Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at Last Word on Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. For this edition, we will look at the Chicago Blackhawks taking on the Edmonton Oilers. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.
NHL Predictions
Dallas Stars vs Florida Panthers
2024-25 Season Series: Stars 0-2 Panthers
U.S TV: Scripps Florida; Victory+; ESPN+
Time: 6 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
We open up NHL predictions with the Dallas Stars visiting the Florida Panthers. Jake Oettinger is the projected starter for the Stars, but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. Dallas is coming off a loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning and is 5-3-2 in the last 10 games. Mikko Rantanen is first on the team in assists (8) and points (12), but Wyatt Johnston is first on the team in goals with six.
Sergei Bobrovsky is the expected starter for the Panthers, who are 4-5-1 in their last 10 games. Injuries have hit Florida hard in the early part of the season. However, the Cats are 29th in goals scored with 2.45 netted per game. The Panthers will have leading point-getter Brad Marchand return to the lineup.
Florida has had trouble scoring goals, and Oettinger is one of the better goalies when he’s on. Marchand coming back to the lineup should help, but Dallas gets the victory.
Prediction: Stars win 3-2.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Philadelphia Flyers
2024-25 Season Series: Maple Leafs 3-0 Flyers
How to Watch:
U.S TV: NBC Sports Philadelphia; NHL Network
Canada TV: CBC; Sportsnet
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
Our second game of NHL predictions is part one of the Hockey Night in Canada doubleheader between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Philadelphia Flyers. Anthony Stolarz is the probable starter for Toronto, which is surprisingly in last place in the Atlantic entering Saturday’s game. William Nylander leads the club in assists (12) and points (15), but has been struggling through injuries.
Daniel Vladar is the likely starter for the Flyers, who have won three consecutive games. Philadelphia is coming off a win on Thursday night over the Nashville Predators. Trevor Zegras is thriving in his first season with the Flyers with four goals, eight assists, and 12 points.
Toronto has struggled to find an identity, and Philadelphia has been playing well.
Prediction: Flyers win 4-3.
Chicago Blackhawks vs Edmonton Oilers
2024-25 Season Series: Blackhawks 1-2 Oilers
How to Watch:
U.S TV: Chicago Sports Network
Canada TV: CBC; Sportsnet; CityTV
Time: 10 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
Our last game of NHL predictions is the second game in the Hockey Night in Canada doubleheader. Chicago is expected to start Spencer Knight in between the pipes. The Blackhawks have been more respectable at the start of this season. Connor Bedard is tops in assists (8) and points (14). He’s also tied with Ryan Donato for Chicago’s top goal-scorer.
Stuart Skinner is the projected starter for the Oilers, who have yet to maintain consistency in the first portion of the season. Edmonton is coming off a 4-3 overtime loss to the New York Rangers on Thursday. Leon Draisaitl is first in goals (8) and tied with Connor McDavid for the team lead in points with 14. McDavid leads the club in assists with 11.
Both teams are trying to get back on track. However, Edmonton gets the victory at home thanks to its offensive firepower.
Prediction: Oilers win 5-3.
Prop Bets of the Night
We close out NHL predictions with some of our favourite prop bets. Let’s stay with our featured game for preferred props. The over/under for the Blackhawks and Oilers is 6.5, and we like the over in this game.
As for individual props, go with Frank Nazar to get an anytime goal for the Blackhawks. On the Oilers side of things, take Ryan Nugent-Hopkins to get the over on 0.5 assists.
Main photo by: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images
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