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 Vancouver Canucks vs Nashville Predators. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs roll on.
NHL Predictions
New York Rangers vs Washington Capitals
Series Head-to-Head: Rangers 2-0 Capitals
TV: TNT, TruTV, SN 360, TVAS, MNMT, MSG
Our opening game of NHL predictions has the New York Rangers looking to get a commanding 3-0 lead on the Washington Capitals. The Blueshirts are likely to start Igor Shesterkin in between the pipes. New York has scored four goals in each of the first two games of the series. Alexis Lafreniere has handed out three assists, but Mika Zibanejad has been solid on offence and in limiting Alex Ovechkin.
Charlie Lindgren has done his best, he’ll need some offensive support from his teammates. Washington did give New York a tough time, but tonight is a must-win game. Ovechkin has only registered one shot in the first two games between the division rivals. Tom Wilson has a goal and two assists and continues to be a physical problem for the Rangers.
The Caps have given the Rangers a couple of fits, but the Blueshirts should get the 3-0 unlike their basketball counterparts.
Prediction: Rangers win 4-2.
Vancouver Canucks vs Nashville Predators
Series Head-to-Head: Canucks 1-1 Predators
TV: TBS, Sportsnet, TVAS, BSSO
The Canucks try to rally and steal home-ice advantage back in Smashville against the Predators. Casey DeSmith is the projected starter, but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starer. DeSmith is the likely starter the rest of the way with Thatcher Demko expected to miss the series. Dakota Joshua leads the team in points with two goals and an assist. However, the big boys like Quinn Hughes and Elias Pettersson will need to step up.
Nashville is slated to go with Juuse Saros in the blue paint for the his game. The Predators are led by Filip Forsberg with a goal and two assists, but the much-maligned Anthony Beauvillier recorded a goal and an assist in Game 2. Head coach Andrew Brunette has done wonders for this roster since the All-Star Break. The Demko injury has thrown the result of this series into doubt.
Bridgestone Arena is a tough place to play and the Predators take the series lead.
Prediction: Predators win 4-3.
Winnipeg Jets vs Colorado Avalanche
Series Head-to-Head: Jets 1-1 Avalanche
TV: TNT, TruTV, CBC, TVAS, ALT
The Winnipeg Jets look to get home ice back when they visit the Colorado Avalanche in Denver. Connor Hellebuyck gets the call once again for Winnipeg, which got blitzed for four goals in the second period of Game 2. The Jets have surprisingly given up 11 goals in the first two games. Adam Lowry and Mark Scheifele each have two goals so far this series.
Alexandar Georgiev silenced some of his doubters after Game 2 with a 28-save performance. The Bulgarian netminder is the likely starter in between the pipes for Colorado. Miles Wood, Artturi Lehkonen and Valeri Nichushkin each have netted a pair of goals to lead off the series. Colorado is a deadly 31-9-1 at home in the regular season.
The Avs are tough to beat at home and get the series lead.
Prediction: Avalanche win 3-2.
Edmonton Oilers vs Los Angeles Kings
Series Head-to-Head: Oilers 1-1 Kings
TV: TBS, Sportsnet, TVAS, BSW
Our last game of NHL predictions has the Edmonton Oilers trying to figure things out after a puzzling loss to the Los Angeles Kings. Cam Talbot is the projected starter in goal for the Kings, who got an overtime-winner from the ageless Anze Kopitar in Game 2. Los Angeles came out of the gate firing in Game 2 thanks to two first-period goals from Adrian Kempe.
Stuart Skinner likely gets the nod to start in Game 3 for the Oilers. Zach Hyman leads the team in goals with four while Connor McDavid has dished out a whopping six assists in two games. Both teams will need to tighten things up on defence if they want to grab the series lead.
Edmonton knows it can’t fall behind in the series. Expect a flying start from the Oilers.
Prediction: Oilers win 5-3.
Main photo by: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports
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