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 Pittsburgh Penguins vs Winnipeg Jets. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024-25 season continues.
NHL Predictions
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Winnipeg Jets
Time: 3 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: Sportsnet Pittsburgh; TSN3; ESPN+
Our opening and featured game of NHL predictions has the Penguins making the trip to Manitoba to play the Jets. Tristan Jarry is expected to get the start, but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. Pittsburgh is coming off a Friday night loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. Evgeni Malkin is turning back to clock with 11 points, including nine assists this campaign. Drew O’Connor and Rickard Rakell are tied for first in goals on the club.
Winnipeg will try to maintain its perfect start and Connor Hellbuyck likely draws the start. The Jets are first goals allowed at 1.25 per game and fourth in goals scored per game with 4.5. Mark Scheifele is the team-leader in goals (4) and points (7) for Winnipeg. However, the Jets have been spreading the wealth around.
Pittsburgh has shown some glimpses after a terrible opener. However, new Jets Head Coach Scott Arniel has the team playing well.
Prediction: Jets win 4-2.
Colorado Avalanche vs San Jose Sharks
Time: 8 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: Altitude; NBC Sports California; SN1; ESPN+
Our second game of NHL predictions has the San Jose Sharks hosting the Colorado Avalanche. The Avs came in with a lot of hype. However, it took until Friday against the Anaheim Ducks to get their first victory. Nathan MacKinnon bagged the overtime-winner for Colorado. However, he’s tied for second in points as Mikko Rantanen is first in points (10) and goals (4). Embattled starter Alexandar Georgiev is likely to get the call.
San Jose is 0-3-2 to start this young season. Vitek Vanecek is expected to get the call for the Sharks in between the pipes for this game. Tyler Toffoli is tops in goals (4) and points (6) in the first part of the season for the Sharks. There have been growing pains for a number of young players like Will Smith on the roster.
Colorado started off the season poorly. However, this part of the schedule should help them get rolling.
Prediction: Avalanche win 5-3.
Los Angeles Kings vs Anaheim Ducks
Time: 8 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: KCOP-TV, NHL Network, Bally Sports West
Our final game of NHL predictions is another installment in the Freeway Rivalry. The Los Angeles Kings have done well despite injuries, but the Ducks have been a nice surprise. Los Angeles is expected to go with David Rittich in goal. Anze Kopitar is first in goals (3) and points (7) for Los Angeles. However, the Kings do need other players to step up.
Lukas Dostal is the likely starter for the Ducks in this one. The Ducks are in a rebuild, but have given teams fits in the early portion of the season. Troy Terry and Leo Carlsson share the lead in goals and points. However, Anaheim has spread the wealth around.
Both teams seem to be evenly matched, but the Kings experience should help them.
Prediction: Kings win 5-3.
Prop Bets of the Night
We have a couple of prop bets for Sunday night’s action. The over/under on FanDuel for the Colorado and San Jose game is 6.5. It may be a daunting number, but the Avs offence and shaky goaltending on both sides makes it a reachable number.
In the SoCal Battle, the spread is -1.5 in favour of Los Angeles, which is at a mark of +135 at Bet365.
Main photo by: Terrence Lee-Imagn Images
