Welcome back to the return of NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are happening and gives our predictions for each one, breaking down head-to-head matchups and other factors that may play in. We also have a featured game of the day, which is considered must-watch TV. Today’s featured game is the Minnesota Wild vs Winnipeg Jets. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024-25 season starts.
NHL Predictions
Minnesota Wild vs Winnipeg Jets
Time: 6:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: Bally Sports North; Bally Sports Wisconsin; TSN3; ESPN+
Our first and featured game of NHL predictions has a Central Division rivalry. Minnesota will be in the second game of a back-to-back set. The Wild are expected to go with Jesper Wallstedt in between the pipes for this one. However, always check social media before locking in a fantasy starter. Minnesota beat the Columbus Blue Jackets to open up its season, but it’s a tough prospect following that up against Winnipeg.
Winnipeg has won its first two games and will likely go with Connor Hellebuyck in net. He has only given up one goal in two games so far this season, but it’s been a complete team effort. The Jets have played well in the first two games of the head coach Scott Arniel era. Mark Scheifele has three goals so far this campaign to lead the club.
Both teams have gotten off to good starts. However, the Jets have been solid on defence this season.
Prediction: Jets win 3-1.
Seattle Kraken vs Dallas Stars
Time: 8:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: KHN; KONG; ESPN+
The second game of today’s NHL predictions has two teams playing on the back-end of two games in two nights. We’ll see the Seattle Kraken battle the Dallas Stars in this Western Conference matchup. Philipp Grubauer is expected to get the call in the blue paint for the Kraken. New Seattle captain Jordan Eberle has gotten off to a good starter for the club, but came up short in the season-opener.
Casey DeSmith is expected to get his first start of the season with Jake Oettinger starting the night before against the New York Islanders. Mason Marchment scored twice as the Stars held off the Nashville Predators in the season-opener.
It’s hard to tell who gets off to a better start with both teams coming off back-to-backs. However, the Stars will have just enough in the one.
Prediction: Stars win 3-2.
Anaheim Ducks vs Vegas Golden Knights
Time: 10:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: Scripps Vegas; KCOP; ESPN+
Our final game of NHL predictions has the Anaheim Ducks facing the Vegas Golden Knights. Anaheim is one of the last teams to start its season. However, the Ducks will go right into the fire with back-to-back games. James Reimer is expected to start with Lukas Dostal getting the call in the season-opener, a 2-0 versus the Sharks. Moreover, Anaheim is still expected to be in its rebuild this season.
Vegas is expected to give Ilya Samsonov to start. However, Adin Hill has been strong in his first two starts of the season. In addition, Ivan Barbashev and Jack Eichel have gotten off to hot starts this season. Some thought the Knights would take a step back. Conversely, that’s not been the case so far. Vegas has scored 12 goals in its first two games. But, it’s still early in the season.
Anaheim may have a new look, but it still has a ways to go to contend.
Prediction: Golden Knights win 5-2.
Prop Bets of the Night for NHL Predictions
Sundays in the fall may be full of football. However, don’t forget about some good prop bets for hockey. Go with the Jets covering at +160 at Bet365. The spread of 1.5 may be intimidating, but Winnipeg has played well to start.
For a player prop, a bet on Barbashev at +220 could be worth it. The Russian isn’t a prolific scorer, but riding the hot hand is a smart play.
Main photo by: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images
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