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 Colorado Avalanche vs Philadelphia Flyers. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024-25 season continues.
NHL Predictions
Columbus Blue Jackets vs Boston Bruins
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: NESN; Fan Duel Sports Ohio; ESPN+
Our opening game of NHL predictions has the Columbus Blue Jackets visiting the Boston Bruins. Columbus is expected to go with Elvis Merzlikins in goal for this one. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. The Blue Jackets come into the game with a 3-6-1 mark in the last 10 games. Kirill Marchenko has been a bright spot with six goals and 16 points this season.
A former Blue Jackets goalie could get the call in net with Joonas Korpisalo. Boston has been inconsistent this season with a 4-4-2 record in the last 10 and two straight losses. David Pastrnak is leading the team in goals (8), assists (9) and points (17) for the Bruins. However, the B’s power play needs to get moving.
Columbus always plays hard, but Boston gets the victory.
Prediction: Bruins win 4-2.
Colorado Avalanche vs Philadelphia Flyers
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: NBC Sports Philadelphia+; Altitude; NHL Network
Our featured game of NHL predictions has the Flyers hosting the Avalanche. Justus Annunen is the expected starter for the Avalanche, who have been up-and-down this season. Mikko Rantanen is first in goals with 12, but Nathan MacKinnon is leading assists (26) and points (33) so far this season.
Philadelphia is coming into the game on a three-game winning streak. Aleksei Kolosov is the confirmed starter for the Flyers, who are 6-3-1 in the last 10 games. Travis Konecny is tops in goals (11), assists (11) and points (22) for Philadelphia.
Both teams have been inconsistent, but Colorado gets the road win due to more firepower.
Prediction: Avalanche win 5-3.
Washington Capitals vs Utah Hockey Club
Time: 9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: Monument Sports Network2; Utah16; ESPN+
We have a solid matchup in this part of NHL predictions between the Washington Capitals and Utah Hockey Club. Washington is slated to go with Charlie Lindgren after Logan Thompson went the night before. Alex Ovechkin is turning back to clock coming off a hat trick to lead the Caps in goals with 13. Dylan Strome is tops in points with 26.
Connor Ingram is the probable starter for Utah, which is 3-5-2 in the last 10 games. Dylan Guenther has cooled off after his fast start, but still leads the team in goals with seven. Team captain Clayton Keller is still tops in points with 15. Nick Schmaltz is leading the way in assists with 12.
Washington may be coming off a game the night before. However, its been playing very well.
Prediction: Capitals win 4-2.
Anaheim Ducks vs Dallas Stars
Time: 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: Victory; KCOP; ESPN+
Prediction: Stars win 5-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
We wrap up NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. Let’s go with our featured game for some side action. Go with Cale Makar at +350 to get a goal in this one at BetMGM. On the Flyers side, take Matvei Michkov to score at +340. These may be high numbers, but you can cash in if the do find the back of the net.
Main photo by: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
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