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 York Rangers vs New York Islanders. This is the second of two Stadium Series games at Met Life Stadium. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days.
NHL Predictions
New York Rangers vs New York Islanders
Head-to-Head: Rangers 0-0 Islanders
TV: ABC; ESPN+; Sportsnet
Our first and featured game of NHL predictions has the Rangers and Islanders squaring off for the first time this season. Igor Shesterkin is the expected starter, but always check social media before locking in a fantasy starter. The Rangers have won six straight games. However, the loss of Blake Wheeler may prove costly. Artemi Panarin leads the team in goals (31) and assists (40) this season.
The Islanders will go with Ilya Sorokin in between the pipes. New York has lost three of the last five games and are five points off the second wild card spot. New head coach Patrick Roy has the Isles playing harder. However, the results have yet to materialize on a consistent basis. Brock Nelson leads the club in goals with 22 while Noah Dobson 48 assists.
The Blueshirts have been playing well as of late. However, the lack of forward depth gives the Isles the edge.
Prediction: Islanders win 3-2.
Arizona Coyotes vs Colorado Avalanche
Head-to-Head: Coyotes 2-1 Avalanche
TV: Altitude; Scripps; ESPN+
The Arizona Coyotes look to win the season-series against the Colorado Avalanche in the fourth meeting between the two clubs. Karel Vejmelka is the expected starter for the Coyotes, who have lost eight straight games. Clayton Keller has been a bright spot this season with 21 goals and 28 assists to lead in both categories.
Alexandar Georgiev is the projected starter for the Avalanche, who have lost four of the last five games. Defence has been a problem during this recent run with allowing four or more goals during four of the last five games. Nathan MacKinnon is putting up Hart Trophy numbers with 32 goals and 57 assists. The Avs are third in goals scored, but 23rd in goals allowed.
Colorado has been limping along, but should get healthy against a faltering Arizona team.
Prediction: Avalanche win 5-2.
Los Angeles Kings vs Pittsburgh Penguins
Head-to-Head: Kings 0-1 Penguins
TV: Sportsnet Pittsburgh; Bally Sports West; ESPN+
Our last game of NHL predictions has the Los Angeles Kings taking on the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Kings got a big overtime-win against the Boston Bruins on Saturday night. Cam Talbot is the expected starter after David Rittich played the day before. Los Angeles has actually won four of its last five games. Trevor Moore leads the team in goals with 21 while Kevin Fiala has 30 assists.
Pittsburgh is slated to go with Tristan Jarry in the blue paint for this one. The Penguins will be without Jake Guentzel for an extended period due to injury. Pittsburgh stopped a three-game losing streak with a 4-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. Sidney Crosby leads the team in goals with 30 while Erik Karlsson is tops in assists with 30. The Penguins do need some points in order to mount a charge at the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Pittsburgh is seven points off the playoffs.
Coming off back-to-back games is tough, but the Kings are pumped after Brandt Clarke‘s overtime-winner from yesterday.
Prediction: Kings win 4-2.
Main photo by: Kevin R. Wexler – USA TODAY Sports
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