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 New York Rangers vs Winnipeg Jets. Be sure to check out our early predictions as well.
NHL Predictions: March 6th including New York Rangers vs Winnipeg Jets
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Chicago Blackhawks
Head-to-Head: Lightning 0-0 Blackhawks
Tampa Bay is coming off a 3-1 win over the Detroit Red Wings on March. The Lightning have won four of their last five games after a hiccup against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Andrei Vasilevskiy likely draws the start as he goes for his 30th win of the season. Steven Stamkos leads in goals with 27 and Victor Hedman has 43 assists.
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Chicago will have Marc-Andre Fleury start in net as it tries to bounce back from a 4-3 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers. Changes may be afoot for the Blackhawks, but Alex DeBrincat‘s 31 goals and Patrick Kane‘s 39 assists lead the way.
Tampa is a heavy favourite and the over/under is a reachable 6.5.
Prediction: Lightning win 5-3.
New York Rangers vs Winnipeg Jets
Head-to-Head: Rangers 0-0 Jets
Our featured game of the late set features a Blueshirts team looking for its third straight victory. Igor Shesterkin probably gets the start and hopes to continue his Vezina Trophy-like season. The young Russian has a 1.96 goals-against-average and .940 save percentage. Chris Kreider is among the league leaders in goals with 36. Adam Fox is putting up another solid season with 47 assists and 54 points.
Winnipeg is trying to stay in the Western Conference playoff race and is coming off a 4-3 loss to the Dallas Stars. Connor Hellebuyck likely draws the start for the Jets and always gives them a chance to win. Kyle Connor is tops in goals with 33 for Winnipeg while Blake Wheeler leads in assists with 31.
The Rangers are actually an underdog on the road in this one, so this could be a good chance to make some money.
Prediction: Rangers win 3-1.
Ottawa Senators vs Vegas Golden Knights
Head-to-Head: Senators 0-1 Golden Knights
Ottawa is in the middle of a four-game losing streak, including an 8-5 loss to the Arizona Coyotes. The Senators in the bottom-half of the league in goals for, goals against and power-play success. Josh Norris is the team’s leading goal-scorer with 19 while Thomas Chabot has the team’s most assists with 26. Anton Forsberg is slated for the start, but that’s unconfirmed.
Vegas is coming off a huge 5-4 victory over the Anaheim Ducks and have wins in two of its last three. The Golden Knights hold the last automatic playoff spot in the Pacific Division. However, the Vancouver Canucks and Edmonton Oilers are on the Knights’ heels. Robin Lehner probably starts, but will need some help from a Vegas offence that’s been inconsistent.
The Knights need points and the Senators have been reeling.
Prediction: Golden Knights win 4-1.
Anaheim Ducks vs San Jose Sharks
Head-to-Head: Ducks 1-0 Sharks
Our last game features a Pacific Division clash between California rivals. Anaheim has lost three of its last five games, including a 5-4 loss to Vegas. The Ducks do have plenty of young talent and third-best power play in the league at 25.8 percent. Ducks’ fans should be excited for the future with their young stars like Trevor Zegras. The start in goal likely goes to John Gibson.
San Jose had a forgettable night in an 8-0 rout by the Nashville Predators. Zachary Sawchenko came on in relief and will start today’s game versus the Ducks. The Sharks have also lost three of their last five and seem to be fading from the playoff race.
Don’t underestimate the anger San Jose may come out with after getting blanked by Nashville. However, Anaheim has just enough to get through.
Prediction: Ducks win 4-3 in a shootout.
