Sports
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 Minnesota Wild and the Dallas Stars. Be sure to check out our NHL Predictions in the coming days.
NHL Predictions
Vancouver Canucks vs New York Rangers
Head-to-Head: Canucks 0 – 0 Rangers
It’s the first of two meetings in a week for the Vancouver Canucks and the New York Rangers. The Canucks have lost three of their last five games in what’s been a real mess of a season. Collin Delia is slated to be the starter in goal, but always check social media before confirming any for fantasy hockey purposes. The Canucks are actually 12th in goals for, but struggle in goals against due to them being 30th going into Tuesday night’s games.
New York is coming off arguably one of the best games of the year on Monday night. The Rangers rallied to beat the Calgary Flames, 5-4, in overtime in a game that had everything from fights to goals and big-time hits. Igor Shesterkin is the tentative starter in goal for the Blueshirts. Artemi Panarin has 40 assists so far this season and is starting to bond with Mika Zibanejad. New York is second in goals against this season.
The over/under of 6.5 could be a tempting play, but the Rangers have scored at least four goals in their last three wins. New York should get another victory here.
Prediction: Rangers win 5-2.
Minnesota Wild vs Dallas Stars
Head-to-Head: Wild 1 – 1 Stars
Our featured game is a key Central Division game. The teams have split the first two meetings of the season with Dallas winning the last encounter on December 29. Filip Gustavsson is the confirmed starter in between the pipes for the Wild. Minnesota has lost three of its last five games. The Wild are eighth in goals against and 11th on the power play. However, the Wild are 23rd in goals for with 149 going into Tuesday’s games. Kirill Kaprizov leads in goals with 28 and assists with 32.
Jake Oettinger is the unconfirmed starter for the Stars, leading the Winnipeg Jets in the Central Division. Dallas is very good on defence as they are second on the penalty kill and fourth in goals against. The Stars can also put pucks in the net as they’re sixth on the power play and ninth in goals for. Jason Robertson is the Stars leader in goals (33) and assists (34). Dallas did snap a three-game losing streak in its return from the All-Star Break against the Anaheim Ducks.
Both teams need this for Stanley Cup Playoff positioning. Dallas should get the victory in this one.
Prediction: Stars win 4-2.
