Hockey fans have been making the most of all the highly entertaining regular-season action thanks to the NHL, the race for the postseason playoffs, and a chance for a shot at the coveted Stanley Cup.
We can start to see who might get there and the teams which need an upturn in form and fast. Let’s get into the most significant games of the last seven days and take a look at the best of them now.
New Jersey Devils 6-7 Tampa Bay Lightning
The Devils season has been one to forget, but this game was almost one to remember after scoring six past Lightning. The Devils forced the game into overtime with three goals from Kyle Palmieri. It didn’t make a difference, in the end, as the Lightning took the win. The assist from Ondrej Palat was finished by Tyler Johnson to put the game away.
The Devils are now 2-5-3 for the season and sit rock bottom of the Metropolitan Division after ten games; we back them to lose their next outing. The Lightning have played 12, and their record is 6-4-2, which keeps them in 4th spot in the Atlantic Division. They should win next time out against the Islanders.
Columbus Blue Jackets 1-4 Edmonton Oilers
The Oilers continued their impressive form so far this year in the NHL, cruising past the Blue Jackets. Two goals and an assist from the Oilers’ Leon Draisaitl took him to the top of the charts for his team with 12 in total for the season.
It was an inspired performance from goaltender Mike Smith who managed to keep out 23 shots in this one. The Blue Jackets’ only goal was a mere consolation from Zach Werenski. That goal could not save the Blue Jackets from losing their second game in a row.
Next up for the Blue Jackets is a game against the Blues, which is a tough one to call. They are 5th in the Metropolitan Division with a record of 5-3-2. We predict they will win that game. The Oilers are top of the Pacific Division with a 5-4-1 and should add another victory next time when they play the Penguins.
Anaheim Ducks 7 - 4 Winnipeg Jets
The Ducks were in a destructive mood as they put seven past the Jets. The Jets looked off the pace, and the Ducks took full advantage. Nikolaj Ehlers put them in front, but that’s about as good as it got as the game went back and forth. Goals from Ryan Getzlaf and Adam Henrique put the Ducks 3-2 up, and the game carried on in their favor.
Derek Grant’s off-the-chest goal made it 4-2 Ducks, and there was no way back from there. The loss left the Jets three places off the last Wild Card Slot, and the record shows 6-7-0 for the season. The Ducks are 5-5-0 and are in 3rd place in the Pacific Division.
The Ducks face the Canucks next in a game they should win. The Jets have to get something out of their next tie against the Sharks, and we predict they will take a victory from it.
Nashville Predators 3-0 Chicago Blackhawks
The Predators dominated this one and kept things squeaky clean at the back to avoid conceding. Nick Bonino was a joy to watch throughout the game and was rewarded with all three of the goals scored for his team. The Blackhawks never got into the game and that was marked by a goal from the Predators in each period.
The Blackhawks are 3-6-2 for the season and need something to change if they want to start picking up the pace in the NHL. The only team below them in the table is the Wild, who have been less than impressive. They will play the Kings next with a good chance of a win.
The Predators are 2nd behind the Avalanche in the Central Division, and their last four games have all ended in victory. The next team they have to get past is the Flames, and they should achieve another success.
The Roundup
The NHL is coming thick and fast, and there are so many more games to entertain us over the next few weeks. Join us again next week for our roundup of the action just past. Our NHL predictions for the matchups next week are imminent, so watch this space. As always, keep an eye on the markets for the best odds!