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\u2019s featured game is the Toronto Maple Leafs vs Montreal Canadiens.\u00a0Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024-25 season starts.<\/p>\n
Time:<\/strong> 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)<\/p>\n TV:<\/strong> Sportsnet; ESPN+<\/p>\n Our first and featured game is the next installment of the old rivalry. Sam Montembeault<\/span> is the expected starter for the Habs. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. Montreal had designs on making its way up the standings. However, injuries to Patrik Laine<\/a> and David Reinbacher may put that on hold. There is still a lot of young talent on the Canadiens roster. It just needs a little bit of time to develop.<\/p>\n Toronto will likely go with Joseph Woll<\/a> in between the pipes. This is a new era on Maple Leafs hockey as Craig Berube<\/a> is the new head coach. The pressure is always on the franchise as it tries to finally realize its potential. Auston Matthews<\/a> is looking to have another mammoth season. However, Mitch Marner<\/a> and John Tavares<\/a> are looking for big campaigns in a contract season.<\/p>\n For a prop, we like William Nylander<\/a> as a +145 any time goal scorer via Bet MGM. The Leafs are on a mission, but the Habs always play them tough. Despite this, Toronto picks up the win.<\/p>\n Prediction: Maple Leafs win 4-2.<\/p>\n Time:<\/strong> 7:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)<\/p>\n TV:<\/strong> TNT<\/p>\n Our next game is a battle of Metropolitan Division battle between the New York Rangers<\/a> and Pittsburgh Penguins<\/a>. New York will go with Igor Shesterkin<\/a> in goal and he’s trying to cash in on a big contract. The Blueshirts are a team that’s also under a ton of pressure. Players like Mika Zibenajad, Aretmi Panarin and others are looking to reach the Stanley Cup Final. However, they’ve come up short the last few seasons.<\/p>\n Pittsburgh is trying to return to the post-season after missing the last two seasons. Tristan Jarry<\/a> likely draws the start for the Pens. Sidney Crosby<\/a> just inked a major extension, but players like Erik Karlsson<\/a> need bounce-back seasons. General manager Kyle Dubas has been trying to address this team’s needs. However, some work may need to be done.<\/p>\n We like Chris Kreider<\/a> at +1200 for the first goal scorer for the Rangers via Bet MGM. Pittsburgh has improved, but New York wants to prove it’s a team to beat in the East.<\/p>\n Prediction: Rangers win 3-1.<\/em><\/p>\n Time:<\/strong> 10 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)<\/p>\n TV:<\/strong> Sportsnet; ESPN+<\/p>\n We have a Pacific Division battle between the Calgary Flames<\/a> and Vancouver Canucks<\/a>. Dustin Wolf<\/a> is the projected starter for the Flames in this one. This team will deal with plenty of emotion after the loss of former star Johnny Gaudreau<\/a>.<\/p>\n Vancouver is another team under pressure as it looks to continue success under Rick Tocchet<\/a>. Thatcher Demko<\/a> is still out and that means Kevin Lankinen<\/a><\/span> will likely be the man in between the pipes.<\/p>\n Take Brock Boeser<\/a> on Bet365 on getting the over on +2.5 shots for this one. The Canucks may not have their top goalie, but their offence should carry them through.<\/p>\n Prediction: Canucks win 4-2.<\/em><\/p>\n Time:<\/strong> 10 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)<\/p>\n TV:<\/strong> TNT<\/p>\n Our final game<\/a> has the Colorado Avalanche<\/a> facing the Vegas Golden Knights.<\/a> Alexandar Georgiev<\/a> is looking to shake off a shaky Stanley Cup Playoff run.<\/p>\n Vegas is expected to go with Adin Hill<\/a> in goal for this one. The Knights saw a lot of firepower in Chandler Stephenson<\/a> and Jonathan Marchessault<\/a> depart for other Western Conference teams.<\/p>\nNew York Rangers vs Pittsburgh Penguins<\/h3>\n
Calgary Flames vs Vancouver Canucks<\/h3>\n
Colorado Avalanche vs Vegas Golden Knights<\/h3>\n