With the large amount of games on tonight’s NHL schedule, it might be hard to know where to start. We at the Last Word on Hockey have helped narrow your focus to our best bets. This round of NHL Predictions will help condense the slate into three best bets and one prop bet of the night.
NHL Predictions
San Jose Sharks vs Montreal Canadiens
Head-t0-Head: Sharks 0-1 Canadiens
TV: NBC Sports California; TSN2; RDS; ESPN+
Our first game of NHL predictions has the San Jose Sharks visiting the Montreal Canadiens. The Sharks are in the middle of another downward spiral and likely making them the favourites to land Macklin Celebrini. San Jose have lost 12 in a row and only have 21 points so far this season. However, the Sharks did get a loser point against the Canadiens via the shootout in the first meeting of the season. Mackenzie Blackwood is the expected starter, but always check social media before locking in a fantasy starter.
Montreal is coming off a shootout loss to the Philadelphia Flyers the night before. Sam Montembeault is the expected starter for the Canadiens, who have lost three of the last five games. However, four of the last five games have been one-goal games. The Habs are led by team captain Nick Suzuki in goals (12) and assists (22). Montreal is a young team, but gives a maximum effort.
This one will actually be a close one, but Montreal pulls out the win.
Prediction: Canadiens win 4-3 in overtime.
Edmonton Oilers vs Detroit Red Wings
Head-to-Head: Oilers 0-0 Red Wings
TV: Bally Sports Detroit; Sportsnet West; ESPN+
This is the featured game of NHL predictions. The Edmonton Oilers look to keep on rolling against the Detroit Red Wings. Edmonton is on an eight-game winning streak and has gotten back into Stanley Cup Playoff contention. Everyone raves about the Oilers’ offence, but defence has gotten it done in recent games. Edmonton has yielded two goals or less in each of the last five games. Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid each scored in the last game and they could cause trouble if they both heat up. Calvin Pickard is the projected starter for the Oilers.
Detroit comes in with wins in four of the last five games and are among the crowded field for the Eastern Conference wild card spots. Alex Lyon is the confirmed starter for the Red Wings and he’s been a solid backup option for the team. Alex DeBrincat leads the team in goals (17) and assists (21) for the Red Wings. Both teams are good at scoring goals.
These two teams are coming with good form, but the Oilers get the victory.
Prediction: Oilers win 5-4.
New York Rangers vs St Louis Blues
Head-to-Head: Rangers 0-0 Blues
TV: MSG; Bally Sports Midwest; ESPN+
Our last game of NHL predictions has the New York Rangers trying to get on the winning track against the St Louis Blues. Igor Shesterkin is the projected starter for the Blueshirts in this one. New York has struggled to keep pucks out of the net in recent games. However, this club is usually good at bouncing back after a bad performance. Artemi Panarin is tops in goals (21) and assists (36) for the Rangers.
Jordan Binnington is the expected starter for the Blues, who have won two of the last three games. Robert Thomas has been great this season with 16 goals and 25 assists. One thing the Blues struggle with is the power play as they are dead last in that category, The teams penalty kill is also 20th in the NHL.
St Louis has to stay out of the penalty box if it wants to win this one. However, the Rangers get the win.
Prediction: Rangers win 4-2.
Prop Bet of the Night
We’ll go back to our featured game and take the over in a game where the number is seven for the Oilers and Red Wings.
Main photo by: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
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