{"id":480217,"date":"2025-12-18T08:00:27","date_gmt":"2025-12-18T13:00:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=480217"},"modified":"2025-12-17T22:55:11","modified_gmt":"2025-12-18T03:55:11","slug":"nhl-predictions-dec-18-edmonton-oilers-vs-boston-bruins","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/12\/18\/nhl-predictions-dec-18-edmonton-oilers-vs-boston-bruins\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL Predictions: Dec 18 Edmonton Oilers vs Boston Bruins"},"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 Edmonton Oilers taking on the Boston Bruins. 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<h3>Edmonton Oilers vs Boston Bruins<\/h3>\n<h3>2024-25 Season Series: Oilers 2-0 Bruins<\/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> NESN; ESPN+<\/p>\n<p><strong>Canada TV:<\/strong> Sportsnet; TVA Sports<\/p>\n<p><strong>Time:<\/strong> 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)<\/p>\n<p>We open up NHL predictions with our featured game between the<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/12\/12\/the-edmonton-oilers-finally-make-a-major-move-in-net\/\" target=\"_self\"> Edmonton Oilers<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/11\/19\/boston-bruins-lose-another-defenceman-due-to-injury\/\" target=\"_self\">Boston Bruins<\/a>. Newly-acquired goalie <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/j\/jarrytr01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-17_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tristan Jarry<\/a> is expected to draw the start for Edmonton, but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. The Oilers are 6-3-1 in the previous 10 games, including wins in three of their last four games. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/mcdavco01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-17_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Connor McDavid<\/a> leads the team in points wth 56. However, he has 14 in his last 10 games.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/swaymje01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-17_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jeremy Swayman<\/a> is the probable starter for the Bruins, who are 7-3 in their previous 10 games. Boston has also won five of its last six games entering this matchup. Swayman is having a bounce-back campaign with a 14-8 record and 2.74 goals-against-average. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/g\/geekimo01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-17_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Morgan Geekie<\/a> is the team&#8217;s leader in goals with 24 so far this season.<\/p>\n<p>Both teams are coming in with momentum. However, the Bruins should get the home victory.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Bruins win 4-3.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"JqbmuQz_TrdJ6ieAqeGKaQ\" class=\"gie-single\" style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/2240122456\" 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:'JqbmuQz_TrdJ6ieAqeGKaQ',sig:'ACrOUXVxMJjTXZghJA_gT6YkvAgdbbKDhbbs-OJ9DmY=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'2240122456',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n<h3>Chicago Blackhawks vs Montreal Canadiens<\/h3>\n<h3>Head-to-Head: Blackhawks 0-1 Canadiens<\/h3>\n<p>How to Watch:<\/p>\n<p><strong>US TV:<\/strong> Chicago Sports Network; ESPN+<\/p>\n<p><strong>Canada TV:<\/strong> TSN2; RDS<\/p>\n<p><strong>Time:<\/strong> 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)<\/p>\n<p>Our second game of NHL predictions is an Original Six battle between the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/12\/13\/chicago-blackhawks-team-canada-suffer-significant-potential-injury-news\/\" target=\"_self\">Chicago Blackhawks<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/12\/17\/nhl-rumours-montreal-canadiens-looking-to-acquire-veteran-centre\/\" target=\"_self\">Montreal Canadiens<\/a>. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/k\/knighsp01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-17_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Spencer Knight<\/a> is the likely starter for the Blackhakws, who are 3-6-1 in their last 10 games. Chicago has also dropped five of its last six games. Leading scorer <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/bedarco01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-17_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Connor Bedard<\/a> is out for the rest of the month, which means players like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/bertuty01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-17_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tyler Bertuzzi<\/a> will be asked to do more.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/d\/dobesja01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-17_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jakub Dobes<\/a> is the projected starter for the Canadiens, who are 4-5-1 in their previous 10 games. Montreal did beat Chicago, 3-2, thanks <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.nhl.com\/gamecenter\/chi-vs-mtl\/2025\/10\/11\/2025020031\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">to a late goal<\/a> by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/g\/guhleka01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-17_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kaiden Guhle<\/a>. The Habs have struggled to keep pucks out of the net with a 3.48 goals allowed per game average. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/c\/caufico01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-17_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Cole Caufield<\/a> is tops on the team in goals with 17 so far.<\/p>\n<p>Chicago doesn&#8217;t seem like the same team without Bedard, and Montreal should take advantage of that.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Canadiens win 4-2.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"BJRn998ORjB35lMGwzZfSA\" class=\"gie-single\" style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/2247791051\" 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:'BJRn998ORjB35lMGwzZfSA',sig:'RhewLZ8KioV8QNn64oY4Yvk8TLWhmpDxggbWkPh0u1Q=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'2247791051',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n<h3>New York Rangers vs St Louis Blues<\/h3>\n<h3>Head-to-Head: Rangers 1-0 Blues<\/h3>\n<p>How to Watch:<\/p>\n<p><strong>US TV:<\/strong> Fan Duel Sports Midwest; MSG; ESPN+<\/p>\n<p><strong>Time:<\/strong> 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)<\/p>\n<p>Our final game of NHL predictions has the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/12\/06\/new-york-rangers-star-defenceman-injury-team-plan-analysis\/\" target=\"_self\">New York Rangers<\/a> going for the season sweep of the<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/12\/17\/nhl-predictions-dec-17-winnipeg-jets-vs-st-louis-blues\/\" target=\"_self\"> St Louis Blues.<\/a> New York is expected to start <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/shestig01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-17_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Igor Shesterkin<\/a>, who hasn&#8217;t gotten a lot of help in home starts. The Rangers are 12-5-1 away from Madison Square Garden. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/p\/panarar01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-17_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Artemi Panarin<\/a> leads the way in assists (23) and points (34) so far this season.<\/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=2025-12-17_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jordan Binnington<\/a> is the confirmed starter for the Blues, who are 5-5 in their previous 10 games. St Louis is coming off a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/12\/15\/prime-monday-night-hockey-ottawa-senators-vs-winnipeg-jets\/\" target=\"_self\"> Winnipeg Jets<\/a> on Thursday night. However, the Rangers beat the Blues 3-2 in a rare victory at MSG. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/t\/thomaro01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-17_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Robert Thomas<\/a> is first on the team in assists (16) and points (23) so far this campaign.<\/p>\n<p>The two teams have been inconsistent this season, but the Rangers are better away from home and should win.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Rangers win 3-2.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Prop Bets of the Night<\/h3>\n<p>We wrap up NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. Let&#8217;s go back to our featured game for our preferred props. The over\/under for the Oilers versus the Bruins is 6.5, and we like the over in this game.<\/p>\n<p>As for individual props, go with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/d\/draisle01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-17_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Leon Draisaitl<\/a> to get the over on 1.5 assists for Edmonton. On the Boston side of things, take <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/p\/pastrda01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-17_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">David Pastrnak<\/a> to get at least one power-play point.<\/p>\n<p><em>Main photo by: Bob DeChiara-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\u00a0<span class=\"s15\"><span class=\"bumpedFont15\">problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/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 Edmonton Oilers taking on [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2352,"featured_media":480222,"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":[4524,5,23,4547,4548],"tags":[6081,6233,6017,6016,6122,6061],"class_list":["post-480217","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nhl-predictions","category-bruins","category-oilers","category-hockey","category-nhl","tag-boston-bruins-predictions","tag-chicago-blackhawks-predictions","tag-edmonton-oilers-predictions","tag-montreal-canadiens-predictions","tag-new-york-rangers-predictions","tag-st-louis-blues-predictions"],"modified_by":"Dan Mount, Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/480217","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=480217"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/480217\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":480223,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/480217\/revisions\/480223"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/480222"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=480217"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=480217"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=480217"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}