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 Dallas Stars vs Florida Panthers. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024-25 season continues.
NHL Predictions
Dallas Stars vs Florida Panthers
Head-to-Head: Stars 0-1 Panthers
Time: Noon Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: Scripps Florida; Victory; NHL Network
Our first and featured game is the finale of the NHL Global Series’ trip to Finland. Florida got the win over Dallas in a wild 6-4 game where Finns reigned supreme. Fantasy owners should note the early start time for setting their respective lineups.
Spencer Knight is the expected starter with Sergei Bobrovsky starting the night before. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. Aleksander Barkov racked up four points in the victory on Friday.
Casey DeSmith will likely draw the start with the Stars starting Jake Oettinger the night before. Esa Lindell returned to his home country and potted a goal and an assist in a losing-effort.
This should hopefully be another good game, but Dallas will manage to get the split.
Prediction: Stars win 4-2.
Colorado Avalanche vs Nashville Predators
Time: 8 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: Altitude2; Fan Duel Sports South; ESPN+
Our second game of NHL predictions is a battle of underachieving Central Division teams. The Colorado Avalanche have been hit hard by injuries and will likely go with Justus Annunen in between the pipes for this one. Leading goalscorer Ross Colton is out for possibly two months, so players like Casey Mittelstadt will have to step up. Cale Makar is almost up to 20 points already this season.
Juuse Saros is the expected starter in between the pipes for the Nashville Predators in this one. Nashville made some big splashes in free agency, but those moves haven’t translated to victories. Filip Forsberg is first in goals (5) and points (9) while Ryan O’Reilly is tops in assists with (5).
Both teams aren’t talented, but struggling. Nashville gets the win on home ice because of the injuries to Colorado.
Prediction: Predators win 4-3.
Utah Hockey Club vs Vegas Golden Knights
Time: 10 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: Scripps Vegas; Utah16; ESPN+
Our final game of NHL predictions has the Vegas Golden Knights hosting the Utah Hockey Club. Connor Ingram is off to a 5-2-2 start and is the expected starter for Utah HC. Clayton Keller is tied for first in goals with Dylan Guenther and tied for first in points with Nick Schmaltz.
Vegas is expected to roll with Adin Hill in goal for this game. The Golden Knights are leading the pack in the Pacific Division thanks to Ivan Barbashev‘s team-leading seven goals. Team captain Mark Stone is off to a great start with points to lead the club in that category.
Ingram has been stellar to start the season. However, Vegas is extremely tough to beat at home.
Prediction: Golden Knights win 3-1.
Prop Bets of the Night
We wrap up NHL predictions with some prop bets to spice up the action. For the opener, we like Finnish supremacy. Go with Roope Hintz on the Stars side of things at +400 for a multiple-point night at Bet365.
On the Florida side of the aisle, take Anton Lundell at BetMGM with a +360 as an anytime goalscorer.
Main photo by: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
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