With the large amount of games on tonight’s NHL schedule, it might be hard to know where to start. We at the Last Word on Hockey have helped narrow your focus to our best bets. This round of NHL Predictions will help condense the slate into three best bets and one prop bet of the night.
NHL Predictions
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Boston Bruins
Head-to-Head: Penguins 0-0 Bruins
TV: ESPN; Sportsnet Ontario; Sportsnet East
Our featured game of NHL predictions has the Pittsburgh Penguins taking on the Boston Bruins for the first time this season. Tristan Jarry is the expected starter, but always check social media before locking in a fantasy starter. Pittsburgh had its three-game winning streak stopped against the Washington Capitals last time out. Sidney Crosby continues to lead the way with 21 goals while Jake Guentzel has 25 assists.
The Bruins are expected to counter with Linus Ullmark in the blue paint. Boston has won four straight games and has taken over the top spot overall in the NHL once again. The Bruins have scored at least four goals in each of the last four victories and David Pastrnak has been the catalyst for the club. Pastrnak has 22 goals and 28 assists for 50 points already this campaign. Both teams are in the top six with defence.
Pittsburgh has put things together before the Christmas break, but Boston has been solid on both ends of the ice.
Prediction: Bruins win 4-2.
Chicago Blackhawks vs New York Rangers
Head-to-Head: Blackhawks 0-0 Rangers
TV: MSG; NBC Sports Chicago; ESPN+
Connor Bedard makes his Broadway debut as the Chicago Blackhawks visit Madison Square Garden. Chicago as lost three straight games and are hoping to channel their inner CM Punk to put the New York Rangers to sleep. The Blackhawks are expected to start Petr Mrazek in between the pipes tonight. Chicago has been held to one goal in the last two games and face an annoyed Rangers squad.
Igor Shesterkin is expected to get the call tonight in goal for the Blueshirts. New York looked bad in the blowout loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. One thing the Rangers are good at is bouncing back after a lousy performance. The team only has one losing streak during the season. Artemi Panarin has 23 goals and 28 assists for 51 points this season. New York’s power play is also second in the league.
Chicago has to stay out of the box or its going to have a long night. The Rangers are looking to recover from the last game and should do so.
Prediction: Rangers win 5-2.
Colorado Avalanche vs Dallas Stars
Head-to-Head: Avalanche 1-0 Stars
TV: Altitude; Bally Sports Southwest; ESPN+
Our final game of NHL predictions has the Colorado Avalanche taking on the Dallas Stars. Colorado is go with Alexandar Georgiev in goal. The Avs have wins in three straight and have been finding all kinds of ways to win. Nathan MacKinnon is already past the 60-point mark for the Avalanche. Both teams are in the top 10 when it comes to killing penalties.
Scott Wedgewood is the expected starter for the Stars, who were beat by the Montreal Canadiens last time out. Roope Hintz leads the team with 15 goals and Jason Robertson has 25 assists to be tops in that category.
Dallas has been more consistent, but Colorado gets the victory with its better form as of late.
Prediction: Avalanche win 4-3.
Prop Bet of the Night
We go to our second game of NHL predictions for our prop bet of the night. We like the Rangers making Sam Rosen say “It’s a power play goal” at least once against Chicago for our preferred side action.
Main photo by: Charles LeClaire – USA TODAY Sports
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