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 between the New York Rangers and the New Jersey Devils. Be sure to check out out other two sets of NHL Predictions for Saturday’s full slate of games.
NHL Predictions: New York Rangers vs New Jersey Devils
Carolina Hurricanes vs Columbus Blue Jackets
Head to Head: Hurricanes 1-0 Blue Jackets
Today’s first game on the NHL Predictions is between the best team in the Metropolitan Division against the worst team. The Carolina Hurricanes head north to take on the Columbus Blue Jackets. After a dominant month of December, Carolina has dropped two games in a row, whereas Columbus has done the same.
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Each team has the ability to put the puck in the net. The talent on each team is fun to watch with Johnny Gaudreau, Kent Johnson, Martin Necas, and Andrei Svechnikov. But the biggest factor that sways to Carolina is their defence. Carolina has allowed the second-fewest goals at 5v5, whereas Columbus has allowed the second most. This doesn’t bode well as Carolina fired 67 shots on goal against Nashville. With Columbus allowing on average 35.35 shots per game, their goaltending will need to be at their best. If not, Carolina will have an easy time getting back on track.
Prediction: Hurricanes defeat Blue Jackets 4-1
New York Rangers vs New Jersey Devils
Head to Head: Rangers 1-1 Devils
Today’s featured game on our NHL Predictions is a pivotal matchup in the Metropolitan Division. The New York Rangers cross over the bridge to take on the New Jersey Devils. This game is crucial as each team is separated by one point and the margin for error is minimal.
This is the third matchup between the two teams. New Jersey took the first matchup in a 5-3 victory that had Devils fans erupting inside The Garden. New York took the next one in come-back fashion and sealed the deal in overtime. As of late, the Devils have gone 2-2 in their last four, whereas the Rangers are riding a three-game winning streak.
There’s plenty of talent to watch in this game. The Rangers big guns are getting it done with Mika Zibanejad and Artemi Panarin paving the way. Despite the Devils goal scoring being a recent issue, one constant is superstar centre Jack Hughes. He has six goals in his last five games and seven points. Each team has an elite player on the back end with Adam Fox and Dougie Hamilton.
Key X Factors for tonights matchup is special teams. New York has the 11th-best power play, whereas New Jersey has the 9th-best penalty kill. The Devils are better at possession at 5v5 and in expected goals. But one thing the Rangers have that the Deviks don’t; Igor Shesterkin. Goaltending gives the Rangers the edge along with their better play as of late.
Prediction: Rangers defeat Devils 4-3.
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