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 Washington Capitals. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024-25 season continues.
NHL Predictions
Seattle Kraken vs Montreal Canadiens
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: TSN2; RDS; KHN; KONG; ESPN+
Our opening game of NHL predictions has the Seattle Kraken visiting the Montreal Canadiens. Seattle is expected to start Joey Daccord in goal, but always check social media before locking in a fantasy goalie. The Kraken have come in losers of three straight games. Jordan Eberle is first on the club in goals with six while Jared McCann is leading the way in points with 12.
Sam Montembeault is the projected starter in goal for the Canadiens in this one. Montreal has won two straight games and scored nine goals combined in those victories. Cole Caufield has been on a tear with eight goals already this campaign. Nick Suzuki is first in assists (8) and points (11) for the Habs.
Both teams have shown flashes, but Seattle gets the win.
Prediction: Kraken win 4-3.
New York Rangers vs Washington Capitals
Time: 7:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: ESPN
Our second game is our featured matchup and a Stanley Cup Playoff rematch. The Rangers are expected to start Igor Shesterkin in goal, who has a 2.16 goals-against-average. However, the Rangers offence has been great as well. Artemi Panarin is off to a fast start with six goals, nine assists and 15 points.
Charlie Lindgren is the expected starter for the Capitals, who have been off to a great start this season. Washington’s offence is eighth in the NHL with a 3.71 goals per game. Tom Wilson is the team-leader in goals with five while Dylan Strome is leading in assists (6) and points (9).
This should hopefully be more competitive than the playoff series. However, New York should get the victory.
Prediction: Rangers win 4-2.
San Jose Sharks vs Los Angeles Kings
Time: 10:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: ESPN; SN1
Our final game of NHL predictions has the San Jose Sharks hosting the Los Angeles Kings. Darcy Kuemper is the prospective starter for Los Angeles, which has two consecutive victories. Alex Laferriere and Kevin Fiala are tied for first in goals with four. However, Anze Kopitar is first in points with 10.
Vitek Vanecek is the likely starter after Mackenzie Blackwood got the nod against the Utah Hockey Club on Monday night. Mikael Granlund is leading in goals (4), assists (6) and points (10) for San Jose. It’s been an awful start to the season as the Sharks have lost nine straight games before beating Utah.
This has been a brutal start for San Jose and Los Angeles won’t make it any better.
Prediction: Kings win 5-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
We have some prop bets to wrap up this edition of NHL predictions. Seattle has two wins as the moneyline favourite and is getting -145 against Montreal according to BetMGM. On the player prop side, go with Caufield at +155 any time goal scorer.
In the final game of the night, take a shot on Adrian Kempe as a first goal scorer at +1000 for the Kings on FanDuel.
Main photo by: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
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