Around the NHL: Predictions for November 13th

There are six games on the docket tonight. Here are today’s top picks, plays and predictions.

Here are today’s starting goaltenders, courtesy of LeftWingLock.

Play of the Day: Rangers over Oilers.
The Rangers coasted to a 4-1 victory over the Calgary Flames last night. Calgary got a good number of shots on net, but they never really threatened until very late in the game. The Rangers ran roughshot over them with their speed and incredible puck movement.

Michael Grabner tallied his team-leading eighth goal on the rush. Pavel Buchnevich scored in his fourth straight game.

Edmonton has lost two one-goal games in a row to Pittsburgh and Dallas. Despite 42 shots on goal, Antoine Roussel’s goal in the second period proved to be the difference-maker.

The Blueshirts have won six of their last seven games. The over is 8-1-3 in their last 12 games with no rest. Their offense has been rolling this season, showing no signs of stopping.

If the Oilers want to slow down the Rangers, they need to be ready to move. Connor McDavid has six assists in his last five games, though he has not scored himself in his last seven. His 18 points are still second in the league. Some more production out of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and the second line would be huge.

Prediction: Take the Rangers to win. Play the over.

The Game to Watch: Canadiens vs Blackhawks.
Montreal is 13-1-1. Chicago is 10-3-2. Need I say more?

The Habs have extended their newest win streak to four games after besting the Red Wings at home last night 5-0. They are back to running highly competitive teams out of the building.

The Blackhawks saw a seven-game win streak come to a stop on Friday with an overtime loss to the Washington Capitals. They have had three straight games go into extra time.

Despite the Canadiens’ incredible run of success, they are the underdogs against the Hawks tonight. Starting Al Montoya has something to do with it, considering it is his first start since the infamous Blue Jackets game. On top of that, the Habs have not won in Chicago in six attempts, and the Hawks have won five straight encounters overall.

The home team is 12-2.

Prediction: While the slanted line makes this game enticing, take Chicago to win. Play the under.

Other Game Notes Around the NHL

Bruins vs Avalanche: Zane McIntyre is the likely starter for the Boston Bruins tonight. Thank god Tuukka Rask has been so spectacular this season, because their backups have been pretty atrocious. McIntyre has lost both his starts, giving up 10 goals in 2.5 games.

Colorado has a chance to light the lamp tonight. The Avs only have one player that has reached double digits in points. Matt Duchene leads the team with six goals and 11 points. Next highest on the list is Nathan MacKinnon with just two goals, but a team-leading six assists.

However, with Matt Duchene looking to be out tonight with concussion symptoms, they will need MacKinnon and Gabriel Landeskog to really step up their game. A.J. Greer has been recalled from the AHL as a 19-year-old, though it appears unlikely that he will be making his NHL debut tonight. Sliding onto the top line will be Mikko Rantanen, who has a goal and an assist in eight games.

Prediction: Even with McIntyre in net, victory is not likely without Duchene. Take the Bruins to win. Play the under.

Wild vs Senators: Minnesota finally let up some goals last night against the Philadelphia Flyers. Though it was only three goals, that is a lot for Devan Dubnyk. Darcy Kuemper will likely get the start today.

Ottawa has a very good home record, winning six of eight games. Their offense has gone stone cold, however. They have scored just eight goals in their last six games, with their top producers going silent. They need all hands on deck to get back on track.

Minnesota’s struggles on the road, as well as Dubnyk being on the bench today, may go a long way to help spur the Sens on to victory.

Prediction: Take Ottawa to win. Play the under.