Welcome back to NHL Predictions, where the Last Word on Hockey team provides insight into all of today’s games. On Wednesday, February 12th’s edition of NHL Predictions, we’ll take a look at three games. Today’s featured game is a battle between the Montreal Canadiens and the Boston Bruins.
NHL Predictions
Montreal Canadiens vs. Boston Bruins
Head-to-Head: Canadiens 1-2 Bruins
For the fourth and final time during the 2019-20 regular season, the Montreal Canadiens approach the Boston Bruins in an Original Six rivalry. It’s been a thrilling head-to-head season series between those two so far. The Canadiens have won the first matchup at the Bell Centre in Montreal 5-4. The Bruins were able to get revenge in Montreal late in November with an 8-1 victory to embarrass the Habs.
Early in December, the Bruins beat the Canadiens 3-1 at home and took the lead in the season series. Boston couldn’t beat the Habs at home between January 2012 and February 2017. Nevertheless, the Bruins have gone 4-1-1 in their last six home dates with Montreal. Both teams are separated by 19 points in the standings, with the Bruins leading the NHL with 80 points. The improved Canadiens, 9-4-0 in their last 13 contests, fell just short at home on Monday, blowing a 2-0 early lead. Montreal had a chance to climb up to three points out of the playoff spot on Monday.
The Bruins have absolutely different problems than the Habs. They have seen their six-game winning streak gone blank with a loss on Sunday in Detroit. Something to watch for in Boston is David Pastrnak with only two goals in his past 10 starts. The Bruins will try to turn aside the mighty run by the Tampa Bay Lightning, who are right behind Boston in the Atlantic Division.
Prediction: Bruins win 4-2.
Calgary Flames vs. Los Angeles Kings
Head-to-Head: Flames 1-2 Kings
The Calgary Flames will visit the Los Angeles Kings in the second match of tonight’s slate of NHL Predictions. The Flames 2-5-1 run with no regulation victories ended with their most recent two impressive road triumphs. With 64 points, Calgary has restored its position in the playoff picture of the Western Conference. However, every point will be crucial down the stretch. The Pacific Division is up for grabs it appears.
The Kings have lost five games in a row. They have won only one contest in their last 11 decisions, and even that one came in overtime. With 43 points, the Kings are poised to finish dead-last in the Western Conference. Nonetheless, the Kings are 2-1 in the regular-season series versus Calgary, as they have won their only prior game at Staples Center. Calgary has won four of its last six visits to Los Angeles.
Prediction: Flames win 5-3.
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Vancouver Canucks
Head-to-Head: Blackhawks 1-1 Canucks
This should be an entertaining one for sure. The Vancouver Canucks will host the Chicago Blackhawks in their third head-to-head contest of the season. Both teams have hit the slump a bit, as of late. Following their promising five-game win streak, the Hawks have lost five of their last six games. On Tuesday, they visited the Edmonton Oilers, where they were defeated 5-3 in a crucial back to back series in Alberta.
While the Blackhawks sit just outside of the playoff frame in the Western Conference, the Canucks lead the Pacific Division with 67 points. On Monday, Vancouver snapped its four-game losing skid by thrashing Nashville. In their only prior head-to-head meeting at Rogers Place, the Canucks downed the Blackhawks 7-5. Nobody would be mad if the goal total of tonight’s match was 12 tallies. The Canucks have also won four straight home contests versus Chicago.
Prediction: Canucks win 4-3 in overtime.
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