Main photo by: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
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 Chicago Blackhawks and the Dallas Stars. Be sure to check out our other NHL Predictions in the coming days.
NHL Predictions
Winnipeg Jets vs New York Islanders
Head-to-Head: Jets 0 – 0 Islanders
It’s the first of two meetings in five days for the Winnipeg Jets and the New York Islanders. The Jets got a 4-1 win the last time out against the other New York team. Connor Hellebuyck is slated to get the start in goal, but always check social media before deciding on your fantasy lineup. Winnipeg is fifth in goals allowed and hasn’t allowed more than two goals in its last three wins.
Ilya Sorokin is pencilled in as the projected starter for the Islanders. The Isles last two wins have come against the rival Pittsburgh Penguins. New York will have to find ways to score without Mathew Barzal in the lineup. The Islanders struggle on the power play at 26th but are solid on the penalty kill.
The under of 5.5 might be a scary prospect, but both goalies are solid and it could be a good side idea for NHL Predictions tonight.
Prediction: Jets win 3-1.
Calgary Flames vs Arizona Coyotes
Head-to-Head: Flames 1 – 0 Coyotes
The Calgary Flames are coming off a puzzling loss to the Philadelphia Flyers last time out. Jacob Markstrom is scheduled to be the starter in the net for the Flames. However, this is the first end of a back-to-back. Calgary did get a 3-2 win over Arizona in the only previous meeting of the season. The Flames are 15th in goals for and goals allowed. Tyler Toffoli is the team’s top-scorer with 23 goals for Calgary.
Connor Ingram is the current starter for the Coyotes. Arizona has won three of its last five games and is starting to put things together. The Coyotes are in the 20s in goals for, goals allowed, power play and penalty killing. This is being down without defencemen like Jakob Chychrun and Shayne Gostisbehere.
The Flames are a mystery with their lack of consistency. They’ll scratch out one, here.
Prediction: Flames win 3-2 in a shootout.
Chicago Blackhawks vs Dallas Stars
Head-to-Head: Blackhawks 0 – 1 Stars
Our featured game of NHL Predictions is a Central Division matchup. The Blackhawks did get a shootout victory over the Vegas Golden Knights in the first part of a back-to-back. This could be a chance to see Jaxson Stauber get a start in goal with Petr Mrazek getting the start the night before. Chicago is last in goals scored and 25th in goals allowed. The Blackhawks are still nowhere near a Stanley Cup playoff spot and will be sellers at the upcoming deadline. Jonathan Toews is probably off the table, but other players might be.
Scott Wedgewood is the projected starter in goal for Dallas. The Stars have lost four straight and offence has been a major problem. Dallas has scored only one goal in three of those losses. The Stars are 13th in goals for but they’re second in goals allowed. Jason Robertson leads in goals (34) and assists (37) for Dallas. The Stars penalty kill is also fairly good as they are fourth in the league. Dallas needs a win to keep Winnipeg at bay in the Central.
Chicago has stunned some large favourites, but Dallas is on a mission to get back on the right track.
Prediction: Stars win 5-2.
Be sure to check out more NHL Predictions tomorrow.
The post NHL Predictions: February 22nd with Chicago Blackhawks vs Dallas Stars appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.