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 Boston Bruins vs Toronto Maple Leafs. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024-25 season continues.
NHL Predictions
Boston Bruins vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Head-to-Head: Bruins 1-0 Maple Leafs
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: TSN4; NESN; ESPN+
Our opening and featured game has the Bruins and Maple Leafs renewing their rivalry. Jeremy Swayman is expected to get the start for Boston. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. The Bruins won the first meeting of the season in overtime thanks to Brad Marchand. David Pastrnak is first in goals (6) and points (11) for the Bruins.
Joseph Woll is the expected starter for Toronto, which has lost two consecutive games. William Nylander is leading the team in goals. However, Mitch Marner is first in assists (9) and points (14) for the Maple Leafs.
Boston has been dominant in the regular season against Toronto. The Leafs can score, but the Bruins get the win.
Prediction: Bruins win 4-3.
Utah Hockey Club vs Winnipeg Jets
Time: 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: Utah16; TSN3; ESPN+
It’s another meeting of the old Winnipeg Jets versus the new Winnipeg Jets. However, it’s the first time the Utah Hockey Club makes the voyage to Manitoba. Connor Ingram is the projected starter for Utah. Clayton Keller leads the Hockey Club in goals (6) and points (12) while Nick Schmaltz is first in assists with 11.
Connor Hellebuyck could complete the circle of Connor if he gets the start for the Jets. Winnipeg has gotten off to a hot start with an 11-1-0 record. Kyle Connor is tops on the team in goals (9) and points (19) while Josh Morrissey is first in assists with 13.
This should be a good game, but go with the Jets in this one.
Prediction: Jets win 3-2.
Los Angeles Kings vs Minnesota Wild
Time: 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: Fan Duel Sports North; Fan Duel Sports Wisconsin; Fan Duel Sports West; ESPN+
Our third game of NHL predictions has the Los Angeles Kings visiting the Minnesota Wild. David Rittich is expected to get the start with the Kings starting Darcy Kuemper the night before. Coming into Monday’s action, Alex Laferriere was first in goals with eight while Anze Kopitar is tops in assists with 13.
Filip Gustavsson is off to a great start in goal with a 2.12 goals-against-average and is slated to get the start. Kirill Kaprizov is off to a great start with seven goals, 14 assists for 21 points. Matt Boldy has also been great with 13 points.
The Kings will be coming off a game the night before and the Wild will be ready.
Prediction: Wild win 4-2.
Vancouver Canucks vs Anaheim Ducks
Time: 10 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: KCOP-TV; SN Pacific; ESPN+
Our final game of NHL predictions as the Anaheim Ducks host the Vancouver Canucks. Kevin Lankinen is the expected starter and he’s filled in well for Thatcher Demko. Brock Boeser is first in goals (5) and points (9) while Quinn Hughes is first in assists with seven.
Lukas Dostal is the likely starter for the Ducks and he’s been good with a 2.22 GAA despite not a lot of offensive help. Troy Terry is leading in goals (5) and points (9).
The Ducks are feisty, but the Canucks get the victory.
Prediction: Canucks win 4-1.
Prop Bets of the Night
We wrap up NHL predictions with some prop bets of the evening. Go with Nylander as an anytime scorer at +180 on FanDuel. Marchand at +270 at FanDuel also seems like a smart play.
Kaprizov seems like a good play as a first-goal scorer at +500 on Bet365.
Main photo by: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Please play responsibly, check for your local rules and age restrictions, some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
