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 Vancouver Canucks vs Los Angeles Kings. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024-25 season continues.
NHL Predictions
Nashville Predators vs Florida Panthers
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: Scripps Florida; Fan Duel Sports South; ESPN+
Our opening game of NHL predictions has the Nashville Predators visiting the Florida Panthers. Scott Wedgewood is expected to get the start after the Predators tough loss to the Washington Capitals. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. Filip Forsberg leads the team in goals with six and is tied with Ryan O’Reilly for the team-lead in points with 10.
Florida is expected to counter with Sergei Bobrovsky in goal for this game. The Panthers have son five straight games and are playing the part of Stanley Cup champions very well. Sam Reinhart is off to a great start with 10 goals, 11 assists for 21 points to lead the Panthers.
Nashville is struggling, but taking on a red-hot Florida team isn’t the answer.
Prediction: Panthers win 5-2.
Colorado Avalanche vs Winnipeg Jets
Time: 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: Altitude; TSN3; ESPN+
We have a Stanley Cup Playoff rematch in this game between the Colorado Avalanche and the Winnipeg Jets. However, the two teams are going in opposite directions. Colorado has plenty of offensive firepower, but the team is still struggling. Alexandar Georgiev has won a title, but has been scuffling to start the season. Nathan MacKinnon is first in assists (19) and points (25) while Cale Makar has 18 assists.
Connor Hellebuyck is the likely starter for the Jets, who are off to a 12-1 start. Winnipeg is first as a team in goals scored with 4.77 per game and 2.31 in goals allowed. Kyle Connor is first in goals (9) and points (14) while Josh Morrissey is tops in assists with 14.
Colorado can keep up in it gets into a goal-fest. However, Winnipeg’s defensive system has been strong.
Predictions: Jets win 4-2.
Vancouver Canucks vs Los Angeles Kings
Time: 10:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: Fan Duel Sports West; SN Pacific; ESPN+
Our final and featured game of NHL predictions has the Canucks visiting the Kings in a Pacific Division battle. Thatcher Demko has been taking shots in his return from injury. However, Kevin Lankinen has been outstanding and is the likely starter. Quinn Hughes leads the club in assists (10) and points (12). However, Brock Boeser is first in goals with six.
Darcy Kuemper is the projected starter in net for the Kings, who are off to a solid start. Alex Laferriere is first in goals with eight while Anze Kopitar is tops in goals with 15. Brandt Clarke has recovered from a shaky start and is leading in assists with 11.
This should be a good one, but the Canucks steal the road victory.
Prediction: Canucks win 3-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
We closed out NHL predictions with some prop bets. In the first game, we like Carter Verhaeghe as a solid pick for anytime goalscorer at +170 on FanDuel. For the final game of the night, go with Elias Pettersson as a +240 goalscorer via FanDuel.
Main photo by: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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