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 Chicago Blackhawks taking on the Washington Capitals. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2024-25 season.
NHL Predictions
Chicago Blackhawks vs Washington Capitals
Head-to-Head: Blackhawks 1-0 Capitals
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: Sportsnet; Monumental Sports Network; Chicago Sports Network; NHL Network
We open up this set of NHL predictions with our featured game between the Blackhawks and Capitals. Spencer Knight is expected to get the start in goal for Chicago. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. The Blackhawks are struggling as of late with an 1-8-1 record in the last 10 games. Chicago is a disastrous 7-24-5 on the road this season. Teuvo Teravainen has recorded 15 goals and 41 assists for the Blackhawks.
Charlie Lindgren is the probable starter for Washington, which 5-4-1 in the last 10 games. However, the Capitals are coming off a loss in their last game. Alex Ovechkin is three goals away from overtaking Wayne Gretzky for the league’s all-time goals record. The Russian has bounced back this season with has 39 goals and 27 assists for the Caps.
The race for Gretzky’s record has consumed the spotlight, but Washington takes care of business.
Prediction: Capitals win 5-2.
Carolina Hurricanes vs Detroit Red Wings
Head-to-Head: Hurricanes 2-0 Red Wings
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: Fan Duel Sports Detroit; Fan Duel Sports South; ESPN+
Our last game of NHL predictions is a pivotal one with the Carolina Hurricanes visiting the Detroit Red Wings. Carolina is likely to start with Pyotr Kochetkov in between the pipes for this game. The Hurricanes are playing well at the right time with an 8-2 mark in the last 10 games. This includes three straight wins despite making some changes to their lineup. Seth Jarvis has posted 30 goals and 30 assists for the Hurricanes.
Detroit is in need of wins as its six points off the second wild card spot held by the Montreal Canadiens with eight games left to play. The Red Wings will turn to confirmed starter Cam Talbot in the blue paint for this game. Detroit is 4-5-1 in the last 10 games and lost the time out prior to this matchup. Team captain Dylan Larkin has notched 28 goals and 34 assists for the Red Wings.
The Wings need wins, but the Hurricanes are peaking just before the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Prediction: Hurricanes win 4-3.
Prop Bets of the Night
We close out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. Let’s go back to our featured game for our props. The over/under is 6.5 and we think the Capitals offence will do just enough to get the over. For team props. go with Connor Bedard to get the over on 0.5 assists in this game for Chicago. On the Washington side, take Ovechkin to get a power-play goal.
Main photo by: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: April 4 Chicago Blackhawks vs Washington Capitals appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.