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 Jersey Devils vs New York Islanders.
NHL Predictions: New Jersey Devils vs New York Islanders
Nashville Predators vs Columbus Blue Jackets
Head-to-Head: Predators 0-0 Blue Jackets
The Colombus Blue Jackets are coming off a win after starting the season on the wrong foot. They went 0-3-0 before scoring an overtime win last Tuesday. Now, the team will look to start a winning streak instead of going back to the losing side. But that doesn’t mean it’ll be easy. The Nashville Predators are on a losing streak, getting their first point in three games on Tuesday on an overtime loss against the Los Angeles Kings. They’ll also be on the hunt for a win. With both teams needing a win to keep the morale up, it’ll be an interesting matchup. However, Juuse Saros and the Predators should take the win this time.
Prediction: Predators win, 4-2
New Jersey Devils vs New York Islanders
Head-to-Head: Devils 0-0 Islanders
Now, this should be a fun game to watch. When the New York Islanders and the New Jersey Devils face each other, it’s always a good game. And, with the Islanders starting the season on the right foot, it should be interesting to see how they’ll react to facing a much younger team. The Devils are looking to start a winning streak and the Isles are looking to continue their own. However, the New Jersey team kicked off the season with two losses that they have to make up for. It’ll be a tough one between the division rivals.
Even with all the talent and the young core they’ve been building, the Devils are struggling with goaltending – and that should be a key factor tonight. The low-scoring Islanders are no longer and they’ll pressure the young team, which should lead to a win. But the Devils won’t go down without a fight!
Prediction: Islanders win, 5-4 (OT)
Vancouver Canucks vs Minnesota Wild
Head-to-Head: Canucks 0-0 Wild
This game is a must-win for both sides. No one has won a single game yet – but the Vancouver Canucks at least got a point from their overtime loss to Columbus on Tuesday. The good news is that someone will break the streak tonight. Bad news? It’ll be ugly for whoever comes out on the losing side. For Vancouver, it’s desperate times. They’re the first team in NHL history to blow a lead on four consecutive games – both at the start and mid-season. To say things are very ugly in British Columbia is an understatement. Now, this is what makes this game interesting.
The Minnesota Wild has allowed six or seven goals in each of their first games – and almost made a comeback against the Kings but it wasn’t enough. Vancouver has a more controlled situation in net but it’s still bad. Who will come out as the winner? The answer to this question seems easier considering Thatcher Demko is in net for the Canucks. They’ll get a much-deserved win after all this suffering.
Prediction: Vancouver wins, 6-4
Carolina Hurricanes vs Edmonton Oilers
Head-to-Head: Hurricanes 0-0 Oilers
There’s not a single question of who’s winning this game. And this may sound a little smug but it’s the truth. The Edmonton Oilers are in a bad position and the Carolina is still Carolina. But, just so no one comes out saying it wasn’t fair and this is not a real prediction, let’s look at the past few games.
The Carolina Hurricanes are on a three-game losing streak – is it against weaker teams? Yes, but still. The Oilers just lost 4-2 to the Buffalo Sabres. That should be enough to prove the point. But, looking only at their goaltending, it’s fair to say the Canes are on the better end. They haven’t allowed more than one goal in any of the first three games. This time Carolina will be facing Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl but they have a decent defence. It should be enough. The Hurricanes are thirsty for wins and they’ll storm over anyone that tries to stand in their way.
Prediction: Carolina wins, 6-2
Buffalo Sabres vs Calgary Flames
Head-to-Head: Sabres 0-0 Flames
It’s funny to look at what happened last year and wonder what will come for these two teams. They split the season series and even against all odds, the Buffalo Sabres managed to take a shutout overtime win against the much better Calgary Flames. And they’re better this year. However, the Flames have also made many improvements and one could say this is the best they’ve looked in a while, especially defensively. And they have a much more mature team than the Sabres. Even though the youngest team in the league is on a roll, starting the season with a 2-1-0 record for the first time in forever, they’ll lose this one. But it’ll be a fun game to watch!
Prediction: Calgary wins, 5-4
Winnipeg Jets vs Vegas Golden Knights
Head-to-Head: Jets 0-0 Golden Knights
This should be an interesting game for both teams. The Winnipeg Jets are coming off a 4-3 overtime win against the Colorado Avalanche and the Vegas Golden Knights just got their first loss of the season against Calgary. Both teams are doing well, as expected, and things are just starting. However, the Jets are on a back-to-back schedule, having travelled from Denver to Vegas after a tough game against the Cup Champions. It won’t be easy and that’s why the home team will take the win tonight.
Prediction: Vegas wins, 3-1
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