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 Winnipeg Jets vs New York Rangers. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024-25 season continues.
NHL Predictions
Winnipeg Jets vs New York Rangers
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: MSG; TSN3; ESPN+
Our first and featured game of NHL predictions has the Jets battling the Rangers. Winnipeg is expected to go with Connor Hellebuyck in goal, but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. The Jets are off to a historic start by winning 14 of their first 15 games. New Winnipeg Head Coach Scott Arniel has this team humming along in all facets. Kyle Connor is off to a great start with nine goals and 19 points while Josh Morrissey has 14 assists.
Jonathan Quick may draw the start over Igor Shesterkin after his solid performance over the weekend. The Rangers are 9-3-1, but still in fourth in a very tough Metropolitan Division. Artemi Panarin leads in goals (10), assists (11) and points (21) for the Blueshirts. However, others like Mika Zibanejad need to start picking up the slack.
It would be tempting to pick the Rangers at home. However, the Jets are a well-oiled machine.
Prediction: Jets win 3-2.
Boston Bruins vs St Louis Blues
Time: 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: NESN; Fan Duel Sports Midwest; ESPN+
Our next game of NHL predictions has the Boston Bruins versus the St Louis Blues. Jeremy Swayman is expected to draw the start for the Bruins, who are not off to their standard great start. David Pastrnak is first in goals (6), assists (8) and points (14) for Boston.
St Louis is likely to go with Jordan Binnington in between the pipes. The Blues are coming off an 8-1 drubbing from the Washington Capitals on Saturday night. Jordan Kyrou is tops in goals (5), assists (8) and points (13) so far for St Louis.
The Blues are reeling and the Bruins pick up the win in a rematch of the 2019 Stanley Cup Final.
Prediction: Bruins win 4-2.
Calgary Flames vs Vancouver Canucks
Head-to-Head: Flames 1-0 Canucks
Time: 10 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: SN Pacific; SN1; ESPN+
We have a Pacific Division battle between the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks in this next game of NHL predictions. The Flames are coming off a 3-1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings and will start Daniel Vladar in between the pipes. Jonathan Huberdeau leads the club in goals with six while Rasmus Andersson is first in points. However, former Canuck Andrei Kuzmenko has the most assists with eight.
Kevin Lankinen is the projected starter for the Canucks and he’s been a great fill-in for Thatcher Demko. Vancouver is paced by Brock Boeser with six goals while Quinn Hughes leads in assists (12) and points (15). The Canucks are coming a flat 7-3 loss to the Edmonton Oilers.
Calgary has defied odds, but Vancouver gets the home victory.
Prediction: Canucks win 5-2.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs Seattle Kraken
Time: 10 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: KHN; KONG; Fan Duel Sports Ohio; ESPN+
Prediction: Kraken win 5-3.
Prop Bets of the Night
We close out NHL predictions with some prop bets. In the opening game, go with Mark Scheifele as an any time goalscorer at +220 on FanDuel. Take Chris Kreider at +210 on FanDuel as well for an anytime goalscorer.
Main photo by: James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images
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