Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Every day Last Word on Hockey brings you a prediction and analysis of every game on the schedule. In the January 28th edition of NHL Predictions, we’ll cover two games. There will also be a featured game that is must-watch hockey. Today’s NHL Predictions featured game is the Calgary Flames vs the St. Louis Blues.
NHL Predictions
Buffalo Sabres vs. Ottawa Senators
Head-to-Head: Sabres 1 – 1 Senators
Immediately after the All-Star break is always an important time to examine the standings. By now, we usually have a pretty good idea of where a team is. The Buffalo Sabres, however, are a team that has had a difficult time carving out a defined path. The team has been passable at times, but have a tendency to go on losing streaks as well. Over their last 10 games, the Sabres are 5-5-0. Unfortunately, the time is over for this to be acceptable.
The Sabres are not bad enough to be stockpiling draft picks and assets. More so, they’re falling behind in a division that has been hot over the last several weeks. Buffalo sits 10 points back of a playoff spot, and they have to improve if they hope to squeak into the playoffs. If they manage to do so, It will likely be on the back of Jack Eichel. The young star continues to build his portfolio as a high-impact player in the league. Sooner or later, he’ll need to drag his team into the playoffs. If Eichel can manage, he may be a dark-horse contender for the Hart Trophy.
The Ottawa Senators, on the other hand, have a clearly defined role as not all that good. They’ve won just one game in their last 10 chances. Despite the results, they are playing a much more competitive game than last year. Right now, it’s all about the process for the young team, not the results. The biggest question facing the Senators right now is “who of value stays past the trade deadline?”
There are some untouchables, namely young talent that appears to be part of their future core (Brady Tkachuk, Thomas Chabot). But what becomes of Anthony Duclair? Will long-time Senator Jean-Gabriel Pageau be on his way out of town? These questions are far more pressing for the Senators at the moment. That being said, expect the team that needs this win more to come away with a victory.
Prediction: Sabres win 4-3
Calgary Flames vs St. Louis Blues
Head-to-Head: Flames 0 – 0 Blues
The Calgary Flames currently find themselves facing a log jam in the Pacific Division. They’re sitting in a playoff spot now at third place in the division, but just a single point represents the difference between first in the division, or falling out of the playoffs completely at fifth. The Flames will have a golden opportunity in the game after this one, as they’ll be taking on the Edmonton Oilers, one of the teams they are tied with.
This will be the first time the two teams play each other since Zack Kassian was suspended for his kerfuffle with Matthew Tkachuk. Why are we discussing this game instead of the game they’ll be playing tonight? That’s just the issue, if the Flames look past the Blues in preparation for the battle of Alberta, they risk the chance for two valuable points.
And the Flames certainly shouldn’t be looking past this game, as they’ll be taking on the top team in the Western Conference. The St. Louis Blues. The Blues just hosted the NHL All-Star Game and are looking to continue their season just as they had before the break. The Blues sit atop the Central Division. While the Central is a top-heavy division, its best teams represent real contenders for the Stanley Cup.
How have the Blues maintained their grip on the division? Largely through defence. St. Louis has given up the second-least goals in the Western Conference, allowing just 134 goals in 49 games. Usually, the Blues would be the way to go in this game, however, St. Louis will be playing on the second half of a back-to-back. They play Vancouver January 27th. Expect the Flames to take advantage of a tired St. Louis squad and earn a victory.
Prediction: Flames win 3-1
