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’s featured game is the Minnesota Wild vs Calgary Flames. Be sure to check out our NHL Predictions for today.
NHL Predictions
Nashville Predators vs Chicago Blackhawks
Head-to-Head: Predators 1-0 Blackhawks
Our first game of NHL Predictions is a Central Division matchup between the Nashville Predators and the Chicago Blackhawks. It seems that Nashville has embraced a retooling. However, the Predators did a great job securing plenty of high draft picks over the next few seasons to restock to cupboard. Soon-to-be general manager Barry Trotz will have a chance to mould the team in his own image. Juuse Saros is slated to be the staring goalie, but always check online before setting your lineup.
Chicago will likely go with Petr Mrazek in net for this one. The Blackhawks have lost three straight and look like a borderline AHL team in some spots. Chicago has the worst-scoring offence in the league and 26th-ranked defence in the league. Chicago is going be in the mix for Connor Bedard or any of the other talented draftees. General manager Kyle Davidson knows there’s going to be some pain the next couple of years.
Nashville’s offence isn’t prolific, but gets the job done here.
Prediction: Predators win 4-2.
Minnesota Wild vs Calgary Flames
Head-to-Head: Wild 0-1 Flames
Our featured game of NHL predictions has the Wild looking to stay in second in the Central. Minnesota will likely call on Marc-Andre Fleury in this one. The Wild have won three straight to give itself a shot at first in the division. Minnesota’s defence has been solid in its wins and hasn’t given up more than two goals in its last five. The Wild have only scored three goals once during that streak, but it’s been just enough to get by.
Calgary will likely counter with Jacob Marstrom in between the pipes. The Flames had a disappointing trade deadline and really didn’t have any activity. Calgary has plenty of promise going into the season, but its failed to be consistent most of the year. The Flames have lost four straight and are five points back of the second Western Conference wild card spot. Wins and points are a must at this point.
The Flames need wins, but the Wild’s defence shows up in this one.
Prediction: Wild win 3-1.
St. Louis Blues vs Los Angeles Kings
Head-to-Head: Blues 0-1 Kings
Our final game of the night as the St. Louis Blues heading out west to take on the Los Angeles Kings. The Blues snapped a losing skid against the San Jose Sharks the last time out. Jordan Binnington will likely draw the start in net for the Blues, who have resigned themselves to playing out the string. This team did manage to get some big contracts off their books at the deadline.
The Los Angeles Kings will send out Joonas Korpisalo in goal. LA has won three of its last five, but can’t afford any slip ups. The Seattle Kraken are still only a couple points away from the third and final automatic spot in the Pacific Division. LA is third on the power play and ninth overall in goals scored. However, their goals allowed is 22nd in the league they’re 23rd on the penalty kill.
Los Angeles needs points and should get a couple in this game.
Prediction: Kings win 4-2.
Main photo by: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
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