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 Tampa Bay Lightning vs Winnipeg Jets. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024-25 season continues.
NHL Predictions
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Winnipeg Jets
Time: 3:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: FanDuel Sports Sunshine; TSN3; ESPN+
Our opening and featured game of NHL Predictions has the Lightning visiting the Jets. Andrei Vasilevskiy is the expected starter for Tampa Bay, but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. Nikita Kucherov is still leading the team in goals (nine) and points (18) in the early-part of the season.
Winnipeg is likely to start Connor Hellebuyck in goal in this game. The Jets are off to a flying start with only one loss in their first 11 games. Kyle Connor is off to a blistering start with nine goals and 18 points, just like Kucherov. Josh Morrissey is leading in assists with 11 in this campaign.
Tampa is talented, but Winnipeg is playing some great hockey. Also, note the early start time for fantasy lineup purposes.
Prediction: Jets win 4-2.
Seattle Kraken vs Boston Bruins
Time: 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: Sportsnet; NESN; KHN; KONG; ESPN+
Our second game of NHL predictions has the Seattle Kraken battling the Boston Bruins. The Kraken are likely to go with Philipp Grubauer in the blue paint. Seattle is led on offence by Jared McCann with nine assists and 14 points. New captain Jordan Eberle is first in goals with six.
Expected starter Jeremy Swayman got himself a massive contract in the offseason. However, that hasn’t translated so far for Boston. The Bruins are paced by David Pastrnak, who leads in goals (six) and points (11). Captain Brad Marchand has handed out the most assists so far this season with six.
The Bruins have struggled in the early-part of the season. However, playing at home should help.
Prediction: Bruins win 4-3.
Chicago Blackhawks vs Anaheim Ducks
Time: 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: CHSH; KCOP; ESPN+
Our final game of NHL Predictions has the Chicago Blackhawks visiting the Anaheim Ducks. Chicago is coming off a 4-3 shootout win over the Los Angeles Kings the night before thanks to Ryan Donato, who leads the team in goals with six. Connor Bedard is first in points with nine while Seth Jones has the most assists with seven. Arvid Soderblom is the confirmed starter for the Blackhawks.
Anaheim is expected to start Lukas Dostal in goal and he’s been brilliant this season. He is carding a 1.99 goals-against-average and keeping the Ducks afloat. Troy Terry is first in goals (five) and points (eight) so far for Anaheim. Mason McTavish leads in assists with five.
Chicago has been playing better, but Dostal gives Anaheim the edge.
Prediction: Ducks win 3-1.
NHL Predictions and the Prop Bets of the Night
We close out NHL predictions with some prop bets for Sunday’s slate. Brayden Point seems like a smart play at +160 on FanDuel as an anytime scorer. If you’re looking for a Jets bet, Mark Scheifele is a solid play at +185.
In our last game, we like the Ducks and Blackhawks game to get the under. The number at BetMGM is six for the over/under with it being at -110.
Main photo by: James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images
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