{"id":439552,"date":"2024-04-07T09:32:11","date_gmt":"2024-04-07T13:32:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=439552"},"modified":"2024-04-07T09:32:11","modified_gmt":"2024-04-07T13:32:11","slug":"nhl-predictions-april-7-w-dallas-stars-vs-colorado-avalanche","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/04\/07\/nhl-predictions-april-7-w-dallas-stars-vs-colorado-avalanche\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL Predictions: April 7 w\/ Dallas Stars vs Colorado Avalanche"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>With the large amount of games on tonight\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<h2>NHL Predictions<\/h2>\n<h3>Buffalo Sabres vs Detroit Red Wings<\/h3>\n<h4>Head-to-Head: Sabres 2-1 Red Wings<\/h4>\n<p><strong>TV:<\/strong> Sportsnet 1; TNT; Max<\/p>\n<p>Our opening game of NHL predictions is a must-win for both the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/04\/06\/nhl-rumours-florida-panthers-and-buffalo-sabres-2\/\" target=\"_self\">Buffalo Sabres<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/04\/03\/nhl-rumours-detroit-red-wings-and-st-louis-blues\/\" target=\"_self\">Detroit Red Wings.<\/a> <span class=\"KeyPlayersCard__pitcherName--3MR_r\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/l\/luukkuk01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-07_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen<\/a><\/span> is the expected starter for the Sabres, who are 5-5 in the last 10. However, Buffalo has won two in a row to keep its Stanley Cup Playoff chances alive. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/t\/thompta01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-07_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tage Thompson<\/a> has 28 goals and 26 assists for the Sabres. German standout <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/p\/peterjo01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-07_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">John-Jason Peterka<\/a> has seven goals and three assists over the last 10 games. The Sabres are three points off the final wild card spot.<\/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=2024-04-07_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Alex Lyon<\/a> is the confirmed starter for the Red Wings, who are a point off the last wild card spot in the Eastern Conference. Detroit is 4-4-2 in the last 10 games and need to keep getting points to stay alive. Defenceman <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/g\/gostish01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-07_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Shayne Gostisbehere<\/a> has 10 goals and 40 assists for the Red Wings. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/r\/raymolu01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-07_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Lucas Raymond<\/a> has scored six goals with one assist over the last 10 games.<\/p>\n<p>Both teams need a victory to stay alive. Detroit pretty much knocks out Buffalo with this one.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Red Wings win 4-3.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Minnesota Wild vs Chicago Blackhawks<\/h3>\n<h4>Head-to-Head: Wild 2-0 Blackhawks<\/h4>\n<p><strong>TV:<\/strong> NBC Sports Chicago+; Bally Sports North; Bally Sports Wisconsin; ESPN+<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s a Central Division matchup as the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/04\/01\/minnesota-wild-forward-ryan-hartman-faces-discipline\/\" target=\"_self\">Minnesota Wild<\/a> visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/04\/04\/chicago-blackhawks-prospects-playing-in-the-frozen-four\/\" target=\"_self\">Chicago Blackhawks.<\/a> Minnesota is likely finishing out the string and will give <span class=\"KeyPlayersCard__pitcherName--3MR_r\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/w\/wallsje01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-07_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jesper Wallstedt<\/a><\/span> a start. The Wild have a -13 scoring differential, with 228 total goals scored and 241 allowed. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/k\/kapriki01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-07_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kirill Kaprizov<\/a> has 39 goals and 47 assists for the Wild. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/r\/rossima01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-07_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Marco Rossi<\/a> has three goals and one assist over the past 10 games.<\/p>\n<p>Chicago is expected to go with <span class=\"KeyPlayersCard__pitcherName--3MR_r\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/soderar01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-07_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Arvid Soderblom<\/a><\/span> in between the pipes for this one. However, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thescore.com\/nhl\/events\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">always check social media<\/a> before locking in a daily fantasy starter. The Blackhawks are coming off a surprising 3-2 win over the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/03\/19\/nhl-rumours-edmonton-oilers-dallas-stars\/\" target=\"_self\">Dallas Stars<\/a> on Saturday. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/k\/kurasph01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-07_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Philipp Kurashev<\/a> has 16 goals and 36 assists for the Blackhawks. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/bedarco01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-07_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Connor Bedard<\/a> has two goals and six assists over the last 10 games.<\/p>\n<p>Minnesota will get a look to see what Wallstedt can do. The Wild pick up the win.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Wild win 4-2.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Dallas Stars vs Colorado Avalanche<\/h3>\n<h4>Head-to-Head: Stars 0-3 Avalanche<\/h4>\n<p><strong>TV:<\/strong> ESPN; Sportsnet<\/p>\n<p>Our final and featured game of NHL predictions has the Stars looking to stop the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/03\/15\/colorado-avalanche-deadline-activity-cup-run-ready\/\" target=\"_self\">Colorado Avalanche.<\/a> Dallas is coming off a puzzling loss to Chicago the day before. <span class=\"KeyPlayersCard__pitcherName--3MR_r\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/o\/oettija01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-07_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jake Oettinger<\/a><\/span> should get the call with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/w\/wedgesc01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-07_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Scott Wedgewood<\/a> playing the day before against the Blackhawks. The Stars had their eight-game winning streak stopped and will want to start another one. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/j\/johnswy01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-07_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Wyatt Johnston<\/a> has 30 goals and 31 assists for the Stars. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/bennja01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-07_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jamie Benn<\/a> has scored nine goals with four assists over the last 10 games.<\/p>\n<p>Colorado is likely to go with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/g\/georgal01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-07_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Alexandar Georgiev<\/a> in the blue paint for this game. The Avalanche are 6-3-1 in the last 10, but lost to the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/04\/04\/update-on-edmonton-oilers-as-playoffs-inch-ever-closer\/\" target=\"_self\">Edmonton Oilers<\/a> last time out. The Avalanche have one of the best scoring differentials at +54. Hart Trophy candidate <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/mackina01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-07_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nathan MacKinnon<\/a> has 48 goals and 83 assists for the Avalanche. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/r\/rantami01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-07_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mikko Rantanen<\/a> has scored six goals with six assists over the last 10 games.<\/p>\n<p>The Avalanche have surprisingly won all three meetings thus far. However, the Stars stay on top in the Central.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Stars win 3-2.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Prop Bet of the Night<\/h3>\n<p>Let&#8217;s go back to our second game of the night for our preferred prop bet. Kaprizov has been playing well for Minnesota and we like the over on +1.0 points for him.<\/p>\n<p><em>Main photo by: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>Ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>With the large amount of games on tonight\u2019s 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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2352,"featured_media":439553,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_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":[28,29,4547,4548,4524],"tags":[6254,6233,6085,6124,6201,6012],"class_list":["post-439552","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-avalanche","category-stars","category-hockey","category-nhl","category-nhl-predictions","tag-buffalo-sabres-predictions","tag-chicago-blackhawks-predictions","tag-colorado-avalanche-predictions","tag-dallas-stars-predictions","tag-detroit-red-wings-predictions","tag-minnesota-wild-predictions"],"modified_by":"Dan Mount, Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/439552","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=439552"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/439552\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/439553"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=439552"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=439552"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=439552"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}