With the large amount of games on tonight’s NHL schedule, it might be hard to know where to start. We at the Last Word on Hockey have helped narrow your focus to our best bets. This round of NHL Predictions will help condense the slate into three best bets and one prop bet of the night.
NHL Predictions
Washington Capitals vs Detroit Red Wings
Head-to-Head: Capitals 1-1 Red Wings
TV: ESPN
Our opening game of NHL predictions is a must-win for both the Washington Capitals and Detroit Red Wings. The Capitals are expected to start Charlie Lindgren, but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. Washington is one point off the final wild card spot held by Detroit. The Capitals are also two points off being tied for the third spot in the Metropolitan Division. However, Washington has lost six straight games heading into this one. John Carlson has eight goals and 40 assists for the Capitals. Alex Ovechkin has scored eight goals with two assists over the last 10 games as he continue to try to track down Wayne Gretzky.
Alex Lyon is the confirmed starter for the Red Wings, who are 4-4-2 in the last 10 games. Detroit holds the last spot by one point over Washington and is tied on points with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Michael Rasmussen is out for this game against Washington. The Capitals are 28-5-4 in games they score three or more goals, but the offence has dried up in recent games. Team captain Dylan Larkin has 31 goals and 31 assists for the Red Wings. Shayne Gostisbehere has six assists over the last 10 games.
Injuries are hurting the Capitals and they’ll miss Rasmus Sandin. This game is critical for both teams.
Prediction: Red Wings win 4-2.
Minnesota Wild vs Colorado Avalanche
Head-to-Head: Wild 0-3 Avalanche
TV: ESPN
Our second game of NHL predictions has the Minnesota Wild visiting the Colorado Avalanche. Filip Gustavsson is the projected starter in net for the Wild, who are 4-4-2 in the last 10 games. Kirill Kaprizov has been playing well for Minnesota this season. Kaprizov has 41 goals and 48 assists for the Wild. Marco Rossi has scored four goals over the past 10 games.
Alexandar Georgiev is the likely starter for Colorado, which has lost two straight and is 5-4-1 in the last 10 games. The Avalanche have kept the Wild off the board mostly in the three previous meetings. Hart Trophy candidate Nathan MacKinnon has 48 goals and 85 assists for the Avalanche. Cale Makar has two goals and eight assists over the last 10 games.
It’s been tough for the Wild to score against the Avalanche and that trend should not change.
Prediction: Avalanche win 5-2.
Los Angeles Kings vs Anaheim Ducks
Head-to-Head: Kings 2-0 Ducks
TV: KCAL, Bally Sports Southern California; Bally Sports San Diego; Sportsnet 360; ESPN+
Our final game of NHL predictions has the Anaheim Ducks hosting the Los Angeles Kings. Cam Talbot is the expected starter for the Kings, who are 7-3 in the last 10 and have taken three straight games. The Kings are 34-4-6 in games they score three or more goals. Adrian Kempe has 27 goals and 44 assists for the Kings. Anze Kopitar has scored six goals and added seven assists over the past 10 games.
Anaheim is likely to go with Lukas Dostal in the blue paint for this game. The Ducks are 2-6-2 in the last 10 and have dropped two in a row. Frank Vatrano has 32 goals and 23 assists for the Ducks. Rookie Olen Zellweger has one goal and four assists over the last 10 games.
Los Angeles is getting hot at the right time and looking to solidify its playoff positioning.
Prediction: Kings win 5-1.
Prop Bet of the Night
We’ll take the Kings and Ducks getting the over tonight on the 5.5 number.
Main photo by: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports
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