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 Colorado Avalanche vs Minnesota Wild.
NHL Predictions: Colorado Avalanche vs Minnesota Wild
Los Angeles Kings vs Detroit Red Wings
Head-To-Head: Kings 0-0 Red Wings
Saturday night saw high-scoring victories for both teams. The Kings got into the win column with a 7-6 victory over the Wild. Kevin Fiala terrorized his old team with a goal and two assists while Adrian Kempe scored twice. The Kings’ defence has been a bit troubling, as they’ve given up at least four goals in their first three games. Jonathan Quick will get the expected start, but check the lineups before if you play daily or regular fantasy sports.
Detroit took down the New Jersey Devils with a 5-2 win on Saturday. Team captain Dylan Larkin registered three points in the win while Jakub Vrana and Ben Chiarot also got a goal and an assist. Ville Husso will likely get the start after Alex Nedeljkovic played the second half of a back-to-back. The Wings have looked solid in wins over the Montreal Canadiens and the Devils.
Los Angeles will need to tighten things up on the back end if they want a road win. Detroit’s offence has been clicking the last two games.
Predictions: Red Wings win 4-3.
Colorado Avalanche vs Minnesota Wild
Head-to-Head: Avalanche 0-0 Wild
Both teams are coming off a loss in their previous games. Colorado was beaten 5-3 by the Calgary Flames in Alberta. The defending Stanley Cup champions already have three goals from recently re-signed Valeri Nichushkin. Alexandar Georgiev is the expected starter after getting the win in the season-opener. Colorado is capable of scoring plenty of goals and averages four from the small sample size of two games.
If a Minnesota team that played in the fall was giving up seven a game, fans in the Twin Cities would be happy. However, it’s the Wild and not the Vikings that are allowing seven goals per game. Marc-Andre Fleury has been dreadful so by giving up 11 goals in parts of two games. Matthew Boldy and Mats Zuccarello lead the Wild with two goals each.
The Wild need a win in the worst way, but the Avalanche are a little sore after the loss in Calgary. Take the over if it’s a reasonable number.
Prediction: Avalanche win 5-3.
Winnipeg Jets vs Dallas Stars
Head-to-Head: Jets 0-0 Stars
Both teams are unbeaten so far in this Central Division matchup. Connor Hellebuyck frustrated the high-powered New York Rangers offence with 40 saves and Mark Scheifele scored twice in a 4-1 win. New head coach Rick Bowness missed the game with COVID-19 and it’s uncertain as of press time if he’ll behind the bench.
Dallas has been off to a hot start thanks to new acquisition Mason Marchment, who has three goals so far this season. The Stars have also been stingy of defence by only giving up one goal in two games so far. Jake Oettinger has both wins and is expected to get the call in the net again.
This seems like a good goalie battle, but Winnipeg can’t give up that many shots if it expects to win.
Predictions: Stars win 3-1.
Carolina Hurricanes vs Seattle Kraken
Head-to-Head: Hurricanes 0-0 Kraken
It’s the John Forslund Bowl in the battle set for Climate Pledge Arena. Carolina is off to a perfect start and its defence has been fairly strong by giving up just a goal a game. Frederik Andersen likely draws the start, but Antti Raanta also looked sold in his opening start. Martin Necas is the early leader in points with four.
Seattle is coming off a loss to the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday night. The Kraken did get points in their first two games of the campaign. Philipp Grubauer is the expected starter in the net for Seattle. Andre Burakovsky is off to a strong start with a goal and three assists so far this season.
Seattle looks better in year two, but Carolina’s defence looks solid so far.
Prediction: Hurricanes win 3-1.
