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 Florida Panthers. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024-25 season starts.
NHL Predictions
Boston Bruins vs Florida Panthers
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: ESPN
It’s the first game of the season for both teams as action starts in North America. Boston has been through an up-and-down off-season. However, there was some good news as goalie Jeremy Swayman finally signed his contract. It’s good that a deal was done, but Joonas Korpisalo will get the start while Swayman gets back into shape. Boston has been eliminated by Florida in the last two Stanley Cup Playoffs.
David Pastrnak led the team in goals (47) and points (110) last season. The Bruins have also added Elias Lindholm in the off-season as a way to bolster their centre depth. It’s also a pivotal season for Brad Marchand, who is entering the final year of his deal. Boston wants to make another deep run, but the Atlantic Division is going to be tough.
Florida will be celebrating its first championship in franchise history. Sergei Bobrovsky will draw the start, but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. Much of the fanfare for the title will have taken place Monday. However, there will be some festivities for the fans.
The Panthers did have to make some changes as Brandon Montour, Nick Cousins and a few other players departed. However, Florida still has a solid squad and will look to repeat.
It’ll be hard to tell if Florida comes out flat, but it hasn’t had to deal with a lot of drama. Florida picks up the victory.
Prediction: Panthers win 4-2.
Chicago Blackhawks vs Utah Hockey Club
Time: 10 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: ESPN
It’s the inaugural game for the Utah Hockey Club as it hosts the Chicago Blackhawks. Fans in Salt Lake City will be treated to seeing stars like Connor Bedard and others in living colour. Chicago is hoping to start its move up the standings after adding plenty of veteran players.
Bedard really adjusted well after some injuries en route to a Calder Trophy win. Petr Mrazek is scheduled to be the starter for Chicago. Philipp Kurashev was second in points for the Blackhawks last season.
Utah got a taste of hockey with preseason action, but now the games count. The former Arizona Coyotes will get a chance to rock the Delta Center for the first time. Connor Ingram is slated to get the start in goal for Utah.
Newly-minted captain Clayton Keller led the team in goals (33) and points (76) last season. Utah also made significant changes during the off-season as it tries to make the post-season.
It’s going to be a huge night and Utah will send its fans home happy.
Prediction: Utah wins 4-3.
Prop Bets of the Night
We have a couple of prop bets for this pair of games. Go with Marchand getting the over on +0.5 assists at +150 at Bet365. On the Florida side, Carter Verharghe at +3.5 shots is a strong play at +125.
For the late game, Taylor could be worth a shout at the over on +0.5 points. Keller is worth a play at a +600 first-goal scorer or a +130 any time scorer.
Main photo by: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
