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 Toronto Maple Leafs vs Tampa Bay Lightning. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024-25 season continues.
NHL Predictions
Washington Capitals vs New Jersey Devils
Head-to-Head: Capitals 1-2 Devils
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: Monument Sports Network; MSG; ESPN+
We open NHL predictions with the final meeting of the season between the Washington Capitals and New Jersey Devils. Washington is slated to go with Charlie Lindgren in goal, but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. Dylan Strome leads the team in assists (26) and points (34) for Washington. The Caps have won three straight games despite not having Alex Ovechkin.
New Jersey is likely to go with Jake Allen in this one in between the pipes. The Devils are 7-3 in the last 10 games and are looking to take the season series. Nico Hischier leads the club in goals with 14 while Jesper Bratt is first in assists (19) and points (29).
Washington has been able to survive without its captain and gets the victory.
Prediction: Capitals win 4-2.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Tampa Bay Lightning
Head-to-Head: Maple Leafs 1-0 Lightning
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: Sportsnet; CBC; Fan Duel Sports Sunshine; ESPN+
Our second game of NHL predictions is the featured matchup in this set. Anthony Stolarz is the projected starter for the Maple Leafs, who will be getting their captain Auston Matthews back. William Nylander is first in goals with 14 while Mitch Marner is tops in assists (20) and points (29). Toronto is 7-2-1 in the last 10 games.
Andrei Vasilevskiy is the likely starter for Tampa Bay, which is 5-3-2 in the last 10 games. Brayden Point is in first in goals on the team with 16. However, Nikita Kucherov is leading assists (22) and points (34).
Getting Matthews back will help, but Tampa Bay gets the win.
Prediction: Lightning win 4-3.
Nashville Predators vs Minnesota Wild
Time: 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: Fan Duel Sports South; Fan Duel Sports North; Fan Duel Sports WisconsinX; ESPN+
We wrap up NHL predictions with a Central Division matchup as the Nashville Predators face the Minnesota Wild. Nashville has lost three consecutive and is 3-3-4 in the last 10 games. Steven Stamkos questioned the team’s effort in a loss to Tampa Bay. Filip Forsberg is first in goals with nine, but Roman Josi is tops in assists (13) and points (20). Scott Wedgewood is likely to draw the start with playing the night before.
The Wild are winners of two straight after beating the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday. Filip Gustavsson is the expected starter for Minnesota after Marc-Andre Fleury played the day before. Kirill Kaprizov has been putting together a great season with 14 goals, 22 assists and 36 points for the Wild.
Prediction: Wild win 4-1.
Prop Bets of the Night
We close out NHL predictions with some prop bets for this set of games. We think Matthews will find his footing quickly and is a +125 anytime goal scorer and +170 to get the over on 1.5 points. This is via BetMGM. On the Tampa Bay side, go with Kucherov to have a multiple-point night at +100. This is also via BetMGM.
Main photo by: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
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