{"id":481249,"date":"2026-01-04T08:45:06","date_gmt":"2026-01-04T13:45:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=481249"},"modified":"2026-01-04T08:33:00","modified_gmt":"2026-01-04T13:33:00","slug":"nhl-predictions-jan-4-montreal-canadiens-vs-dallas-stars","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/01\/04\/nhl-predictions-jan-4-montreal-canadiens-vs-dallas-stars\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL Predictions: Jan 4 Montreal Canadiens vs Dallas Stars"},"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 Montreal Canadiens taking on the Dallas Stars. 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>Montreal Canadiens vs Dallas Stars<\/h3>\n<h3>Head-to-Head: Canadiens 0-1 Stars<\/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><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.nhl.com\/news\/amazon-prime-video-2025-26-monday-night-hockey-schedule\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/12\/PRIMN_25_OOHDisplayAdBanner_Desktop_728x90_POST_Final_en-CA_PV00045914_Monday.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>US TV:<\/strong> Victory+; ESPN+<\/p>\n<p><strong>Canada TV:<\/strong> TSN2; RDS<\/p>\n<p><strong>Time:<\/strong> 2 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)<\/p>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.nhl.com\/gamecenter\/dal-vs-mtl\/2026\/01\/04\/2025020657\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">We open up<\/a> NHL predictions with our featured game between the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/12\/30\/nhl-predictions-dec-30-montreal-canadiens-vs-florida-panthers\/\" target=\"_self\">Montreal Canadiens<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/12\/31\/nhl-predictions-dec-31-buffalo-sabres-vs-dallas-stars\/\" target=\"_self\">Dallas Stars<\/a>. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/d\/dobesja01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-03_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jakub Dobes<\/a> is the expected starter after <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/f\/fowleja01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-03_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jacob Fowler<\/a> got the call in the loss to the<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/12\/10\/st-louis-blues-sign-forward-two-way-contract\/\" target=\"_self\"> St Louis Blues<\/a>. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. Montreal is 6-1-3 in its previous 10 games but was shutout by St Louis on Saturday. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/suzukni01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-03_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nick Suzuki<\/a> leads the team in assists (31) and points (45) so far this campaign.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/o\/oettija01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-03_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jake Oettinger<\/a> is the likely starter for Stars, who got a 7-0 shutout of the Habs on November 13. Dallas comes into this game with a 4-4-2 mark in its previous 10 games. However, the Stars have dropped three consecutive games prior to this matchup. Dallas is a top five team in goals scored (3.48, second) and goals allowed (2.68, fifth). <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/r\/rantami01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-03_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mikko Rantanen<\/a> leads the way with 40 assists and 56 points.<\/p>\n<p>Dallas will be rested, and Montreal is coming off a 2-0 loss to St Louis. The hosts should get the win.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Stars win 4-2.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"4Hf8yKEvQgt-9LBiCTDVSQ\" class=\"gie-single\" style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/2250748461\" 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:'4Hf8yKEvQgt-9LBiCTDVSQ',sig:'VzAk-qTFEHMF4dkgyOM6ef_SKnANiRnEABjh6D9LyZ8=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'2250748461',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n<h3>Colorado Avalanche vs Florida Panthers<\/h3>\n<h3>Head-to-Head: Avalanche 1-0 Panthers<\/h3>\n<p>How to Watch:<\/p>\n<p><strong>US TV:<\/strong> Scripps Florida; Altitude; ESPN+<\/p>\n<p><strong>Canada TV:<\/strong> Sportsnet<\/p>\n<p><strong>Time:<\/strong> 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)<\/p>\n<p>Our second game of Sunday&#8217;s NHL predictions is a preseason pick for the Stanley Cup Final between the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/01\/03\/nhl-predictions-jan-3-colorado-avalanche-vs-carolina-hurricanes\/\" target=\"_self\">Colorado Avalanche<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/01\/02\/nhl-predictions-rangers-panthers\/\" target=\"_self\">Florida Panthers<\/a>. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/minertr01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-03_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Trent Miner<\/a> is the probable starter for the Avalanche after <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/w\/wedgesc01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-03_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Scott Wedgewood<\/a> got the start against the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/12\/29\/carolina-hurricanes-goaltending-injury-news\/\" target=\"_self\">Carolina Hurricanes.<\/a> The Avs were winners of nine consecutive games entering Saturday&#8217;s matchup with the Hurricanes. Entering Saturday&#8217;s matchup with Carolina, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/mackina01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-03_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nathan MacKinnon<\/a> had 34 goals and 36 assists for 70 points.<\/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=2026-01-03_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sergei Bobrovsky<\/a> is the likely starter for the Panthers, who are 6-3-1 in their last 10 games. However, Florida has dropped two consecutive games entering this matchup. The Panthers are trying to get back on track and force their way back into the playoff picture. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/marchbr03.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-03_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Brad Marchand<\/a> is tied with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/r\/reinhsa01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-03_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sam Reinhart<\/a> for first on the team in goals with 23, but Marchand is first in assists (23) and points (46).<\/p>\n<p>Colorado beat Florida, 6-2, in the first meeting of the season. However, the Panthers should be able to get past the Avs&#8217; backup.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Panthers win 4-3.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"vj-71fVSQ153a6mhPQYNrQ\" class=\"gie-single\" style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/2240321311\" 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:'vj-71fVSQ153a6mhPQYNrQ',sig:'L326leu6XToQeetmlruOw2mDIpx8j7hSJUUpEMGRZlo=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'2240321311',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n<h3>Carolina Hurricanes vs New Jersey Devils<\/h3>\n<h3>Head-to-Head: Hurricanes 1-0 Devils<\/h3>\n<p>How to Watch:<\/p>\n<p><strong>US TV:<\/strong> Fan Duel Sports South; MSGSN; ESPN+<\/p>\n<p><strong>Time:<\/strong> 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)<\/p>\n<p>We close out NHL predictions with a Metropolitan Division matchup between the Hurricanes and 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> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/bussibr01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-03_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Brandon Bussi<\/a> is expected to draw the start after <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/a\/anderfr01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-03_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Frederik Andersen<\/a> played against Colorado the night before. Carolina is 5-4-1 entering Saturday&#8217;s game against Colorado. <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=2026-01-03_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sebastian Aho<\/a> is first in assists (24) and points (40) so far this season.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/a\/allenja01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-03_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jake Allen<\/a> is the projected starter for the Devils, who are also 5-4-1 in their last 10 games. However, New Jersey has picked up victories in its last two games. This includes a 4-1 victory over the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/12\/29\/utah-mammoth-karel-vejmelka-placed-on-ir\/\" target=\"_self\">Utah Mammoth<\/a> on Saturday. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/brattje01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-03_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jesper Bratt<\/a> leads the club in assists (24) and points (33) so far this season.<\/p>\n<p>Both teams are in the backend of back-to-back games. However, Carolina should get the win.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Hurricanes 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 Canadiens versus the Stars is 6.5, and we like the under in this game.<\/p>\n<p>As for individual props, take <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/c\/caufico01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-03_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Cole Caufield<\/a> to score an anytime goal for Montreal. On the Dallas side, take <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/harleth01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-03_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Thomas Harley<\/a> to register at least one assist.<\/p>\n<p><em>Main photo by: David Kirouac-Imagn Images<\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><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 Montreal Canadiens taking on [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2352,"featured_media":481252,"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":[4524,29,4547,7,4548],"tags":[6010,6085,6124,6255,6016,6079],"class_list":["post-481249","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nhl-predictions","category-stars","category-hockey","category-canadiens","category-nhl","tag-carolina-hurricanes-predictions","tag-colorado-avalanche-predictions","tag-dallas-stars-predictions","tag-florida-panthers-predictions","tag-montreal-canadiens-predictions","tag-new-jersey-devils-predictions"],"modified_by":"Dan Mount, Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/481249","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=481249"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/481249\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":481253,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/481249\/revisions\/481253"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/481252"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=481249"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=481249"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=481249"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}