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 Dallas Stars. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024-25 season continues.
NHL Predictions
New Jersey Devils vs Florida Panthers
Head-to-Head: Devils 1-0 Panthers
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: MSGSN; Scripps Florida; ESPN+
Our opening game of NHL predictions has the New Jersey Devils taking on the Florida Panthers. Jacob Markstrom is the expected starter for the Devils, but always check social media before locking in a fantasy starter. New Jersey won the first meeting over the champions, 4-1, just two days ago. Jesper Bratt leads the team in assists (16) and points (21). However, Nico Hischier is tops in goals with 10 for the Devils.
Sergei Bobrovsky is the likely starter for the Panthers, who are 8-2 in the last 10 games. Sam Reinhart is leading the way for Florida with 12 goals and 12 assists for 24 points so far this season. The Panthers are also being helped by Sam Bennett and his 15 points.
Florida is usually pretty solid at bouncing back after a loss and will split the home-and-home set.
Prediction: Panthers win 3-2.
Boston Bruins vs Dallas Stars
Head-to-Head: Bruins 0-1 Stars
Time: 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: NESN; Victory; ESPN+
Our second and featured game of NHL predictions has the Stars hosting the Bruins. Jeremy Swayman is the projected starter for the Bruins, who have been off to an inconsistent start. David Pastrnak is leading in goals (7), points (9) and assists (16) for Boston.
Jake Oettinger is the expected starter for the Stars, who have leveled off after a 4-0 start. Veteran Matt Duchene is leading the club in goals (8), assists (10) and points (18) for Dallas, which is 5-5 in the last 10 games. The Stars won the first meeting between the two teams, 5-2, on October 24.
Both teams haven’t been playing well at times, but the Stars find the win at home.
Prediction: Stars win 4-2.
Nashville Predators vs Edmonton Oilers
Head-to-Head: Predators 0-1 Oilers
Time: 9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: SN West; Fan Duel Sports South; ESPN+
Our final game of NHL predictions has the Nashville Predators taking on the Edmonton Oilers. Nashville is slated to go with Juuse Saros in the blue paint for this game. The Predators came into this season with a world of expectations, but are stuck in last place in a loaded Central Division. Filip Forsberg has been one of the few bright spots with eight goals and 13 points.
Calvin Pickard is the confirmed starter for the Oilers, who have won two straight games. Leon Draisaitl stepped up massively while Connor McDavid was out with injury. The German leads the team in goals (12) and points (20). However, McDavid is first in assists with 12 despite missing a handful of games.
Nashville will desperate, but Edmonton seems to have stabilized after an uncertain start.
Prediction: Oilers win 5-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
We round out NHL predictions with some prop bets. Let’s focus on the final game of the night. McDavid seems like a strong play to get a goal at +135 on BetMGM. On the Nashville side of things, take Forsberg at +170 to get a goal. Stick around for more NHL predictions tomorrow.
Main photo by: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
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