Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day our writers here at Last Word on Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. For this edition, we will look at the Dallas Stars taking on the Colorado Avalanche. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
NHL Predictions
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Florida Panthers
Series Head-to-Head: Lightning 0-2 Panthers
Time: 1 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: TVAS, TBS, TruTV, Sportsnet, Fan Duel Sports Sun; Scripps Florida; Max
We open up NHL predictions with another installment of the rivalry between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers. Andrei Vasilevskiy will get the start in all likelihood. However, always check social media for confirmation. The offence has dried up for Tampa Bay with only two goals in the first two games on the series. The Lightning will also be without Brandon Hagel after he was given a one-game suspension.
Sergei Bobrovsky is the starter and is playing how he did when the Panthers won the Stanley Cup last season. Florida is looking like the contender and a team making a strong case to repeat. The Panthers have been spreading around the scoring, but Nate Schmidt leads the club in goals with three so far.
Tampa Bay needs to play a heck of a game, but Florida gets the 3-0 series advantage.
Prediction: Panthers win 4-2.
Vegas Golden Knights vs Minnesota Wild
Series Head-to-Head: Golden Knights 1-2 Wild
Time: 4 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: TBS, TruTV, Sportsnet, SN1, TVAS, Scripps Vegas; Max
The next game of our NHL predictions has Game 4 between the Vegas Golden Knights and Minnesota Wild. Vegas is expected to go with Adin Hill in between the pipes for this game. The Golden Knights have struggled taking care of the puck and its led to this surprising series so far. Jack Eichel is without a point so far this series and he’ll need to step up.
Filip Gustavsson is the starter for this game for the Wild, who have come alive in Games 2 and 3. Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy are tied for the post-season scoring lead with Adrian Kempe of the Los Angeles Kings coming into Saturday’s play. Minnesota’s young players have really gelled after missing a good part of the second half of the season.
Vegas knows it has to win this game. Minnesota has cashed in on its chances so far. However, the Golden Knights find a way.
Prediction: Golden Knights win 3-2.
Dallas Stars vs Colorado Avalanche
Series Head-to-Head: Stars 2-1 Avalanche
Time: 9:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: TBS, TruTV, Sportsnet, TVAS; Altitude; Victory; Max
The last game of NHL predictions is the featured matchup between the Stars and Avalanche. Jake Oettinger is the starter for Dallas, which has two straight overtime-wins to wrest the series lead. The Stars did drop the series-opener, but tightened things up after losing Game 1. Tyler Seguin leads the team in goals with two so far this post-season.
Mackenzie Blackwood is the probable starter for Colorado, which has led for most of the series. However, the Avalanche are trailing in the series after three games. Nathan MacKinnon and Logan O’Connor are tied for the team’s lead in points so far with four.
This should be another tight affair, but the Avalanche get the win and even things up.
Prediction: Avalanche win 4-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
We close out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. Let’s stay with our featured game between the Stars and Avalanche. The over/under for this game is 6.5 and we like the under in this game.
For individual props, go Mason Marchment to get a point for Dallas. On the Colorado side, take Gabriel Landeskog to get a point.
Main photo by: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: April 26 Dallas Stars vs Colorado Avalanche appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.