{"id":480935,"date":"2025-12-30T08:10:59","date_gmt":"2025-12-30T13:10:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=480935"},"modified":"2025-12-30T08:10:59","modified_gmt":"2025-12-30T13:10:59","slug":"nhl-predictions-dec-30-montreal-canadiens-vs-florida-panthers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/12\/30\/nhl-predictions-dec-30-montreal-canadiens-vs-florida-panthers\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL Predictions: Dec 30 Montreal Canadiens vs Florida Panthers"},"content":{"rendered":"

Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at\u00a0Last 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 Montreal Canadiens taking on the Florida Panthers. Don\u2019t forget to check out more NHL Predictions<\/a>, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.<\/p>\n

NHL Predictions<\/h2>\n

Montreal Canadiens vs Florida Panthers<\/h3>\n

2024-25 Season Series: Canadiens 4-0 Panthers<\/h3>\n

How to Watch<\/a>:<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

US TV:<\/strong> Scripps Florida; ESPN+<\/p>\n

Canada TV:<\/strong> TSN2; RDS<\/p>\n

Time:<\/strong> 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)<\/p>\n

We open up NHL predictions with our featured game between the Montreal Canadiens<\/a> and the Florida Panthers<\/a>. Samuel Montembeault is the confirmed starter for the Habs, and is looking for redemption after some shaky starts. The Canadiens are 5-2-3 in their previous 10 games but are coming off a shootout loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning<\/a>. Cole Caufield<\/a> leads the team in goals with 18 so far this campaign for Montreal.<\/p>\n

Daniil Tarasov<\/a> is the expected starter for the Panthers but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. Florida is 7-3 in its last 10 games, including a victory over the Washington Capitals<\/a> last time out. The Panthers could be seeing the return of Matthew Tkachuk<\/a> after he practiced with the team. Brad Marchand<\/a> continues to defy Father Time with the team’s lead in goals (22), assists (22), and points (44).<\/p>\n

Both teams are looking to end the calendar year strong, but Florida gets the victory heading into the Winter Classic.<\/p>\n

Prediction: Panthers win 4-3.<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Embed from Getty Images<\/a>