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 New Jersey Devils vs New York Islanders. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days.
NHL Predictions
Calgary Flames vs Columbus Blue Jackets
Head-to-Head: Flames 0-0 Blue Jackets
TV: Bally Sports Ohio; Sportsnet One
Our opening game of NHL predictions has the Calgary Flames getting together with their old friend Johnny Gaudreau. Jacob Markstrom will draw the start after Daniel Vladar went the night before. Calgary got a 4-3 win the night before over the Buffalo Sabres. The Flames spread out the scoring and that’s a good sign for them going forward.
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The Columbus Blue Jackets are coming off a 4-0 shutout loss to the Detroit Red Wings in their last outing. Elvis Merzlikins will likely draw the start, but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy goalie. Boone Jenner continues to lead the way with three goals so far this season. The Jackets offence goes dry when they struggle to win.
It’s tough for a team to come back off to a back-to-back. However, Calgary finds a way to get it done.
Prediction: Flames win 4-2.
New Jersey Devils vs New York Islanders
Head-to-Head: Devils 0-0 Islanders
TV: MSG, MSGN, NHL Network
Our featured game has the Devils taking on the Islanders. New Jersey is 1-1-1 to start the season, but expectations are high for the club. The Devils will likely go with Vitek Vanecek in net. Jesper Bratt has three goals so far and Jack Hughes has six points. There’s some worry that Erik Haula and Tomas Nosek won’t be in the lineup due to injuries.
Ilya Sorokin is the probable starter in net for the Islanders, who have two wins to start the season. New York has only four goals in those two wins, but its defence has been pretty stout. Kyle Palmieri has a goal and an assist to start the campaign. Scott Mayfield was out for Saturday’s game, so keep an eye on his injury status.
The Devils have some good firepower, but the Islanders defence will help them get the victory.
Prediction: Islanders win 3-1.
Main photo by: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports
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