Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Every day Last Word on Hockey brings you a prediction and analysis of every game on the schedule. In the late-games edition of the January 7th NHL Predictions, we’ll cover six games. There will also be a featured game on that is must-watch hockey. Today’s NHL Predictions featured game is the Detroit Red Wings vs the Montreal Canadiens.
Be sure to also check out the early game NHL Predictions to stay informed.
NHL Predictions
Detroit Red Wings vs. Montreal Canadiens
Head-to-Head: Red Wings 2-0 Canadiens
The Detroit Red Wings have just 10 wins on the season thus far. The good news is that one of these wins came against their opponents in this game, the Montreal Canadiens. The Red Wings defeated the Canadiens 2-1 in Montreal on December 14th. Jonathan Bernier had a stellar night in net, stopping 42 of the Canadiens’ 43 shots. This game came in the second half of a back-to-back for Montreal, just as it will in this contest.
The Canadiens will play the Winnipeg Jets Monday night before traveling to Detroit for this game. Montreal has not fared terribly in back-to-back scenarios, earning three wins in eight attempts. The Canadiens have been on a bit of a slide lately and will be playing their third game in four days. Still, they’re playing the Red Wings. Montreal should right the ship.
Prediction: Canadiens win 3-1
St. Louis Blues vs. San Jose Sharks
Head-to-Head: Blues 1-0 Sharks
The St. Louis Blues are in uncharted territory over the last few games. They have a three-game losing streak, and what’s even more concerning is the fashion that they’ve lost those games. The Blues have given up 15 goals during the losing streak, compared to scoring just 8. Jordan Binnington has been one of the better goalies in the league this year and needs to regain his form from earlier in the year.
The San Jose Sharks have not been on an impressive run lately, but they’ve been good compared to earlier in the year. They have wins in three of their last five. Each of their last three games have been decided by just one goal. Many expected the Sharks to bounce back from their early season woes, but it’s getting to the point where this just might be what they are. The Blues are a better team and should end their losing streak.
Predictions: Blues win 4-1
Nashville Predators vs. Boston Bruins
Head-to-Head: Predators 1-0 Bruins
The Nashville Predators defeated the Boston Bruins not that long ago, but this time they will have to do it without one of their key pieces. Nashville is missing defender Ryan Ellis from an injury that occurred during the Winter Classic. Nashville is running out of time to turn their season around and will have to get it done against one of the better teams in the league. They have the talent, but have had goal-tending and special teams woes.
The Boston Bruins continue to climb in points despite losing most of their recent games. The Bruins have been the master of securing the “loser point” recently, falling in overtime in five of their last 10 games. In fact, the recent loss against Nashville came in the extra frame as well. With both the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Tampa Bay Lightning hot on their heels, (Tampa Bay holds a 7 game winning streak, Toronto is 9-0-1 in their last 10 games) The Bruins must start winning again. Expect them to do just that.
Prediction: Bruins win 5-3
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Calgary Flames
Head-to-Head: Blackhawks 1-0 Flames
This game serves as the second meeting between the Chicago Blackhawks and Calgary Flames. The Blackhawks defeated the Flames 5-3 last Tuesday. Chicago has played better of late in general. After a 7-1 shellacking at the hands of the New Jersey Devils, the Blackhawks have responded with a run that includes four wins in five games. While they sit last in their division, it’s interesting to note that the Blackhawks are just five points out of a wild-card spot. They’ll have the chance to gain ground on the Calgary Flames in this game.
The Calgary Flames are currently holding onto a wildcard spot and have won their last two games. They have scored 12 goals in their last three games and now just need goal-tending to catch up with their high-flying offence. This game is a perfect opportunity to do that. The Blackhawks best goalie this year, Robin Lehner, is currently out with an injury. Expect the Flames to take advantage.
Prediction: Flames win 4-2
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
Head-to-Head: Golden Knights 0-0 Penguins
The Vegas Golden Knights have become one of the most consistently good teams this NHL season. They sit first in the Pacific Division and have won four games in a row. They’re getting quality contributions from a multitude of players and Marc-Andre Fleury continues to be reliable in net. This team is a well-oiled machine that projects to be a Stanley Cup Contender moving into the new year.
The Pittsburgh Penguins, meanwhile, continue to defy the odds and are well-positioned to make a playoff run despite the absence of superstar Sidney Crosby. Evgeni Malkin has done much of the heavy-lifting in Crosby’s absence. Crosby may return soon, as he is set to travel with the team on this road-trip, but the Penguins have now lost another important player. Their leading goal-scorer, Jake Guentzel, is set to miss a significant amount of time. It seems hard to believe the Penguins will continue their winning ways with this injury. Then again, it’s seemed that way all year. Still, they may be over-matched in this one.
Prediction: Golden Knights win 4-3
Anaheim Ducks vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
Head-to-Head: Ducks 0-0 Blue Jackets
Two of the leagues less talked about teams, the Anaheim Ducks and Columbus Blue Jackets, will meet in their first match-up of the season. The Ducks have managed to accumulate a few wins lately, but have and will continue to flounder at the bottom of the Pacific division for the remainder of the season. The Columbus Blue Jackets have been better than most people expected, but still sit outside of a playoff spot. Their coach, John Tortorella, was recently fined for speaking out against officiating, but that has been the extent of their “buzz” during this season.
The Blue Jackets are a more talented team and have been playing better as of late. They should get the win in this one.
Prediction: Blue Jackets win 4-2
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