The bridge to Friday is made easier thanks to a jam-packed 12-game slate in the NHL on Thursday. There are a few heavyweight bouts on the schedule today and several games that will have an impact on the postseason standings. The intensity ramps up game by game as teams have less runway to work with to make the necessary moves in the standings. It is a great time of year to be an NHL fan and Thursday’s slate will only add to the excitement. Along with our NHL mega parlay, make sure you read our NHL predictions for today’s action.
Over the past month, the Kraken have trended downward. Seattle enters Thursday having won just 3 of their last 11 games. They have really struggled to score which is a trend that does not match up well with the Bruins’ strong goal prevention.
The Bruins enter this game having dropped 3 of their last 4 games, including their last 2. While it is no major cause for concern, they will want to get back on track and back in the win column. The Bruins have been one of the best teams in hockey all season, excel in both goal scoring and goal prevention, and will bring an ‘A’ effort tonight. Look for them to potentially run up the score and make a statement against Seattle.
Read our full Seattle Kraken vs Boston Bruins predictions
The Kings and Devils have been very confusing teams this year. The upside has been obvious at times, but the volatility has been a bit concerning. The volatility of each team is also what gives the over appeal. The Kings have dropped 15 of their last 19 games. Most recently, in their last 3 games, the Kings scored 4 goals twice and had a game in which they allowed 7 goals.
After missing a month, Jack Hughes is ramping back up to his early-season form as he has tallied goals in his last 2 games. The Devils are in the top 10 in the NHL in both goals scored per game and powerplay percentage. Getting Hughes back in normal form will only pump the team’s offensive performance. Volatility and team strengths look good for this matchup to go over the total.
Read our full LA Kings vs New Jersey Devils predictions
If the Penguins do not collect more points come the first week of March, they will have difficult decisions to make at the trade deadline. Pittsburgh currently sits 7 points out of a playoff spot with 3 teams between them and the 2nd wild card. If they are going to get back in the thick of things, they have to beat teams like the Blackhawks.
Fortunately for the Penguins, they get a favorable matchup tonight. The Blackhawks are at the bottom of the NHL standings, rank 31st in goals per game and 29th in goals allowed per game. They have lost 7 straight and 5 of their last 7 at home. The Penguins are the better team and should be playing with plenty of urgency.
