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 Carolina Hurricanes vs New Jersey Devils. Keep checking our NHL predictions throughout the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
NHL Predictions
Carolina Hurricanes vs New Jersey Devils
Series: Hurricanes 2-1 Devils
Our first and featured game of NHL predictions has the Hurricanes trying to rebound after an 8-4 rout from the Devils. Frederik Andersen is the projected starter for Carolina, but always check social media before locking in a starter. There’s always the question of Antti Raanta should Canes head coach Rod Brind’Amour decide to make a change. Pyotr Kochetkov got time due to Raanta missing practice because of injury. Carolina struggled in a dealing with New Jersey’s offensive talent in Game 3. However, the Canes are 2-0 after losses in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. This team is very good at bouncing back after setbacks due to Carolina’s ability to adjust.
Vitek Vanecek is the likely starter in goal for the Devils after getting the call in Game 3. Akira Schmid has played a big hand in New Jersey making it this far in the post-season. However, head coach Lindy Ruff might be making another goaltending change. That seemed to be the spark that carried the Devils past the New York Rangers in the opening round. Adding Luke Hughes seemed to help New Jersey unlock more of its offensive prowess in Game 3. Many thought the Devils were in trouble after the second game in the first round. However, New Jersey has the same resiliency that Carolina does.
This one is a tough game to call, but Carolina’s ability to adjust carries them through.
Prediction: Hurricanes win 4-2.
Dallas Stars vs Seattle Kraken
Series: Stars 1-2 Kraken
In our last game of NHL predictions, the Dallas Stars will try to bounce back against the Seattle Kraken. Jake Oettinger will be the starter once again for Dallas. The Stars have been tough to read in this series due to their inconsistency. Dallas looked out of place in Games 1 and 3, but looked like a contender in Game 2. The Stars are going to have to clean up their defensive mistakes and be ready for anything. Seattle can get scoring from multiple locations in the lineup.
Philipp Grubauer will once again start for the Kraken in goal. There were questions about the Seattle goaltending before the start of the post-season. However, those concerns have been answered so far. It also helps that the Kraken can put up goals with best of them during this playoff run. Jared McCann has been practicing, but it’s unknown if the 40-goal scorer will be back for Seattle.
The Stars are also a team that has recovered well after losses. They’ll even up the series with a better defensive effort in this one.
Prediction: Stars win 5-3.
Main photo by: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
