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 Minnesota Wild taking on the Calgary Flames. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2024-25 season.
NHL Predictions
Detroit Red Wings vs Tampa Bay Lightning
Head-to-Head: Red Wings 1-2 Lightning
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: Fan Duel Sports Sun; Fan Duel Sports Detroit; ESPN+
We open up NHL predictions with an Atlantic Division matchup between the Detroit Red Wings and the Tampa Bay Lightning. Detroit is expected to start Petr Mrazek in goal, but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. The Red Wings have been eliminated from Stanley Cup playoff contention, but wants to end the season on a good note. Team captain Dylan Larkin has netted 29 goals and 37 assists for Detroit.
Andrei Vasilevskiy is the expected starter for Tampa Bay, which is fighting for the divisional crown. The Lightning are 5-3-2 in the last 10 games, but lost in their last game out. Tampa Bay has struggled against division opponents with a 9-12-2 record. Nikita Kucherov has been on fire as of late with five goals and 15 assists over the past 10 games.
Detroit is trying to end the season strong, but Tampa Bay has plenty to play for.
Prediction: Lightning win 5-2.
San Jose Sharks vs Edmonton Oilers
Head-to-Head: Sharks 0-2 Oilers
Time: 9:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: NBC Sports California+; SN 360; ESPN+
The Edmonton Oilers host the San Jose Sharks in this second game of NHL predictions. San Jose is expected to start Alexandar Georgiev in the blue paint for this game. The Sharks are 2-6-2 in the last 10 games and that includes seven straight losses. Will Smith has recorded four goals and five assists over the past 10 games.
Edmonton is expected to counter with Calvin Pickard in the crease for this game. The Oilers are 5-4-1 in the last 10 games and got a victory. Edmonton also got a boost after seeing Connor McDavid return to the lineup. Jeff Skinner has tallied five goals and two assists over the last 10 games.
The Oilers still have a shot at home ice, but need a win in this game.
Prediction: Oilers win 5-1.
Minnesota Wild vs Calgary Flames
Head-to-Head: Wild 0-2 Flames
Time: 10 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: SN West; Fan Duel Sports North X; ESPN+
The final and featured game of NHL predictions has the Wild visiting the Flames. A win for Minnesota would seal up a post-season spot and it will turn to Filip Gustavsson in goal. The Wild are 4-4-2 in the last 10 games, but have won their last two games. Mats Zuccarello has put up 18 goals and 33 assists for Minnesota.
Calgary is fighting for its playoff life and needs an epic miracle in order to sneak into the field. Dustin Wolf will be tasked with trying to keep the Flames post-season fire alive. Calgary is 5-2-3 in the last 10 games and needs a regulation victory. Nazem Kadri has been one of the team’s better players with 30 goals and 31 assists for the Flames.
The Flames need a win, but the Wild get the victory and book their spot.
Prediction: Wild win 3-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
We round out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. Let’s stick with our featured game for our props. For Minnesota, go with Marcus Johansson to get a point in this game. On the Calgary end, take Matthew Coronato to get a goal.
Main photo by: Brett Holmes-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: April 11 Minnesota Wild vs Calgary Flames appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.