{"id":435396,"date":"2023-12-18T10:00:35","date_gmt":"2023-12-18T15:00:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=435396"},"modified":"2023-12-18T10:13:25","modified_gmt":"2023-12-18T15:13:25","slug":"nhl-predictions-dec-18-canadiens-vs-jets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2023\/12\/18\/nhl-predictions-dec-18-canadiens-vs-jets\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL Predictions: Dec. 18 with Montreal Canadiens vs Winnipeg Jets"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Welcome back to another day 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 and other factors that may play in. We also have a featured game of the day, which is considered must-watch TV. Today\u2019s featured game is the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2023\/12\/01\/montreal-canadiens-sam-montembeault-contract\/\" target=\"_self\">Montreal Canadiens<\/a> vs <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2023\/12\/15\/nhl-rumours-jets-golden-knights\/\" target=\"_self\">Winnipeg Jets<\/a>. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days.<\/p>\n<h2>NHL Predictions<\/h2>\n<h3>Anaheim Ducks vs Detroit Red Wings<\/h3>\n<h4>Head-to-Head: Ducks 0-0 Red Wings<\/h4>\n<p><strong>TV:<\/strong> Bally Sports San Diego; Bally Sports Southern California; Bally Sports Detroit; ESPN+<\/p>\n<p>Our first game of NHL predictions has the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2023\/12\/02\/nhl-predictions-colorado-avalanche-three-keys-to-victory-vs-anaheim-ducks\/\" target=\"_self\">Anaheim Ducks<\/a> taking on the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2023\/12\/12\/nhl-rumours-detroit-red-wings\/\" target=\"_self\">Detroit Red Wings<\/a>. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/henriad01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-18_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Adam Henrique<\/a> notched a hat trick Sunday night against the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2023\/12\/15\/should-the-new-jersey-devils-trade-for-john-gibson\/\" target=\"_self\">New Jersey Devils<\/a> to torch his former team. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/d\/dostalu01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-18_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Lukas Dostal<\/a> is the likely starter after <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/search\/search.fcgi?pid=gibsojo02,gibsojo01&amp;search=John+Gibson&amp;utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-18_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">John Gibson<\/a> played the night before. However, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thescore.com\/nhl\/events\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">always check social media<\/a> before locking in a fantasy starter in net. <span class=\"C($c-fuji-grey-m)\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/mintypa01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-18_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Pavel Mintyukov<\/a> leads in assists with 15 so far this campaign.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/hussovi01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-18_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ville Husso<\/a> is the expected starter for the Red Wings, who have lost four of the last five games. Detroit&#8217;s offence has struggled during this recent stretch and will need to fire back up before the Christmas break. Injured captain <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/l\/larkidy01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-18_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dylan Larkin<\/a> has been skating and that could be a good sign for the team. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/d\/debrial01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-18_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Alex DeBrincat<\/a> has slowed down after a red-hot start.<\/p>\n<p>Detroit needs to get back on track and will do so at home.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Red Wings win 4-2.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Montreal Canadiens vs Winnipeg Jets<\/h3>\n<h4>Head-to-Head: Canadiens 1-0 Jets<\/h4>\n<p><strong>TV:<\/strong> Sportsnet; RDS; ESPN+<\/p>\n<p>The featured game of NHL predictions has the Jets hosting the Canadiens in the final meeting between the two teams this season. Montreal won the previous meeting in a shootout earlier in the year. <span class=\"KeyPlayersCard__pitcherName--3Yoya\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/montesa01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-18_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sam Montembeault<\/a><\/span> is the projected starter for the Canadiens, who stopped a two-game losing streak against the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2023\/12\/01\/nhl-rumours-vancouver-canucks-and-new-york-islanders\/\" target=\"_self\">New York Islanders<\/a> last time out. <span class=\"C($c-fuji-grey-m)\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/monahse01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-18_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sean Monahan<\/a> leads in goals with nine while <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/suzukni01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-18_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nick Suzuki<\/a> has 17 assists.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/helleco01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-18_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Connor Hellebuyck<\/a> is the likely starter for the Jets, who have take four of the last five games. This is despite the loss of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/c\/connoky01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-18_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kyle Connor<\/a> for the foreseeable future. <span class=\"C($c-fuji-grey-m)\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/scheima01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-18_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mark Scheifele<\/a> has 11 goals and 22 assists to help pace the Winnipeg offence. However, the Jets defence has been great with the club being third in goals allowed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Winnipeg&#8217;s defence has been great as of late and it&#8217;ll get the job done.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Jets win 3-1.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Florida Panthers vs Calgary Flames<\/h3>\n<h4>Head-to-Head: Panthers 0-0 Flames<\/h4>\n<p><strong>TV:<\/strong> Bally Sports Florida; Sportsnet One; ESPN+<\/p>\n<p>Our last featured game of NHL predictions has the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2023\/12\/16\/florida-panthers-eager-for-changes-after-rough-start-on-roadtrip\/\" target=\"_self\">Florida Panthers<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2023\/12\/05\/nhl-rumours-calgary-flames-and-san-jose-sharks\/\" target=\"_self\">Calgary Flames<\/a> squaring off. Florida is trying to continue to right the ship on their road trip. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/bobrose01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-18_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sergei Bobrovsky<\/a> is the likely starter for the Panthers. <span class=\"C($c-fuji-grey-m)\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/r\/reinhsa01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-18_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sam Reinhart<\/a> has been great in the first half of the season with 17 goals and 21 assists.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/marksja02.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-18_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jacob Markstrom<\/a> is the expected starter for the Flames. <span class=\"C($c-fuji-grey-m)\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/sharaye01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-18_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Yegor Sharangovich<\/a> is tops in goals with 11 while <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/k\/kadrina01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-18_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nazem Kadri<\/a> has 14 assists for Calgary. Consistency has been a problem for the Flames this season. They look great one game and then pedestrian in others. However, don&#8217;t sleep on this team that is only three points off a Stanley Cup Playoff spot.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Florida looks like it has just enough to get the victory.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Panthers win 4-2.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Here are the other games in the NHL predictions.<\/p>\n<h3>Minnesota Wild vs Pittsburgh Penguins<\/h3>\n<h4>Head-to-Head: Wild 0-0 Penguins<\/h4>\n<p><strong>TV:<\/strong> Bally Sports North; Bally Sports Wisconsin; Sportsnet Pittsburgh; ESPN+<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Penguins win 5-2.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Seattle Kraken vs Dallas Stars<\/h3>\n<h4>Head-to-Head: Kraken 0-0 Stars<\/h4>\n<p><strong>TV:<\/strong> Root Sports Northwest; Bally Sports Southwest; NHL Network.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Stars win 4-2.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Main photo by: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>Ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Welcome back to another day 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 and other factors that may play in. We also have a featured game of the day, which is considered must-watch TV. Today\u2019s [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2352,"featured_media":433634,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4524,4547,7,4548,33],"tags":[6013,6015,6201,6255,6016,6110],"class_list":["post-435396","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nhl-predictions","category-hockey","category-canadiens","category-nhl","category-jets","tag-anaheim-ducks-predictions","tag-calgary-flames-predictions","tag-detroit-red-wings-predictions","tag-florida-panthers-predictions","tag-montreal-canadiens-predictions","tag-winnipeg-jets-predictions"],"modified_by":"Dan Mount, Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/435396","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2352"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=435396"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/435396\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/433634"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=435396"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=435396"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=435396"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}