{"id":480451,"date":"2025-12-21T10:07:51","date_gmt":"2025-12-21T15:07:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=480451"},"modified":"2025-12-21T10:07:51","modified_gmt":"2025-12-21T15:07:51","slug":"nhl-predictions-dec-21-colorado-avalanche-vs-minnesota-wild","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/12\/21\/nhl-predictions-dec-21-colorado-avalanche-vs-minnesota-wild\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL Predictions: Dec 21 Colorado Avalanche vs Minnesota Wild"},"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 Colorado Avalanche taking on the Minnesota Wild. 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>Washington Capitals vs Detroit Red Wings<\/h3>\n<p><a id=\"13Su0b9WSAFrCIMS6SJnbQ\" class=\"gie-single\" style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/2205784747\" 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:'13Su0b9WSAFrCIMS6SJnbQ',sig:'Ft6B7PWvvis28ztql8mo7ip06I302u3ArhdkpKluXlo=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'2205784747',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});<\/script><script src=\"\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js\" async=\"\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3>Head-to-Head: Capitals 0-1 Red Wings<\/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> Monumental Sports Network; Fan Duel Sports Detroit; NHL Network<\/p>\n<p><strong>Canada TV:<\/strong> TVA Sports<\/p>\n<p><strong>Time:<\/strong> 1 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)<\/p>\n<p>We open up NHL predictions with the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/12\/17\/nhl-predictions-utah-mammoth-vs-detroit-red-wings\/\" target=\"_self\">Detroit Red Wings<\/a> looking for the home-and-home sweep of the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/12\/05\/nhl-predictions-december-5th-washington-capitals-vs-anaheim-ducks\/\" target=\"_self\">Washington Capitals.<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/l\/lindgch01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Charlie Lindgren<\/a> is expected to get the start after <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/t\/thomplo01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Logan Thompson<\/a> started on Saturday. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/w\/wilsoto01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tom Wilson<\/a> leads the team in goals, while <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/stromdy01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dylan Strome<\/a> is first in assists with 18.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/t\/talboca01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Cam Talbot<\/a> is the projected starter for the Red Wings, who got a 5-2 victory over the Capitals on Saturday. Detroit is coming into this game with a 7-2-1 mark in its previous 10 games <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/d\/debrial01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Alex DeBrincat<\/a> is first on the club in goals (20) and points (39) so far this campaign.<\/p>\n<p>Detroit is surprisingly in first place in the Atlantic and will carry that momentum into a home win.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Red Wings win 4-2.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<h3>Colorado Avalanche vs Minnesota Wild<\/h3>\n<h3>Head-to-Head: Avalanche 0-1 Wild<\/h3>\n<p>How to Watch:<\/p>\n<p><strong>US TV:<\/strong> Fan Duel Sports Wisconsin; Fan Duel Sports North; ESPN+<\/p>\n<p>Time: 6 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)<\/p>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.thescore.com\/nhl\/events\/31678\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Our second<\/a> and featured game of NHL predictions is a Central Division battle between the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/11\/28\/nhl-predictions-nov-28-colorado-avalanche-vs-minnesota-wild\/\" target=\"_self\">Colorado Avalanche<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/12\/16\/nhl-predictions-dec-16-washington-capitals-vs-minnesota-wild\/\" target=\"_self\">Minnesota Wild.<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/blackma01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mackenzie Blackwood<\/a> is the likely starter for the Avalanche, who are 8-1-1 in their previous 10 games. Colorado has only lost twice in regulation 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=2025-12-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nathan MacKinnon<\/a> leads the way in goals (28), assists (31), and points (59) so far this season.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/w\/wallsje01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jesper Wallstedt<\/a> is the confirmed starter for the Wild, who are 8-2 in their last 10 games. Minnesota has rattled off seven consecutive victories entering this important divisional game. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/hughequ01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Quinn Hughes<\/a> has been a tremendous addition to the club with a 4-0 record so far. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/boldyma01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Matt Boldy<\/a> leads the team in goals (22) and points (43).<\/p>\n<p>This could shape up to one of the more important games of the early season. However, Colorado gets the victory.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Avalanche win 4-3.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"8ugMXPm6RhVCcagbBULwcQ\" class=\"gie-single\" style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/2215387984\" 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:'8ugMXPm6RhVCcagbBULwcQ',sig:'8tWLY9MN9Jdb7DjigCsPrtEe0-vuKxX762s8lVpEtZA=',w:'594px',h:'405px',items:'2215387984',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n<h3>Vegas Golden Knights vs Edmonton Oilers<\/h3>\n<h3>2024-25 Season Series: Golden Knights 0-3 Oilers<\/h3>\n<p>How to Watch:<\/p>\n<p><strong>US TV:<\/strong> Scripps Vegas; ESPN+<\/p>\n<p><strong>Canada TV:<\/strong> Sportsnet; SN1<\/p>\n<p><strong>Time:<\/strong> 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)<\/p>\n<p>Our last game of NHL predictions is a Stanely Cup Playoff rematch between 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> and <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/12\/20\/nhl-predictions-dec-20-edmonton-oilers-vs-minnesota-wild\/\" target=\"_self\">Edmonton Oilers<\/a>. Vegas will give <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/hartca01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Carter Hart<\/a> the start in goal for this game, which is the first meeting between the two clubs this season. The Golden Knights are 6-2-2 in their last 10 games but have dropped their last two games. Both <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/e\/eicheja01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jack Eichel<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/t\/theodsh01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Shea Theodore<\/a> will be out of the lineup for the Canadian road trip.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/i\/ingraco01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Connor Ingram<\/a> is set to make his season and Oilers debut in this game with the injury to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/j\/jarrytr01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tristan Jarry<\/a>. Edmonton is 6-3-1 in its last 10 but coming off a loss to Minnesota on Saturday. The Oilers have dominated the Golden Knights in recent seasons, but this is a brand-new campaign. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/mcdavco01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Connor McDavid<\/a> is already just one point away from getting 60 before the New Year.<\/p>\n<p>Injuries are the story heading into this game, but Vegas should get the win.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Golden Knights win 4-3.<\/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 props. The over\/under for the Wild versus the Avalanche is 6.5, and we like the over in this.<\/p>\n<p>As for individual props, take <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/n\/necasma01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Martin Necas<\/a> to score an anytime goal for Colorado. On the Minnesota side of things, take <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/f\/faberbr01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Brock Faber<\/a> to net a power-play point.<\/p>\n<p>Main photo by: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Please play responsibly, check for your local rules and age restrictions; some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.<\/strong><\/em><\/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 Colorado Avalanche taking on [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2352,"featured_media":463366,"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":[4524,28,4547,30,4548],"tags":[6085,6201,6017,6012,6019,6239],"class_list":["post-480451","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nhl-predictions","category-avalanche","category-hockey","category-wild","category-nhl","tag-colorado-avalanche-predictions","tag-detroit-red-wings-predictions","tag-edmonton-oilers-predictions","tag-minnesota-wild-predictions","tag-vegas-golden-knights-predictions","tag-washington-capitals-predictions"],"modified_by":"Dan Mount, Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/480451","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=480451"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/480451\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":480454,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/480451\/revisions\/480454"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/463366"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=480451"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=480451"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=480451"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}