{"id":136978,"date":"2023-04-21T10:23:46","date_gmt":"2023-04-21T14:23:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=136978"},"modified":"2023-04-21T10:23:46","modified_gmt":"2023-04-21T14:23:46","slug":"nhl-predictions-april-21st-stars-vs-wild","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2023\/04\/21\/nhl-predictions-april-21st-stars-vs-wild\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL Predictions: April 21st with Dallas Stars vs Minnesota Wild"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-sheets-value=\"{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;Welcome back to another day of Welcome back to another day of &lt;yoastmark class=\">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\u2019s featured game is the Dallas Stars vs Minnesota Wild. Keep checking our NHL predictions throughout the Stanley Cup Playoffs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">NHL Predictions<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3>Carolina Hurricanes vs New York Islanders<\/h3>\n<h4>Series: Hurricanes 2-0 Islanders<\/h4>\n<p>Our first game of NHL predictions for Friday&#8217;s games has the Carolina Hurricanes with a chance to take a commanding 3-0 series lead. However, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/t\/teravte01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-04-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Teuvo Teravainen<\/a> will be <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2023\/04\/20\/teuvo-teravainen-out-indefinitely-with-upper-body-injury\/\" target=\"_self\">out of the lineup<\/a> for the Hurricanes. This is another forward injury for a depleted group. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/r\/raantan01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-04-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Antti Raanta<\/a> is the projected starter, but <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dailyfaceoff.com\/starting-goalies\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">always check online<\/a> before setting your lineup. Carolina&#8217;s offence may not be explosive, but it&#8217;s one of the better defensive teams in the league.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/sorokil01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-04-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ilya Sorokin<\/a> is the likely starter in net for the Islanders. New York played a much better game in the second matchup. However, the Isles stil find themselves in a must-win game. However, the Islanders were 25-13-3 in the regular season at the UBS Arena. New York is going to have to pick up the scoring if it wants to get back into the series.<\/p>\n<p>The Isles good home form and the Hurricanes forward injuries will get the home team back in the series.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Islanders win 4-2.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Boston Bruins vs Florida Panthers<\/h3>\n<h4>Series: Bruins 1-1 Panthers<\/h4>\n<p>The President&#8217;s Trophy winning Boston Bruins are looking to get the series lead after a rough Game 2. <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2023\/04\/19\/boston-bruins-star-out-for-game-2\/\" target=\"_self\">There&#8217;s no word<\/a> on when <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/bergepa01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-04-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Patrice Bergeron<\/a> will return to the lineup. Boston does miss having him in the lineup for his defensive presence on the ice. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/u\/ullmali01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-04-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Linus Ullmark<\/a> is the probable starter in goal for Boston. The Bruins will have an edge to game and should be ready in this one.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/l\/lyonal01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-04-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Alex Lyon<\/a> played well once again and should draw the start for the Florida Panthers. The wild card team has found a way to get space and create chances around the goal line and from the point. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/barkoal01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-04-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Aleksander Barkov<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/montobr01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-04-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Brandon Montour<\/a> have helped the Panthers generate opportunities for Florida. The Panthers are also standing up to the President&#8217;s Trophy winners.<\/p>\n<p>Bergeron&#8217;s murky status makes things uncertain, but the Bruins should find a way.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Bruins win 4-1.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Dallas Stars vs Minnesota Wild<\/h3>\n<h4>Series: Stars 1-1 Wild<\/h4>\n<p>Our featured game of NHL predictions is a pivotal Game 3 and the Stars are looking to get home ice back. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/o\/oettija01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-04-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jake Oettinger<\/a> will get the call once again for Dallas, which rallied for the victory in Game 2. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/p\/paveljo01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-04-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Joe Pavelski<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2023\/04\/19\/dallas-stars-forward-to-miss-time\/\" target=\"_self\">won&#8217;t be traveling with the team<\/a> and others will have to step up. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/seguity01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-04-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tyler Seguin<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/bennja01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-04-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jamie Benn<\/a> will have to be more of the focal point of the offence for the Stars. Dallas also a great defensive group with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/heiskmi01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-04-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Miro Heiskanen<\/a> leading the way in Game 2.<\/p>\n<p>Minnesota surprisingly started <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/f\/fleurma01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-04-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Marc-Andre Fleury<\/a> in Game 2 after <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/g\/gustafi01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-04-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Filip Gustavsson<\/a> was very good in Game 1. Wild head coach <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/e\/evasode01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-04-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dean Evason<\/a> will hopefully go back to the Swede in Game 3. Minnesota have 25 home wins, but Dallas also has 25 road victories. It&#8217;ll be interesting to see what gives in this one. Minnesota could have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/e\/eriksjo02.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-04-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Joel Eriksson Ek<\/a> return soon and he&#8217;ll be needed to stop <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/hintzro01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-04-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Roope Hintz<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Dallas has a little more playoff experience in goal and should pull this out.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Stars win 3-2.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Edmonton Oilers vs Los Angeles Kings<\/h3>\n<h4>Series: Oilers 1-1 Kings<\/h4>\n<p>Our last game of NHL predictions has the Edmonton Oilers looking to get a 2-1 series lead over the Los Angeles Kings. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/skinnst01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-04-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Stuart Skinner<\/a> is the starter in goal for Edmonton. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/mcdavco01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-04-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Connor McDavid<\/a> hasn&#8217;t gotten going in this series, but there&#8217;s always the threat of him breaking out. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/d\/draisle01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-04-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Leon Draisaitl<\/a> has stepped up his offensive game to fill the void. Edmonton needs to play better with the lead if it wants to pull away in the series.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/k\/korpijo01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-04-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Joonas Korpisalo<\/a> is the starter in between the pipes for the Kings, who have give a good account of themselves. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/d\/danauph01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-04-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Phillip Danault<\/a> has been solid on the defensive end in dealing with McDavid. Los Angeles will now have the advantage of the final change being a home.<\/p>\n<p>Both teams know this is a key game for series control. The Oilers offensive weapons will get them through.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Oilers win 5-3.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Main photo by: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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\u2019s featured game is the Dallas Stars [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2352,"featured_media":136979,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4524,29,4547,30,4548],"tags":[6124,6012,7219],"class_list":["post-136978","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nhl-predictions","category-stars","category-hockey","category-wild","category-nhl","tag-dallas-stars-predictions","tag-minnesota-wild-predictions","tag-wild-vs-stars"],"modified_by":"Dan Mount, Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/136978","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2352"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=136978"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/136978\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/136979"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=136978"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=136978"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=136978"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}