{"id":480284,"date":"2025-12-19T10:23:57","date_gmt":"2025-12-19T15:23:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=480284"},"modified":"2025-12-19T10:23:57","modified_gmt":"2025-12-19T15:23:57","slug":"nhl-predictions-dec-19-carolina-hurricanes-vs-florida-panthers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/12\/19\/nhl-predictions-dec-19-carolina-hurricanes-vs-florida-panthers\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL Predictions: Dec 19 Carolina Hurricanes vs Florida Panthers"},"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 Carolina Hurricanes taking on the Florida Panthers. 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>Carolina Hurricanes vs Florida Panthers<\/h3>\n<h3>2024-25 Season Series: Hurricanes 0-3 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> Scripps Florida; Fan Duel Sports South; 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>We open up NHL predictions with our featured game between the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/12\/04\/nhl-predictions-december-4th-toronto-maple-leafs-carolina-hurricanes\/\" target=\"_self\">Carolina Hurricanes<\/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> in a rematch of the Eastern Conference Final. Carolina is expected to start <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/k\/kochepy01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-19_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Pyotr Kochetkov<\/a> in goal for this game. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. The Canes are coming into this matchup on a five-game winning streak and winners of eight of their previous 10. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/j\/jarvise01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-19_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Seth Jarvis<\/a> leads Carolina in goals with 19.<\/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=2025-12-19_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sergei Bobrovsky<\/a> is the projected starter for the Florida, which is on its own good run of form. The Panthers are 6-3-1, and winners of their last three games. This also includes Florida getting wins in six of its last seven games. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/marchbr03.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-19_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Brad Marchand<\/a> is turning back the clock, as he&#8217;s got the team lead in goals (19), assists (18), and points (37).<\/p>\n<p>Carolina has been playing well, but Florida has been a thorn in Carolina&#8217;s side.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Panthers win 3-2.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage-->&#8216;<a id=\"sNkmagvzQwlNx5ZaDJCafg\" class=\"gie-single\" style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/2202153723\" 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:'sNkmagvzQwlNx5ZaDJCafg',sig:'uf4aNNKzpmrjDjSys8wnxN4fRs2SDsgcOVymrhWg1zw=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'2202153723',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 Utah Mammoth<\/h3>\n<h3>2024-25 Season Series: Devils 2-0 Mammoth<\/h3>\n<p>How to Watch:<\/p>\n<p><strong>US TV:<\/strong> MSGSN2; Utah16; ESPN+<\/p>\n<p><strong>Time:<\/strong> 9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)<\/p>\n<p>Our second game of NHL predictions has the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/11\/15\/new-jersey-devils-star-centre-will-miss-time\/\" target=\"_self\">New Jersey Devils<\/a> visitng the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/12\/08\/utah-mammoth-young-centre-out-indefinitely-due-to-injury\/\" target=\"_self\">Utah Mammoth<\/a>. New Jersey is slated to start <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/marksja02.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-19_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jacob Markstrom<\/a> in the crease for this game. The Devils are 3-7 in their previous 10 games, but have gotten victories in three of the last five games. Free agent signing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/brownco02.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-19_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Connor Brown<\/a> has been in form with five points in the team&#8217;s last 10 games.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/v\/vejmeka01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-19_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Karel Vejmelka<\/a> is the likely starter for Utah, which is 5-5 in its last 10 games. However, the Mammoth have won three of their last four games entering this matchup. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/g\/guentdy01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-19_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dylan Guenther<\/a> is first on the team in goals with 16 so far this campaign.<\/p>\n<p>Both teams are looking to keep momentum going, but Utah gets the home victory.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Mammoth win 4-2.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"KEk_dyXiTthWWDGWS2Zjgw\" class=\"gie-single\" style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/2195412106\" 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:'KEk_dyXiTthWWDGWS2Zjgw',sig:'MhpM8cyKgBSjFKJafQLS93w7zySstE8iUqyNpq888Q8=',w:'594px',h:'481px',items:'2195412106',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n<h3>Winnipeg Jets vs Colorado Avalanche<\/h3>\n<h3>2024-25 Season Series: Jets 3-1 Avalanche<\/h3>\n<p>How to Watch:<\/p>\n<p><strong>US TV:<\/strong> Altitude; KTVD ESPN+<\/p>\n<p>Canada TV: TSN3; TVA Sports<\/p>\n<p><strong>Time:<\/strong> 9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)<\/p>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.nhl.com\/gamecenter\/col-vs-wpg\/2025\/12\/19\/2025020546\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Our last game<\/a> of NHL predictions has the<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/12\/17\/nhl-predictions-dec-17-winnipeg-jets-vs-st-louis-blues\/\" target=\"_self\"> Winnipeg Jets<\/a> taking on the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/10\/30\/colorado-avalanche-sign-star-to-a-massive-contract\/\" target=\"_self\">Colorado Avalanche<\/a> in a Central Division showdown. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/helleco01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-19_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Connor Hellebuyck<\/a> is the projected starter for Winnipeg, which is 3-5-2 in its last 10 games. However, this also includes losses in five of its last six games. Hellebuyck&#8217;s return has helped, but the Jets are still struggling to get points. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/c\/connoky01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-19_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kyle Connor<\/a> leads the club in points with 41 this campaign.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/w\/wedgesc01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-19_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Scott Wedgewood<\/a> is expected to draw the start for the Avalanche, who are 7-1-2 in their previous 10 games. Colorado has only lost once in regulation during that stretch. The Avs own the best record so far this season. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/mackina01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-19_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nathan MacKinnon<\/a> is staking his claim to the Hart Trophy with 28 goals, 30 assists, and 58 points.<\/p>\n<p>The Jets can put together solid defensive games, but the Avalanhce are on another level at this time.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Avalanche win 4-1.<\/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 props. The moneyline is +110 for the Panthers in the Friday game against the Hurricanes. That might be worth a play.<\/p>\n<p>As for individual props, take <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/l\/lundean01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-19_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Anton Lundell<\/a> to score an anytime goal for Florida. On the Carolina side of things, take <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/search\/search.fcgi?pid=ahose01,ahose02&amp;search=Sebastian+Aho&amp;utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-19_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sebastian Aho<\/a> to get the over on 0.5 assists.<\/p>\n<p>Main photo by: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images<\/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","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 Carolina Hurricanes taking on [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2352,"featured_media":469115,"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":[4524,10,6,4547,4548],"tags":[6010,6085,6255,6079,8231,6110],"class_list":["post-480284","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nhl-predictions","category-hurricanes","category-panthers","category-hockey","category-nhl","tag-carolina-hurricanes-predictions","tag-colorado-avalanche-predictions","tag-florida-panthers-predictions","tag-new-jersey-devils-predictions","tag-utah-mammoth-predictions","tag-winnipeg-jets-predictions"],"modified_by":"Dan Mount, Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/480284","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=480284"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/480284\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":480289,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/480284\/revisions\/480289"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/469115"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=480284"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=480284"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=480284"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}