Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are scheduled and offers insight and analysis to help predict who will be victorious in head-to-head matchups.

Elias Pettersson is often the straw that stirs the drink for the Canucks, and our NHL picks expect him to be at his best against the Red Wings tonight. The Vancouver Canucks appear to be moving in the right direction. They’ve won three of their past four games, with a road date against the powerhouse Stars serving as the lone blemish in that span.