Heading into tonight’s main slate of NHL games, there will be some interesting ones to watch. The truth of the matter is, if you’re able to watch tonight’s Washington Capitals vs Florida Panthers game, all eyes should be on left winger Alex Ovechkin and his chase towards NHL history.
At this point in time, Ovechkin has been a scoring machine for the Capitals as he continues to do his best to beat Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record for most goals scored in a pro hockey career at 894. Ovechkin is around that 750ish mark and at the rate he’s going, is well on his way if he continues being consistent in scoring goals week in, week out.
Another game to keep an eye on is tonight’s San Jose Sharks vs New Jersey Devils matchup. The Devils already beat the Sharks earlier this season and if they beat them again in front of their home crowd, will sweep them as it’s the final time they’ll be facing each other in 2021.
Here’s a look at each game, the pick to win, and an early prediction:
NHL Picks & Predictions Tonight
Washington Capitals @ Florida Panthers
- Pick: Washington Capitals
- Prediction: Ovi is on fire and continues to chase NHL history as he does a superb job at rallying his team when they need it most as team captain. Capitals will beat the Panthers 3-1.
San Jose Sharks @ New Jersey Devils
- Pick: New Jersey Devils
- Prediction: Both teams are playing very well so far this season on top of excelling on scoring opportunities, especially during power play situations. In this matchup, with the Devils playing at home, they got this as they’ll beat the Sharks 4-3.
Detroit Red Wings @ Boston Bruins
- Pick: Boston Bruins
- Prediction: The Bruins have already beaten the Red Wings earlier this season as their dynamic trio of Marchand, Bergeron, and Patrnak will be too much for Detroit to handle. Bruins win 3-1.
Columbus Blue Jackets @ Nashville Predators
- Pick: Columbus Blue Jackets
- Prediction: This is the first game this season between the Blue Jackets and Predators as it should be a fun one to watch. Expect to see another big game by Boone Jenner as he is a catalyst on the Blue Jackets’ high-octane offense. Blue Jackets win 2-1.
Tampa Bay Lightning @ St. Louis Blues
- Pick: Tampa Bay Lightning
- Prediction: If it’s one thing to know about the defending Stanley Cup champions is that they know how to win on the road. Led by the amazing Steven Stamkos who scores at will and sets up scoring plays nicely, the Lightning will make quick work of the Blues. Lightning win 3-0.
Arizona Coyotes @ Minnesota Wild
- Pick: Minnesota Wild
- Prediction: The Coyotes are dead last in the Central Division and are clearly on the outside looking in. They’re a team on the rebuild this season and unfortunately, don’t stand a chance against the Wild. The Wild will win 4-1.
Carolina Hurricanes @ Dallas Stars
- Pick: Dallas Stars
- Prediction: The Stars are on a hot four-gaming winning streak with their defense making a statement over the last few weeks. This will be a very close game but as always, defense wins hockey games as the Stars win 3-2 at home to continue the momentum.
Anaheim Ducks @ Los Angeles Kings
- Pick: Anaheim Ducks
- Prediction: There is still a ton of hockey left to be played but the Anaheim Ducks have had a very strong November as one better believe they want to end the month on a high note. This will be another close game of the night with the Ducks barely edging the Kings 2-1.