{"id":460988,"date":"2025-01-18T08:13:27","date_gmt":"2025-01-18T13:13:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=460988"},"modified":"2025-01-18T08:13:27","modified_gmt":"2025-01-18T13:13:27","slug":"nhl-predictions-jan-18-toronto-maple-leafs-vs-montreal-canadiens","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/01\/18\/nhl-predictions-jan-18-toronto-maple-leafs-vs-montreal-canadiens\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL Predictions: Jan 18 Toronto Maple Leafs vs Montreal Canadiens"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day,\u00a0<em>Last Word on Hockey<\/em>\u00a0takes a look at the games that are scheduled and offers insight and analysis to help predict who will be victorious in head-to-head matchups. In today\u2019s round of NHL Predictions, we are looking at the game between the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/01\/16\/toronto-maple-leafs-star-centre-on-injury-reserve\/\" target=\"_self\">Toronto Maple Leafs<\/a>\u00a0vs\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/01\/18\/montreal-canadiens-extension-possibilities-for-forward\/\" target=\"_self\">Montreal Canadiens.<\/a>\u00a0Be sure to check out more NHL Predictions as the 2024-25 season continues.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p1\">NHL Predictions<\/h2>\n<h3>Boston Bruins vs Ottawa Senators<\/h3>\n<h4>Head-to-Head: Bruins 0-1 Senators<\/h4>\n<p><strong>Time:<\/strong> 3 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)<\/p>\n<p><strong>TV:<\/strong> Sportsnet; CBC; NESN; ESPN+<\/p>\n<p>We open NHL predictions with an Atlantic Division matchup between the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/12\/21\/nhl-rumours-decision-looms-for-boston-bruins-forward\/\" target=\"_self\">Boston Bruins<\/a> and the<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/01\/10\/ottawa-senators-extend-2020-first-round-pick\/\" target=\"_self\"> Ottawa Senators.<\/a> Boston is expected to go with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/swaymje01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-01-18_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jeremy Swayman<\/a> in goal for this one. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. The Bruins are 3-6-1 in their last heading into this one. However, they&#8217;ve also won two in a row. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/p\/pastrda01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-01-18_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">David Pastrnak<\/a> leads the team in goals (20), assists (28) and points (48) in this one.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/merille01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-01-18_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Leevi Merilainen<\/a> has taken the Senators&#8217; crease by storm and is the likely starter in this one. This game will be the first of two meetings in a week between the two teams. Ottawa is 4-4-2 in the last 10 games entering this matchup. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/stuetti02.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-01-18_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tim Stutzle<\/a> is first in assists (29) and points (43) for the Senators.<\/p>\n<p>Boston had struggled as of late, but have played better as of late.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Bruins win 3-2.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Toronto Maple Leafs vs Montreal Canadiens<\/h3>\n<h4>Head-to-Head: Maple Leafs 1-1 Canadiens<\/h4>\n<p><strong>Time:<\/strong> 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)<\/p>\n<p><strong>TV:<\/strong> Sportsnet; CBC; NHL Network<\/p>\n<p>Our featured game\u00a0 of NHL predictions is between the old rivals. These two clubs looking to get the edge in the season series. Toronto is expected to turn to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/w\/wolljo01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-01-18_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Joseph Woll<\/a> in goal for this game. The Maple Leafs are 6-4 in the last 10 games coming into this one. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/t\/tavarjo01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-01-18_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">John Tavares<\/a> injury is making Toronto shuffle its lineup around. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/marnemi01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-01-18_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mitch Marner<\/a> is first in assists (48) and points (62) on the team in a contract year.<\/p>\n<p>Montreal enters this rivalry game as one of the hottest teams in the league. The Canadiens are 8-1-1 in the last 10 and have two wins in a row. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/montesa01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-01-18_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sam Montembeault<\/a> is the projected starter for the Habs in this game. Rookie <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/hutsola01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-01-18_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Lane Hutson<\/a> is making his case for the Calder Trophy with a team-leading 33 assists.<\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/01\/16\/toronto-maple-leafs-star-centre-on-injury-reserve\/\" target=\"_self\">Tavares injury looms<\/a> large for Toronto and Montreal has been hot.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Canadiens win 4-3.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Edmonton Oilers vs Vancouver Canucks<\/h3>\n<h4>Head-t0-Head: Oilers 1-0 Canucks<\/h4>\n<p><strong>Time:<\/strong> 10 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)<\/p>\n<p><strong>TV:<\/strong> Sportsnet; CBC; ESPN+<\/p>\n<p>The <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401688334\/oilers-canucks\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">last game of NHL predictions<\/a> has the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/01\/17\/edmonton-oilers-sign-veteran-defenceman\/\" target=\"_self\">Edmonton Oilers<\/a> visiting the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/01\/13\/canucks-halfway-through-2024-25-and-going-where\/\" target=\"_self\">Vancouver Canucks.<\/a> Edmonton is 8-2 in the last 10 games and has gotten victories in the last four games. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/skinnst01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-01-18_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Stuart Skinner<\/a> is the likely starter in the blue paint for the Oilers. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/d\/draisle01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-01-18_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Leon Draisaitl<\/a> has been outstanding all season with 31 goals and 36 assists for the Oilers.<\/p>\n<p>Things are falling apart for the Canucks as they are 2-5-3 in the last 10 games. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/d\/demkoth01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-01-18_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Thatcher Demko<\/a> will likely to be tasked with stopping the bleeding in goal for Vancouver. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/boesebr01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-01-18_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Brock Boeser<\/a> has been a bright spot as of late with four goals and one assist over the past 10 games.<\/p>\n<p>The drama seems to be too much for the Canucks and the Oilers are one of the better teams in the league.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Oilers win 5-2.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Prop Bets of the Night<\/h3>\n<p>We round of NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. Let&#8217;s focus on the last game of the evening for our props. Go with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/mcdavco01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-01-18_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Connor McDavid<\/a> to get the over on 1.5 at -115 on the Oilers side. For the Canucks, take <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/g\/garlaco01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-01-18_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Conor Garland<\/a> to get a power-play point at +550. Both of these prop bets are courtesy of BetMGM.<\/p>\n<p><em>Main photo by: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images<\/em><\/p>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-273541d7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-theme-post-content\" data-id=\"273541d7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"theme-post-content.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-273541d7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-theme-post-content\" data-id=\"273541d7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"theme-post-content.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p><strong><em>Please play responsibly, check for your local rules and age restrictions, some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call\u00a0<a href=\"tel:1-800-GAMBLER\" rel=\"nofollow nofollow\">1-800-GAMBLER<\/a>.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day,\u00a0Last Word on Hockey\u00a0takes a look at the games that are scheduled and offers insight and analysis to help predict who will be victorious in head-to-head matchups. In today\u2019s round of NHL Predictions, we are looking at the game between the\u00a0Toronto Maple Leafs\u00a0vs\u00a0Montreal Canadiens.\u00a0Be sure to check out more [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2352,"featured_media":455701,"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":[4547,7,4548,4524,18],"tags":[6081,6016,6109,6062,6014],"class_list":["post-460988","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-hockey","category-canadiens","category-nhl","category-nhl-predictions","category-leafs","tag-boston-bruins-predictions","tag-montreal-canadiens-predictions","tag-ottawa-senators-predictions","tag-toronto-maple-leafs-predictions","tag-vancouver-canucks-predictions"],"modified_by":"Dan Mount, Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/460988","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=460988"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/460988\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":461030,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/460988\/revisions\/461030"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/455701"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=460988"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=460988"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=460988"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}