NHL Projections for January 9th featuring the Ottawa Senators versus the Calgary Flames.
In our initial NHL predictions for this matchup, the San Jose Sharks are set to face the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second leg of a home-and-home series. Toronto secured a 4-1 victory in the previous encounter, extending the Sharks’ losing streak to 11 games. Mackenzie Blackwood is expected to start, though it’s advisable to check social media for any last-minute updates before finalizing fantasy lineups. San Jose has encountered difficulties in scoring, managing one goal or fewer in their last five games. Offensive highlights for the Sharks include Tomas Hertl and Mikael Granlund.
William Nylander recently secured an eight-year extension on Monday and showcased his scoring prowess with two goals against the Sharks last Saturday. Martin Jones, the confirmed starting goalie, aims to lead the Toronto Maple Leafs to a sweep against his former team. Auston Matthews has already reached the 30-goal milestone for Toronto, contributing to the team’s three consecutive victories. With the seventh-best power play in the league, the Leafs face a matchup against one of the league’s weakest penalty kills.
Understanding the pressure, Toronto recognizes the importance of maintaining a consistent performance, as any lapse could lead to criticism from the media. Anticipating a focused effort, the Leafs are poised to handle their responsibilities and emerge victorious.
Edmonton Oilers vs Chicago Blackhawks
Head-to-Head: Oilers 1-0 Blackhawks
The Edmonton Oilers are currently on a remarkable seven-game winning streak, and goaltender Stuart Skinner, along with the rest of the team, has rebounded effectively from a slow start. In the recent triumph over the Ottawa Senators, Zach Hyman recorded his third hat trick of the season. The Oilers now hold the 11th position in both goals for and goals against this season. Notably, Connor McDavid has already amassed 40 assists in the ongoing campaign.
Unfortunately, the anticipated clash of Connors won’t occur, as Connor Bedard is sidelined with a broken jaw. Despite Bedard’s absence, the Chicago Blackhawks secured a 4-3 victory against the Calgary Flames, with Colin Blackwell stepping up and scoring two goals. However, Chicago will face a challenge in finding goal contributors in the absence of both Bedard and Nick Foligno, who is also out of the lineup.
While Chicago adapted well without Bedard in the previous game, tackling the formidable Edmonton team presents a different and more formidable challenge.
Ottawa Senators vs Calgary Flames
Head-to-Head: Senators 1-0 Flames
In the final installment of our NHL predictions, the Ottawa Senators are set to face the Calgary Flames. Joonas Korpisalo is slated to be the starting goaltender for the Senators, who are currently on a three-game losing streak. Leading the team in goals is Brady Tkachuk with 16, while Tim Stutzle has been a playmaker with 27 assists this season. It’s worth noting that Ottawa’s penalty kill ranks at the bottom of the NHL.
For the Flames, Jacob Markstrom is expected to guard the net as they come off two consecutive losses. Blake Coleman is the team’s leading goal scorer with 15, and Elias Lindholm has contributed with 17 assists. Calgary boasts the fifth-best penalty kill in the league, but their 30th-ranked power play will need to deliver for a victory.
Considering both teams’ inconsistencies, Calgary is predicted to secure a narrow win in this matchup.
