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 Los Angeles Kings vs Vegas Golden Knights. Be sure to check out our other NHL predictions for today.
NHL Predictions
Chicago Blackhawks vs Vancouver Canucks
Head-to-Head: Blackhawks 0-2 Canucks
The opening game of NHL predictions features the Chicago Blackhawks versus Vancouver Canucks. Alex Stalock is the confirmed starter in net for the Blackhawks. Chicago stopped their losing streak with a victory over the Calgary Flames on Tuesday night. The Hawks might be seeing the end of Jonathan Toews‘ tenure with the club.
Vancouver will go with Thatcher Demko in between the pipes. The Canucks have lost four straight games as the season is close to wrapping up. Defensive issues have been the problem for Vancouver in that losing streak. The Canucks have given up four our more in goals in each of those losses.
Vancouver may be playing bad, but it’s just a bit better.
Prediction: Canucks win 4-3.
Los Angeles Kings vs Vegas Golden Knights
Head-to-Head: Kings 2-1 Golden Knights
Our featured game of NHL predictions has the Kings and the Golden Knights take part in a Pacific Division battle. The Kings will likely go with Joonas Korpisalo in goal, but always check on social media before locking in your lineup. Los Angeles has lost three of its last five games and will need to win in order to keep its division title hopes alive. Offence has been a problem for the Kings in the last five games, as they’ve only scored four goals once in that stretch. Los Angeles still has a top-five power play despite all of its recent problems.
Laurent Brossoit is the confirmed starter in goal for the Golden Knights. Vegas has also lost three of its last five games heading into this matchup. The Golden Knights did sweep a home-and-home series with the Minnesota Wild. However, that was followed up with an overtime loss to the Nashville Predators. A win by Vegas would give it a six-point lead with three games left to go.
Vegas can put the division out of reach with a win in this one.
Prediction: Golden Knights win 4-2.
Arizona Coyotes vs Seattle Kraken
Head-to-Head: Coyotes 0-1 Kraken
It’s another Pacific Division matchup as the Arizona Coyotes battle the Seattle Kraken. Karel Vejmelka will be the starter for the Coyotes, who are looking to avenge an 8-1 loss to the Kraken the last time out. Arizona has lost eight straight games and is struggling with the season about ready to finish.
Philipp Grubauer is the confirmed starter for the Kraken, who have won two straight games. Seattle does have the third-most goals scored going into this game. The Kraken are trying to lock up their first Stanley Cup Playoff spot in team history. Seattle sits comfortably in the first wild card spot with five games left to play.
We could be in for another rough one for the Coyotes. The Kraken offence has been solid in recent games.
Prediction: Kraken win 6-2.
Colorado Avalanche vs San Jose Sharks
Head-to-Head: Avalanche 2-0 Sharks
Our final game of NHL predictions has the Colorado Avalanche taking on the San Jose Sharks. Alexandar Georgiev is the starter for the Avalanche, who will be without Cale Makar for this one. Colorado has won four of its last five games and beat San Jose in the last game out. It’s a three-horse race between the Avalanche, Wild and Dallas Stars.
Kaapo Kahkonen will get the start in goal for the Sharks, who won three straight before the loss to the Avalanche. San Jose is in the mix to get Connor Bedard. However, Erik Karlsson is having one heck of a season.
Despite the loss of Makar, Colorado should win.
Prediction: Avalanche win 4-2.
Main photo by: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
