{"id":440278,"date":"2024-04-26T10:04:10","date_gmt":"2024-04-26T14:04:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=440278"},"modified":"2024-04-26T10:00:51","modified_gmt":"2024-04-26T14:00:51","slug":"nhl-predictions-april-26-w-vancouver-canucks-vs-nashville-predators","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/04\/26\/nhl-predictions-april-26-w-vancouver-canucks-vs-nashville-predators\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL Predictions: April 26 w\/ Vancouver Canucks vs Nashville Predators"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Welcome back to another day of 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/04\/21\/three-canucks-questions-heading-into-first-round-series\/\" target=\"_self\">Vancouver Canucks<\/a> vs <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/03\/05\/nhl-rumours-minnesota-wild-and-nashville-predators\/\" target=\"_self\">Nashville Predators.<\/a>\u00a0Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs roll on.<\/p>\n<h2>NHL Predictions<\/h2>\n<h3>New York Rangers vs Washington Capitals<\/h3>\n<h4>Series Head-to-Head: Rangers 2-0 Capitals<\/h4>\n<p><strong>TV:<\/strong> TNT, TruTV, SN 360, TVAS, MNMT, MSG<\/p>\n<p>Our opening game of NHL predictions has the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/04\/21\/new-york-rangers-vs-washington-capitals-first-round-series-preview\/\" target=\"_self\">New York Rangers<\/a> looking to get a commanding 3-0 lead on the<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/04\/23\/washington-capitals-extended-weekly-update-april-14-to-april-22\/\" target=\"_self\"> Washington Capitals.<\/a> The Blueshirts are likely to start <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/shestig01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-26_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Igor Shesterkin<\/a> in between the pipes. New York has scored four goals in each of the first two games of the series. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/l\/lafreal01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-26_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Alexis Lafreniere<\/a> has handed out three assists, but <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/z\/zibanmi01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-26_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mika Zibanejad<\/a> has been solid on offence and in limiting <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/o\/ovechal01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-26_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Alex Ovechkin<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/l\/lindgch01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-26_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Charlie Lindgren<\/a> has done his best, he&#8217;ll need some offensive support from his teammates. Washington did give New York a tough time, but tonight is a must-win game. Ovechkin has only registered one shot in the first two games between the division rivals. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/w\/wilsoto01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-26_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tom Wilson<\/a> has a goal and two assists and continues to be a physical problem for the Rangers.<\/p>\n<p>The Caps have given the Rangers a couple of fits, but the Blueshirts should get the 3-0 unlike their basketball counterparts.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Rangers win 4-2.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Vancouver Canucks vs Nashville Predators<\/h3>\n<h4>Series Head-to-Head: Canucks 1-1 Predators<\/h4>\n<p><strong>TV:<\/strong> TBS, Sportsnet, TVAS, BSSO<\/p>\n<p>The Canucks try to rally and steal home-ice advantage back in Smashville against the Predators. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/d\/desmica01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-26_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Casey DeSmith<\/a> is the projected starter, but <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 starer. DeSmith is the likely starter the rest of the way with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/d\/demkoth01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-26_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Thatcher Demko<\/a> expected to miss the series. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/j\/joshuda01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-26_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dakota Joshua<\/a> leads the team in points with two goals and an assist. However, the big boys like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/hughequ01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-26_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Quinn Hughes<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/p\/petteel01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-26_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Elias Pettersson<\/a> will need to step up.<\/p>\n<p>Nashville is slated to go with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/sarosju01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-26_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Juuse Saros<\/a> in the blue paint for the his game. The Predators are led by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/f\/forsbfi01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-26_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Filip Forsberg<\/a> with a goal and two assists, but the much-maligned <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/beauvan01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-26_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Anthony Beauvillier<\/a> recorded a goal and an assist in Game 2. Head coach <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/brunean01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-26_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Andrew Brunette<\/a> has done wonders for this roster since the All-Star Break. The Demko injury has thrown the result of this series into doubt.<\/p>\n<p>Bridgestone Arena is a tough place to play and the Predators take the series lead.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Predators win 4-3.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Winnipeg Jets vs Colorado Avalanche<\/h3>\n<h4>Series Head-to-Head: Jets 1-1 Avalanche<\/h4>\n<p><strong>TV:<\/strong> TNT, TruTV, CBC, TVAS, ALT<\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/04\/23\/few-storylines-game-2-for-colorado-avalanche-vs-winnipeg-jets\/\" target=\"_self\">Winnipeg Jets<\/a> look to get home ice back when they visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/04\/21\/nhl-predictions-april-21-with-colorado-avalanche-vs-winnipeg-jets\/\" target=\"_self\">Colorado Avalanche<\/a> in Denver. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/helleco01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-26_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Connor Hellebuyck<\/a> gets the call once again for Winnipeg, which got blitzed for four goals in the second period of Game 2. The Jets have surprisingly given up 11 goals in the first two games. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/l\/lowryad01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-26_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Adam Lowry<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/scheima01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-26_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mark Scheifele<\/a> each have two goals so far this series.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/g\/georgal01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-26_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Alexandar Georgiev<\/a> silenced some of his doubters after Game 2 with a 28-save performance. The Bulgarian netminder is the likely starter in between the pipes for Colorado. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/w\/woodmi01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-26_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Miles Wood<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/l\/lehkoar01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-26_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Artturi Lehkonen<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/n\/nichuva01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-26_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Valeri Nichushkin<\/a> each have netted a pair of goals to lead off the series. Colorado is a deadly 31-9-1 at home in the regular season.<\/p>\n<p>The Avs are tough to beat at home and get the series lead.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Avalanche win 3-2.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Edmonton Oilers vs Los Angeles Kings<\/h3>\n<h4>Series Head-to-Head: Oilers 1-1 Kings<\/h4>\n<p><strong>TV:<\/strong> TBS, Sportsnet, TVAS, BSW<\/p>\n<p>Our last game of NHL predictions has the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/04\/22\/canadian-nhl-playoff-picture-leafs-oilers-gameday-news\/\" target=\"_self\">Edmonton Oilers<\/a> trying to figure things out after a puzzling loss to the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/04\/22\/edmonton-oilers-vs-la-kings-series\/\" target=\"_self\">Los Angeles Kings<\/a>. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/t\/talboca01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-26_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Cam Talbot<\/a> is the projected starter in goal for the Kings, who got an overtime-winner from the ageless <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/k\/kopitan01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-26_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Anze Kopitar<\/a> in Game 2. Los Angeles came out of the gate firing in Game 2 thanks to two first-period goals from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/k\/kempead01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-26_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Adrian Kempe<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/skinnst01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-26_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Stuart Skinner<\/a> likely gets the nod to start in Game 3 for the Oilers. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/hymanza01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-26_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Zach Hyman<\/a> leads the team in goals with four while <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/mcdavco01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-26_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Connor McDavid<\/a> has dished out a whopping six assists in two games. Both teams will need to tighten things up on defence if they want to grab the series lead.<\/p>\n<p>Edmonton knows it can&#8217;t fall behind in the series. Expect a flying start from the Oilers.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Oilers win 5-3.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Main photo by: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>Ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Welcome back to another day of 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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2352,"featured_media":440279,"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":[4547,31,4548,4524,26],"tags":[6085,6017,6028,6011,6122,6014,6239,6110],"class_list":["post-440278","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-hockey","category-predators","category-nhl","category-nhl-predictions","category-canucks","tag-colorado-avalanche-predictions","tag-edmonton-oilers-predictions","tag-los-angeles-kings-predictions","tag-nashville-predators-predictions","tag-new-york-rangers-predictions","tag-vancouver-canucks-predictions","tag-washington-capitals-predictions","tag-winnipeg-jets-predictions"],"modified_by":"Dan Mount, Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/440278","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=440278"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/440278\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/440279"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=440278"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=440278"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=440278"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}