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 St. Louis Blues vs Nashville Predators.
NHL Predictions with St. Louis Blues vs Nashville Predators
Philadelphia Flyers vs Carolina Hurricanes
Head-to-Head: Flyers 1-2 Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes just shut out the Colorado Avalanche on home ice. The Avalanche are a much better team than the Philadelphia Flyers. Considering that, and the fact that the Hurricanes are 8-1-1 in their last 10, the result of this one looks heavily in Carolina’s favour.
The only real hope for the Flyers is if rejuvenated starter Carter Hart somehow manages to stand on his head. He did in the Flyers’ game against the Vegas Golden Knights earlier this week, which resulted in a win for Philadelphia. The Hurricanes are a much tougher out than the Hurricanes though, so even that looks unlikely.
Prediction: Hurricanes win 5-3
Arizona Coyotes vs Boston Bruins
Head-to-Head: Coyotes 0-1 Bruins
Amazingly, the Arizona Coyotes have won four games in a row. That stretch includes wins against the Colorado Avalanche and the Toronto Maple Leafs. In fact, the Coyotes have six wins in their last eight games. This is a surprising run for the club but could be hurting their draft stock as they now slowly climb ahead of the Seattle Kraken and Montreal Canadiens.
They’ll have their work cut out for them tonight. The Boston Bruins have only one regulation loss in their last 10. They’ve more or less locked up a wild card spot in the East but now may have their sights set on third place in the Atlantic Division. The Leafs just lost in overtime to the Coyotes, so a Bruins win would represent a point gained on their division rivals. They’ll be motivated.
David Pastrnak has five goals in his last five games, expect him to pot at least one as the Bruins secure the victory.
Prediction: Bruins win 3-1
Seattle Kraken vs Montreal Canadiens
Head-to-Head: Kraken 1-0 Canadiens
This is a battle of each conference’s last-place team. The difference, of course, is that while the Seattle Kraken have continued to struggle even as of late, the Montreal Canadiens have gone in the other direction. Compare their records in their last 10. The Kraken are a lowly 1-7-2 and the Canadiens are 7-3.
The Canadiens have no shot at the playoffs, but at this point, it’s about pride. They weren’t expected to be this low in the standings. If nothing else, a solid end to the season gives them momentum for next year. Under new head coach Martin St. Louis, the Canadiens will expect to win this game, and likely should.
Prediction: Canadiens win 5-2
Chicago Blackhawks vs Ottawa Senators
Head-to-Head: Blackhawks 1-0 Senators
This is another matchup on the night that isn’t exactly… premium. There isn’t a ton to watch here in terms of positioning in the standings, but there still is plenty of talent worth watching on the Chicago Blackhawks and Ottawa Senators.
Patrick Kane has 12 points in his last five games and should be able to keep that hot streak going. On the Ottawa side, young star Tim Stutzle has seven points in his last five, while Thomas Chabot continues to be an absolute stud on the blueline.
The Senators are at home and have a bit more momentum, so they’ll have the edge.
Prediction: Senators win 4-3
St. Louis Blues vs Nashville Predators
Head-to-Head: Blues 1-1 Predators
This Central Division clash should be excellent. What does a regulation win mean for the Nashville Predators? It would vault the Predators to only a single point behind the St. Louis Blues for second in the Central. It would also elevate them even further ahead of the Dallas Stars in the Wild Card and act as a significant boost to their playoff hopes.
The Predators are in a prime spot to do so, as well. They’ll be at home, where they have a more than acceptable 17-10 record. That meshes nicely with the Blues’ 13-10-5 road record. Plus, the Predators are on a three game winning streak. The Blues, on the other hand, are 1-3-1 in their last five. Add in the fact that Roman Josi is playing lights out as of late and yeah, the Predators have a great shot at a win.
The Blues do have an edge in special teams, which could play a factor. They lead the Predators in both power play and penalty kill percentage. If they want to stifle the Preds’ momentum on home ice, they’ll need to stay disciplined and capitalize on any man-advantages they get with their third-ranked power play.
Ultimately, that task might be a bit too tough for the Blues. The Predators are rolling and a win will represent yield significant benefit.
Prediction: Predators win 3-2 (OT)
Main Photo:
