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 Vancouver Canucks vs Boston Bruins. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024-25 season continues.
NHL Predictions
Vancouver Canucks vs Boston Bruins
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: Sportsnet; NESN; ESPN+
We begin NHL predictions with our featured game between the Canucks and Bruins. Vancouver is expected to run with Kevin Lankinen in goal, but always check social media before locking in a fantasy starter. The Canucks are 6-4 in the last 10, but have won seven out of eight away from home. Vancouver has spread out the offence with six different players tied for the team-lead in goals. However, Quinn Hughes is first in assists (15) and points (19).
Jeremy Swayman is the confirmed starter for Boston, which has won two games in a row since Joe Sacco took over behind the bench. The Bruins are 5-3-2 in the last 10 games, but are 6-4-2 at home this season. David Pastrnak leads the club in goals (8), assists (11) and points (19) so far this season for Boston.
Boston has gotten a bit of a new coach bump. However, Vancouver is great on the road.
Prediction: Canucks win 3-2 in a shootout.
Utah Hockey Club vs Montreal Canadiens
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: TSN2; Utah16; ESPN+
Our final game of NHL predictions is the Utah Hockey Club making the trip to take on the Montreal Canadiens. Jaxson Stauber is expected to get his first of the season for Utah after Karel Vejmelka has made the last two. Injuries have hit Utah HC hard and they are 3-6-1 in the last 10 games. Dylan Guenther has gotten back on track and leads the team in goals with nine. Clayton Keller is tops in points for Utah with 19.
Montreal is also 3-6-1 in the last 10 games and will turn to confirmed starter Sam Montembeault in the blue paint for this one. The Habs are 5-5-1 this season on home ice. Cole Caufield holds the team’s lead in goals with 12. However, team captain Nick Suzuki is leading the way in assists (12) and points (19) for the Canadiens as we approach American Thanksgiving.
Both teams have been struggling as of late. However, Montembeault gives the Habs the edge in the crease. This edge will carry them to a narrow victory.
Prediction: Canadiens win 3-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
We wrap up NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. If you want to run with if there will be overtime in the opener, FanDuel is giving +330 on the Canucks and Bruins playing free hockey. Brock Boeser is also +195 to score a goal while Elias Lindholm is +380 to score on his former team. These odds are also from FanDuel.
Main photo by: Anne-Marie Sorvin-Imagn Images
Please play responsibly, check for your local rules and age restrictions, some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
