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 St Louis Blues. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days.
NHL Predictions
Los Angeles Kings vs St Louis Blues
Head-to-Head: Kings 1-1 Blues
TV: NHL Network; Bally Sports West; Bally Sports Midwest
Our opening and featured game of NHL predictions has the Kings trying to stop a three-game losing streak. David Rittich is the expected starter for Los Angeles. However, always check social media before locking in a fantasy starter. Also note the early start time for this game when making any lineup decisions. Kevin Fiala leads the team with 12 goals and 30 assists. Trevor Moore has been one of the few bright spots during this recent run.
Jordan Binnington is the likely starter for St Louis, which has won four straight games. The coaching change to Drew Bannister has at least given the Blues a fighting chance in the Western Conference. St Louis has actually won the last three games by the same 4-3 score. Robert Thomas has had a stellar season for the Blues with 17 goals and 34 assists. Justin Faulk missed Friday night’s game against the Seattle Kraken.
Los Angeles has been struggling and those continue to as the Kings try to escape the first half somewhat intact.
Prediction: Blues win 4-3.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs Seattle Kraken
Head-to-Head: Blue Jackets 0-1 Kraken
TV: Root Sports Northwest; Bally Sports Ohio; ESPN+; Sportsnet
Our final game of NHL predictions has the Columbus Blue Jackets looking to close the first half with a win. However, it’ll be on the backend of a back-to-back. Daniil Tarasov will likely get the call after sitting against the Vancouver Canucks. The Jackets have lost three of the last five games, but have looked competitive. Kirill Marchenko leads the team in goals while Zach Werenski is topping the assist category with 26. Patrik Laine and Adam Boqvist are both out for Columbus.
Seattle has hit a rough patch after winning straight earlier in the season. The Kraken have dropped four of the last five games and need to get points in a hurry. Philipp Grubauer is the projected starter for Seattle and it will be his first start since missing time with a lower-body injury. Vince Dunn also recently returned to the lineup and that should bolster the Kraken’s chances. Jared McCann is one goal away from getting 20 while Dunn leads in assists with 28.
There were 11 goals in the last meeting that Seattle won 7-4. The Kraken should get another win as they try to close out the first half of the season with another high-scoring victory.
Prediction: Kraken win 6-4.
Prop Bet of the Night
With the limited amount of games, we figured it would be a good chance to add a couple prop bets. In the first game, we like Jordan Kyrou getting the over on +0.5 points. He and Thomas have been one of the consistent parts of the Blues lineup this season. That should hopefully continue against a slumping Kings’ roster.
Let’s go with +1.0 assists for Dunn in the night cap for the Kraken. The last meeting was a high-scoring affair and the recent issues of both teams on the back end indicate the same thing. Seattle needs to Dunn to pick up where he left off after missing four games due to injury earlier in the month.
Main photo by: Kiyoshi Mio – USA TODAY Sports
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