This week we have selected the top four matchups coming up across this week in the NHL. As the season starts to bed in, the tables give us a good indication of how the season has unfolded so far. We will go through the games on our list and provide you with the predictions you need for the next seven days. Let’s get to the chosen fixtures and see what is coming for you this week.
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Detroit Red Wings
The Hurricanes had to fight hard in their last outing. They left it late in the game, but those two final period goals made all the difference, turning the game on its head to finish 2-1. Russian winger Andrei Svechnikov scored both goals, and the Hurricanes will be looking for him to inspire more of the same against the Red Wings.
Last time out, the Red Wings grabbed a surprise victory over the high-flying Oilers, winning that game by three goals to one. That was only their 4th win of the season, and they will need to use it as a building block to more gains if they want to move up the table. The Hurricanes will be fierce opposition, especially in Carolina. We will have to see if the Redwings can cope with the pressure.
Prediction: Hurricanes 3-1 Red Wings
Anaheim Ducks vs. Vancouver Canucks
The Ducks season record reads as 8-6-0, which is not too shabby at this stage. The issue for Anaheim is they are in the hotly contested Pacific Division and need to pick up all the points they can to progress. Last time out saw a 7-4 victory, but they need to improve their defense if they want to get anything from this game against the Canucks.
Vancouver’s season sees them sitting two places above the Ducks in the Pacific Division with eight wins and 17 points. The Ducks are only a point behind, so this is a game with a little added spice. The Canucks’ last appearance saw them overcome the Kings and register a 5-3 win. They will be looking to Jeff Carter for more of the same in the NHL starting against the Ducks.
Prediction: Ducks 6-4 Canucks
Colorado Avalanche vs. Dallas Stars
The Avalanche will see this game as the perfect chance to bounce back from the disappointing defeat last time out when they faced the Panthers. They lead until the final period when two goals forced overtime, and Florida pounced to take the victory. Their form of 8-2-2 shows you that this was likely a blip for the Avalanche and the Stars will not be looking forward to facing them. Expect a reaction from the Avalanche.
Dallas needs a hero or a miracle at this stage with their 5-8-1, but they did get a win over fellow strugglers the Wild last time they had a game in the NHL. That 6-3 win took them to third-bottom in the Central Division, and there is some hope that they could climb a little higher. Of course, the Avalanche are a solid top of the same division, and this game may be a return to that losing feeling.
Prediction: Avalanche 5-1 Stars
New Jersey Devils vs. Philadelphia Flyers
The Devils are 2-5-3, and everyone is talking about them for the wrong reasons at the moment. They will count themselves unlucky after the overtime loss to the Lightning, and it was a bright display when compared to some of their other outings this NHL season. If they can find that sort of level in this tie, the outcome could be different this time.
The record shows 4-5-1, and they are two places above the Devils in the NHL’s Metropolitan Division. Their last performance was a horror show 7-1 hammering as they went down to the Penguins. Philadelphia will need to avoid a repeat of that in this one. The Devils could creep very close to them in the table with a win.
Prediction: Devils 5-3 Flyers
The Face-Off
What a week we have ahead in the NHL, and there is even more to come than we could cover today. Join us again as the week progresses for more news, previews, predictions, and game reviews. The season is still young, and now is the time that the NHL franchises have to put a run of form together.
So much could change with a few good or bad performances, and winning the Stanley Cup is something every Hockey player wants to achieve. Remember to watch the odds as the games approach. See you next time, NHL fans!
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