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 Edmonton Oilers vs Detroit Red Wings. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024-25 season continues.
NHL Predictions
Edmonton Oilers vs Detroit Red Wings
Time: 6 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: Sportsnet; Fan Duel Sports-Detroit; NHL Network
Our first and featured game has the Red Wings hosting the Oilers. Edmonton is expected to start Stuart Skinner in goal, but check social media before locking in a fantasy starter. The Oilers are coming off a 4-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins last time out. Leon Draisaitl is leading the team in goals while Connor McDavid is tops in points with eight.
Detroit is coming a 5-3 loss to the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday. Cam Talbot is the expected starter with Alex Lyon starting the day before in Western New York. Alex DeBrincat is first in goals with four while Lucas Raymond is the team’s leader in points with eight.
Both teams are feeling the weight of varied expectations. However, the Oilers have a little more firepower to get the victory.
Prediction: Oilers win 4-2.
Anaheim Ducks vs New Jersey Devils
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: KCOP-TV; MSGSN; ESPN+
Our second game of NHL predictions has the Anaheim Ducks visiting the New Jersey Devils. James Reimer is likely to get the start with Lukas Dostal got the start against the New York Rangers the night before. Troy Terry is first in goals (4) and points (6) while Mason McTavish is leading in assists with four.
The Devils have been reeling with four straight losses after getting off to a 5-0-2 start. Jacob Markstrom is the likely starter for New Jersey, which has struggled on the defensive end in recent games. Nico Hischier and Jesper Bratt are the joint-leaders in points with 11, but Hischier is off to a solid start with eight goals.
Anaheim did well to keep pace with the Rangers. However, New Jersey is hungry for a win.
Prediction: Devils win 5-2.
Montreal Canadiens vs Philadelphia Flyers
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: NBC Sports Philadelphia; TSN2; RDS; ESPN+
Our final game of NHL predictions has the Montreal Canadiens squaring off with the Philadelphia Flyers. Cayden Primeau is the confirmed starter for the Habs after winning Saturday night against the St Louis Blues. Cole Caufield is first in goals with seven while Nick Suzuki has the most points on the team with nine.
Philadelphia is coming off its first win of the season in a high-scoring victory over the Minnesota Wild. This game against Montreal could see the debut of Alexei Kolosov after he was called up from AHL Lehigh Valley. Matvei Michkov is on top of the team’s goal charts with four. However, Travis Konecny is first in points with nine.
Both teams are coming off wins, but Montreal squeaks out the victory.
Prediction: Canadiens win 4-3.
Prop Bets of the Night
We have some prop bets to wrap up this edition of NHL predictions. We’ll keep with the last game of the night between Montreal and Philadelphia.
The Canadiens are +130 to win at Caesar’s Sportsbook if looking for a team bet. For a player prop, Michkov is getting +230 for an anytime scorer on FanDuel.
Main photo by: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
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