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 Edmonton Oilers vs New York Rangers. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days.
NHL Predictions
Philadelphia Flyers vs Detroit Red Wings
Head-to-Head: Flyers 1-0 Red Wings
TV: NBC Sports Philadelphia+; Bally Sports Detroit; ESPN+
Our opening game of NHL predictions has the Philadelphia Flyers taking on the Detroit Red Wings. Carter Hart is the expected starter for the Flyers, but always check social media before locking in a starter. Samuel Ersson got a shutout in a tight 1-0 game last time out. Travis Konecny and Travis Sanheim have been playing great for the Flyers, who are surprisingly in second place in the Metropolitan Division.
The Red Wings are struggling and have lost four straight games. James Reimer is the expected starter for Detroit, who has been dealing with many injuries. The Wings have the fifth-best offence in the league, but the last few games have been a struggle to score goals. Alex DeBrincat and Shayne Gostisbehere have been good additions, but others need to step up.
Philadelphia looks to be ahead of schedule and the Flyers pick up the win.
Prediction: Flyers win 3-1.
Edmonton Oilers vs New York Rangers
Head-to-Head: Oilers 0-1 Rangers
TV: ESPN+; Hulu; Sportsnet
Our featured game of NHL predictions has the high-powered Oilers testing themselves against another great team. Edmonton rattled off four goals in the third period to beat the New Jersey Devils last night. Stuart Skinner is the confirmed starter in between the pipes for the Oilers, who have been hot-and-cold this season. Edmonton is a very good team when all parts of the team are rolling. However, the Oilers face a challenge against the Rangers.
Igor Shesterkin is the expected starter in the blue paint for the Blueshirts. The Rangers have won four of the last five, including three straight games. New York’s defence has only given up four goals in the last three games. The Rangers power play is tops in the league at 31.3 percent. However, their penalty kill is fifth in the league and will be tested. Artemi Panarin is over the 40-point mark at 17 goals and 26 assists.
This should be a good game, but the Rangers seem to be a little more responsible on defence.
Prediction: Rangers win 4-3.
Boston Bruins vs Winnipeg Jets
Head-to-Head: Bruins 0-0 Jets
TV: NESN; TSN3; ESPN+
The Boston Bruins take on the Winnipeg Jets in a game of two strong clubs. Boston is projected to go with Linus Ullmark in goal for this one. The B’s are coming off two straight losses and are fighting the Rangers for first in the Eastern Conference. David Pastrnak is one goal away from getting to the 20-goal mark, but he also leads in assists with 24.
Winnipeg will counter with confirmed starter Connor Hellebuyck, who can steal a game when needed. The Jets have won three of the last four and are doing OK without the injured Kyle Connor. Defence is the name of the game with Boston in second and Winnipeg in third in goals allowed. Josh Morrissey is tops in assists with 23 this campaign.
This game is going to be a tight one, but the Bruins stop the slide in this.
Prediction: Bruins win 3-2.
Montreal Canadiens vs Chicago Blackhawks
Head-to-Head: Canadiens 1-0 Blackhawks
TV: NBC Sports Chicago; TSN2; RDS; ESPN+
Prediction: Canadiens win 4-2.
Main photo by: Perry Nelson – USA TODAY Sports
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