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 Montreal Canadiens vs Toronto Maple Leafs. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024-25 season continues.
NHL Predictions
New York Rangers vs Detroit Red Wings
Head-to-Head: Rangers 2-0 Red Wings
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: MSG; Fan Duel Sports Detroit; ESPN+
Our opening game of NHL predictions is a battle of Original Six teams. The New York Rangers are expected to go with Jonathan Quick in goal for this one. However, always check social media before locking a fantasy starter. New York is coming off a shocking 6-1 loss to the Buffalo Sabres last time out. Artemi Panarin leads the club in goals (9), assists (10) and points (19).
The embattled Ville Husso is the confirmed starter for the Detroit Red Wings, who are coming off a 3-1 defeat to Toronto on Friday night. This is the last meeting between the two teams season and the Red Wings would love to salvage something. Dylan Larkin is first on the club in goals with nine, but Lucas Raymond is tops in points with 13.
One thing the Rangers do well is bounce back after bad losses. This could be another case of that.
Prediction: Rangers win 4-2.
Montreal Canadiens vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Head-to-Head: Canadiens 1-0 Maple Leafs
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: CBC; Sportsnet; ESPN+
Our second and featured game of NHL predictions has the Habs visiting the Maple Leafs. Sam Montembeault is the expected starter and is hoping for a repeat performance of his opening-night shutout of Toronto. The Canadiens may be struggling with five consecutive losses. However, Cole Caufield is off to a great start with 10 goals and Nick Suzuki has 13 points.
Toronto is expected to go with Joseph Woll in this game after Anthony Stolarz started on Friday. Auston Matthews will be out of the lineup for this one, but the Leafs have won the last two games. William Nylander is first in goals with 10 and Mitch Marner has 18 points to start the season.
Rivalry games are tough to gauge, but Toronto scratches out the victory.
Prediction: Maple Leafs win 3-2.
Edmonton Oilers vs Vancouver Canucks
Time: 10 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: CBC; Sportsnet; CityTV; ESPN+
Tonight’s final game of this set of NHL predictions has the Vancouver Canucks hosting the Edmonton Oilers, who did get Connor McDavid back last game. Leon Draisaitl has done all he can do to keep the Oilers afloat without their captain. The German standout leads the club with nine goals, seven assists and 16 points. Stuart Skinner is expected to register the start for Edmonton.
Vancouver is likely yo counter with Kevin Lankinen in goal and he’s been outstanding. The Finn has a 7-0-2 record with a 2.08 goals-against-average. Brock Boeser leads the club in goals with six, but he’s listed as day-to-day after taking a high hit from Tanner Jeannot. Quinn Hughes is first in points with 14 for Vancouver.
McDavid will need some time to get back to speed, but the Oilers may steal this one.
Prediction: Oilers win 4-3.
Prop Bets of the Night
We wrap up NHL predictions with some prop bets. Adam Fox is due to breakout for the Rangers and he seems like a strong play at +330 on FanDuel to have a multiple-point night.
In the final game, go with McDavid at +155 on FanDuel as an anytime goalscorer.
Main photo by: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
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