Welcome to NHL Predictions! Each day, Last Word On Hockey will break down every game and give our NHL predictions for each game. This will also include a featured game that should be must-watch hockey. Tonight’s featured game and the only game on the NHL schedule this American Thanksgiving is the New Jersey Devils vs. Montreal Canadiens. Be sure to check the previous days’ predictions as well.
NHL Predictions
New Jersey Devils vs. Montreal Canadiens
Head-to-Head: Devils 1- 0 Canadiens
This is the second of three meetings between the New Jersey Devils and Montreal Canadiens. Two weeks ago the Devils went into Montreal and defeated the Canadiens in overtime by a score of 4-3. The Devils trailed 3-1 in that game before coming from behind. In that game, Nico Hischier scored the decider in overtime. Since coming into the NHL, Hischier has five goals and one assist against the Canadiens. Look for Hischier along Taylor Hall and Kyle Palmieri to have a big game. In their history playing in Montreal, the Devils have been successful. However, this game could go either way. After defeating the Canadiens, the Devils lost three of their next four games.
Like the Devils, the Canadiens are in the midst of their own losing streak. There is something about this time of year for the Canadiens. Last season, the team’s longest winless streak spanned between November 19-27. The Canadiens currently have lost their previous five games between November 16-26 and they can thank the Devils for kick-starting it. Montreal will be out for revenge.
It will be interesting to see if Keith Kinkaid gets another shot at his former team. Kinkaid did not play badly in the first game for Montreal. He gave them a chance to win as he did in his other previous starts. However, with Carey Price struggling, head coach Claude Julien may want to go with his veteran. It will be interesting to see who the Devils counter with. MacKenzie Blackwood got the start last time and won. So it would make sense for him to get the start again.
With both teams needing a win especially the Canadiens, look for this game to be another close.
Prediction: Devils Win 3-2 in OT
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
