{"id":480151,"date":"2025-12-17T08:00:39","date_gmt":"2025-12-17T13:00:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=480151"},"modified":"2025-12-17T22:07:34","modified_gmt":"2025-12-18T03:07:34","slug":"nhl-predictions-dec-17-winnipeg-jets-vs-st-louis-blues","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/12\/17\/nhl-predictions-dec-17-winnipeg-jets-vs-st-louis-blues\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL Predictions: Dec 17 Winnipeg Jets vs St Louis Blues"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at\u00a0<em>Last Word on Hockey<\/em> look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. For this edition, we will look at the Winnipeg Jets taking on the St Louis Blues. Don\u2019t forget to check out more <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/category\/nhl-predictions\/\" target=\"_self\">NHL Predictions<\/a>, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.<\/p>\n<h2>NHL Predictions<\/h2>\n<p><a id=\"dn3o_KhvQQhxWhPdxFM4hw\" class=\"gie-single\" style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/2246927961\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'dn3o_KhvQQhxWhPdxFM4hw',sig:'pQy_Q26bbc89RK2syox4OpDLdG_S45kh6yoP7I23mb4=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'2246927961',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n<h3>Los Angeles Kings vs Florida Panthers<\/h3>\n<h3>Head-to-Head: Kings 0-1 Panthers<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/full-guide-for-how-to-stream-and-watch-nhl-hockey-games\/\" target=\"_self\">How to Watch<\/a>:<\/p>\n<p><strong>US TV:<\/strong> Fan Duel Sports West; Scripps Florida; ESPN+<\/p>\n<p><strong>Canada TV:<\/strong> TVA Sports<\/p>\n<p><strong>Time:<\/strong> 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)<\/p>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.nhl.com\/gamecenter\/fla-vs-lak\/2025\/12\/17\/2025020529\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">We open up<\/a> NHL predictions with the second meeting of the season between the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/12\/08\/nhl-predictions-los-angeles-kings-vs-utah-mammoth\/\" target=\"_self\">Los Angeles Kings<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/12\/15\/monday-night-tampa-bay-lightning-florida-panthers-predictions-nhl\/\" target=\"_self\">Florida Panthers.<\/a> Los Angeles is expected to start <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/f\/forsban01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Anton Forsberg<\/a> in goal. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. The Kings are 4-3-3 in their previous 10 games, but have lost the last three consecutive games. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/k\/kempead01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Adrian Kempe<\/a> leads the club in assists (17) and points (28).<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/bobrose01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sergei Bobrovsky<\/a> is the projected starter for the Panthers, who got a 5-2 victory over the Kings on November 6. Florida is 5-4-1 in the last 10 games, but has won four of its previous five games entering this matchup. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/marchbr03.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Brad Marchand<\/a> is one goal away from reaching 20 and leads the team in points with 35.<\/p>\n<p>Florida has been playing much better as of late and should get the victory.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Panthers win 4-3.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<h3>Winnipeg Jets vs St Louis Blues<\/h3>\n<h3>2024-25 Season Series: Jets 3-1 Blues<\/h3>\n<p>How to Watch:<\/p>\n<p><strong>US TV:<\/strong> Fan Duel Sports Midwest; ESPN+<\/p>\n<p><strong>Canada TV:<\/strong> Sportsnet<\/p>\n<p><strong>Time:<\/strong> 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)<\/p>\n<p>Our second and featured game of NHL predictions has the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/12\/15\/prime-monday-night-hockey-ottawa-senators-vs-winnipeg-jets\/\" target=\"_self\">Winnipeg Jets<\/a> taking on the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/12\/10\/st-louis-blues-sign-forward-two-way-contract\/\" target=\"_self\">St Louis Blues<\/a> for the first time this season. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/helleco01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Connor Hellebuyck<\/a> is the probable starter for Winnipeg, which is 3-5-2 in its previous 10 games. The Jets have also dropped four of their last five games, but most of those games were when Hellebuyck was out of the lineup. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/c\/connoky01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kyle Connor<\/a> is first on the squad in assists (16) and points (41) so far this campaign.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/binnijo01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jordan Binnington<\/a> is the likely starter for the Blues, who are 5-5 in the last 10 games. That lack of consistency has St Louis sitting in seventh place in the Central Division. The Blues have the leakiest defence in the league with 3.56 goals allowed per game. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/t\/thomaro01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Robert Thomas<\/a> is tops in assists (16) and points (23) for St Louis, which also has trouble scoring goals.<\/p>\n<p>Both teams are struggling, but the Jets are better equipped to get out of their funk.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Jets win 5-2.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"a_icFGYIS8t4Pfs-usqCyA\" class=\"gie-single\" style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/2249572756\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'a_icFGYIS8t4Pfs-usqCyA',sig:'HgR85c79y_e1iPfjDeuYZw_SKRA34HU6h12nPKCq57I=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'2249572756',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n<h3>New Jersey Devils vs Vegas Golden Knights<\/h3>\n<h3>Head-to-Head: Devils 0-1 Golden Knights<\/h3>\n<p>How to Watch:<\/p>\n<p><strong>US TV:<\/strong> TNT; TruTV; HBO Max<\/p>\n<p><strong>Canada TV:<\/strong> SN1; TVA Sports<\/p>\n<p><strong>Time:<\/strong> 10 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)<\/p>\n<p>Our last game of NHL predictions has the<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/12\/13\/nhl-predictions-december-13th-anaheim-ducks-vs-new-jersey-devils\/\" target=\"_self\"> New Jersey Devils<\/a> trying to avoid the season sweep against the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/12\/11\/nhl-predictions-dec-11-vegas-golden-knights-vs-philadelphia-flyers\/\" target=\"_self\">Vegas Golden Knights<\/a>. New Jersey is projected to start <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/marksja02.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jacob Markstrom<\/a> in goal for this game. The Devils are 3-7 in the previous 10 games. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/brattje01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jesper Bratt<\/a> is first on the team in assists (23) and points (29) so far this season.<\/p>\n<p>Former Devils goalie <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/schmiak01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Akira Schmid<\/a> is the probable starter for the Golden Knights, who are 6-2-2 in the last 10 games. However, Vegas has also won six of its last seven games. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/e\/eicheja01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jack Eichel<\/a> is first on the team in assists (29) and points (41).<\/p>\n<p>New Jersey is dealing with injuries, but Vegas has plenty of momentum.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Golden Knights win 5-3.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Prop Bets of the Night<\/h3>\n<p>We close out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. Let&#8217;s go back to our featured game for our preferred prop bets. The over\/under for the Jets versus the Blues is 5.5, and we like the over in this game.<\/p>\n<p>As for individual props, take <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/scheima01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mark Scheifele<\/a> to get the over on 1.5 points for Winnipeg. On the St Louis end of things, go with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/f\/faulkju01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Justin Faulk<\/a> to get an assist.<\/p>\n<p><em>Main photo by: Jeff Le-Imagn Images<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong><em>Please play responsibly, check for your local rules and age restrictions; some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Gambling <span class=\"s15\"><span class=\"bumpedFont15\">problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at\u00a0Last Word on Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. For this edition, we will look at the Winnipeg Jets taking on [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2352,"featured_media":471350,"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":[4524,4547,4548,32,33],"tags":[6255,6028,6079,6061,6019,6110],"class_list":["post-480151","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nhl-predictions","category-hockey","category-nhl","category-blues","category-jets","tag-florida-panthers-predictions","tag-los-angeles-kings-predictions","tag-new-jersey-devils-predictions","tag-st-louis-blues-predictions","tag-vegas-golden-knights-predictions","tag-winnipeg-jets-predictions"],"modified_by":"Dan Mount, Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/480151","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=480151"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/480151\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":480218,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/480151\/revisions\/480218"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/471350"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=480151"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=480151"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=480151"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}