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 New York Rangers vs Toronto Maple Leafs. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024-25 season continues.
NHL Predictions
Detroit Red Wings vs Nashville Predators
Time: 2 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: Bally Sports Detroit; Bally Sports South; ESPN+
Our opening game of NHL predictions has two teams off to a bad start. The Detroit Red Wings take on the Nashville Predators and will go with confirmed starter Alex Lyon. Detroit was routed, 5-2, last time out by New York last time out. Lucas Raymond has been one of the few bright spots so far with four points. However, this team is struggling defensively.
Nashville is 0-4 after spending a ton of money in free agency. Rosters do take time to gel, but the Predators can’t get too far behind in the Central Division. Juuse Saros is expected to draw the start for slumping Nashville. Filip Forsberg is first in goals (2) and assists (4) for the Predators.
Both teams need the win, but Nashville finally gets on track with a victory.
Prediction: Predators win 4-2.
New York Rangers vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: CBC, Sportsnet, MSG, NHL Network
Our second and featured game has the Rangers visiting Toronto to play the Maple Leafs. Igor Shesterkin is the expected starter, but always check social media before locking in a fantasy starter. Artemi Panarin has been cooking up a great start with five goals and 11 points. This includes a hat trick against the Red Wings last time out.
Anthony Stolarz is the expected starter for Toronto and has come up huge so far. The Leafs have won three straight after dropping the season-opener to the Montreal Canadiens. Mitch Marner and Max Domi are tied for first in points with five while William Nylander is first in goals with three.
This should be a good matchup. Both teams have offensive firepower, but have solid defences and goaltending. The Blueshirts get the close victory.
Prediction: Rangers win 3-2.
Boston Bruins vs Utah Hockey Club
Time: 9 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: NESN; Utah16; ESPN+
Our final game of NHL predictions has the Boston Bruins taking the trip to Salt Lake City to play the Utah Hockey Club. Jeremy Swayman is the expected starter for the Bruins, who are tied with Utah in goals per game with four. David Pastrnak is off to a great start with four goals and is tied with a number of others for the team-lead in points with five.
Utah HC has Connor Ingram as the team’s projected starter and he’s off to a 3-0-1 and start. Team captain Clayton Keller is first in points with seven while Dylan Guenther is leading Utah in goals with five. A number of other young players have stepped and embraced their increased roles.
This will be a good test for Utah. However, Boston has found its way after not having Swayman ready early.
Prediction: Bruins win 4-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
We have some prop bets for Saturday night’s action across the NHL. The under in the Leafs and Rangers may be a risk at six. However, it’s +100 on DraftKings.
As for a player prop, we like Pastrnak getting over +1.5 points on BetMGM. He’s getting a number of +165 for that wager.
Main photo by: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
