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 Vegas Golden Knights. Be sure to check out our NHL Predictions in the coming days.
NHL Predictions Including New Jersey Devils vs Vegas Golden Knights
New Jersey Devils vs Vegas Golden Knights
Head-to-Head: Devils 1-0 Golden Knights
The New Jersey Devils will travel to Las Vegas for our featured game of the day in NHL Predictions. Both the Devils and the Golden Knights had important wins in their last game out. The Devils had a 7-5 win over reigning Stanley Cup champions the Colorado Avalanche, and Vegas ground out a 3-2 win against the Carolina Hurricanes. New Jersey scored seven goals without leading scorer Jack Hughes making it onto the scoresheet, and are proving that their early season success was not a fluke. The Devils had seven different goal scorers in their win over the Avalanche and added yet another offensive weapon in Timo Meier. Meier is still dealing with an injury, and it is not certain when he’ll be added to the Devils’ lineup.
The Vegas Golden Knights are on a bit of a hot streak, losing just one game in regulation during the entire month of February. Leading scorer Jack Eichel had two goals against Carolina in his last game out and is stepping into his own as a true leader on this Vegas team. Reilly Smith had the game-winner against the Hurricanes, breaking a seven-game drought. Smith currently has 20 goals, good for second on the team, but has only two goals since January 1. If Vegas can get consistent scoring, they can beat just about anyone. Goaltending will also be something to watch. Vegas completed a trade for veteran netminder Jonathan Quick yesterday, and are hoping he can provide support to a goalie lineup that is battered and bruised.
This will be the second tough game in a row for both teams, and it will be a hard-fought battle that could easily go either way.
Vegas defeat Devils 4-3 in OT.
Seattle Kraken vs Columbus Blue Jackets
Head-to-Head: Kraken 1-0 Blue Jackets
This matchup will be a test of endurance. Seattle will be on the second night of a back-to-back, defeating the Detroit Red Wings 5-4 in overtime. Meanwhile, the Blue Jackets will be well-rested, having last played Tuesday in a 5-3 win over the Buffalo Sabres. It will be a mental test to see if Seattle can maintain energy and intensity. The Blue Jackets made several moves ahead of the deadline, including dealing Vladislav Gavrikov and Joonas Korpisalo to Los Angeles. If Columbus can capitalize on a tired Seattle team, they may be able to pull out a surprise win.
Blue Jackets defeat Kraken 4-2.
Winnipeg Jets vs Edmonton Oilers
Head-to-Head: Jets 1-0 Oilers
Our third matchup of the day is a Canadian battle between Winnipeg and Edmonton. The Winnipeg Jets had an optimistic start to the season, but have been on an absolute downslide in February, winning just three out of their nine games. Their most recent loss came in the shootout against the LA Kings. Leading scorer Mark Scheifele has 34 goals on the season and has been Winnipeg’s most powerful offensive weapon.
However, nothing can rival the season that Connor McDavid has been having with the Edmonton Oilers. McDavid has 52 goals and 66 assists for a total of 118 points, and currently has a five-game streak with multiple goals. The Oilers traded for Mattias Ekholm before the deadline, and he had an immediate impact in his first game, contributing an assist on a Zach Hyman goal. The Oilers seem to be clicking at the right time and should be able to claim another victory.
Oilers defeat Winnipeg 3-1.
Carolina Hurricanes vs Arizona Coyotes
Head-to-Head: Hurricanes 0-1 Coyotes
The Carolina Hurricanes will take on the Arizona Coyotes in our fourth matchup of the day. The Hurricanes had a tough loss in their last game, losing 3-2 to the Vegas Golden Knights. The Hurricanes made a few big moves at the trade deadline, acquiring both Jesse Puljujarvi and Shayne Gostibehere. Neither played against Vegas and will likely make their debut against the Coyotes. The Arizona Coyotes have been the league’s biggest sellers at the deadline, giving up the vast majority of their available contracts. The Coyotes are going all in on a rebuild, but it will likely cost them results in the current season.
Hurricanes defeat Coyotes 5-1.
Montreal Canadiens vs Anaheim Ducks
Head-to-Head: Canadiens 0-1 Ducks
The Canadiens and the Ducks will face each other in their final meeting of the season. The Ducks took the last victory, a 5-2 win back in December. The Canadiens made a trade with the Stars to obtain Denis Gurianov, and they’re hoping he can contribute to a struggling Canadiens offence. The Canadiens are on the back half of a back-to-back, and will want to come out strong. The Ducks had an overtime loss against the Washington Capitals in their last game, following goals from rising stars Troy Terry and Trevor Zegras. With Adam Henrique out with a lower-body injury, they’ll need production from the young guns to be able to pull out a win.
Canadiens defeat Ducks 2-1.
Main photo by: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
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