Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at Last 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. Our featured game of this edition is the Buffalo Sabres taking on the Florida Panthers. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.
NHL Predictions
Buffalo Sabres vs Florida Panthers
Head-to-Head: Sabres 2-1 Panthers
How to Watch: US TV: Scripps Florida; MSG Buffalo; ESPN+. Canada TV: Sportsnet.
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
We open up NHL predictions with our featured game between the Buffalo Sabres and the Florida Panthers. Buffalo is slated give former Florida goalie Alex Lyon the start in this game. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. The Sabres are 7-2-1 in their previous 10 games, including a victory over the New Jersey Devils last time out. Gold medalist Tage Thompson leads the club in goals (31) and points (61) so far this season.
Florida is coming off a victory over the rival Toronto Maple Leafs in its first game back from the Olympic break. However, the Panthers are 5-5 in their last 10 games entering this matchup. Daniil Tarasov is the likely starter after Sergei Bobrovsky got the call versus the Leafs. Sam Reinhart is first on the team in assists (29) and points (56) for the Panthers.
Both teams are trying to get points for different reasons. However, the Sabres should collect the win.
Prediction: Sabres win 4-2.
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Vegas Golden Knights vs Washington Capitals
2024-25 Season Series: Golden Knights 0-2 Capitals
How to Watch: US TV: Scripps Vegas; Monumental Sports Network; NHL Network. Canada TV: Sportsnet; TVA Sports.
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Our second game of NHL predictions has the Vegas Golden Knights squaring off with the Washington Capitals for the first time this season. Adin Hill is the expected starter for the Golden Knights, who have won the last three games in a row. Vegas is 4-4-2 in its last 10 games, but the team is starting to round into form. Jack Eichel leads the Golden Knights in assists (47) and points (68) so far, this campaign.
Canadian Olympian Logan Thompson is the projected starter for the Capitals, who are 6-3-1 in their last 10 games. This includes victories in four of their last five games. Fellow Olympian Tom Wilson leads the club in goals (23) and points (49).
This is a rematch of a previous Stanley Cup Final. However, the Capitals are more rested and should get the win.
Prediction: Capitals win 4-3.
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Minnesota Wild vs Utah Mammoth
Head-to-Head: Wild 0-1 Mammoth
How to Watch: US TV: Fox Sports North; Fox Sports Wisconsin; Utah16; KTSP; ESPN+. Canada TV: SN360.
Time: 9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Our last game of NHL predictions has the Minnesota Wild looking to even up the season series against the Utah Mammoth. Jesper Wallstedt is the expected starter after the Wild played the night before. Minnesota is 8-1-1 in its previous 10 games, including six consecutive victories. Matt Boldy has six goals and six assists for 12 points in the team’s last 10 games.
Utah is projected to give Czech goalie Karel Vejmelka the start in this game. The Mammoth are 6-4 in their last 10 games but did lose to the Colorado Avalanche in their first game back from the Olympic break. Team captain Clayton Keller leads the team in assists (38) and points (55).
Both teams are seeking a postseason spot. However, the Wild have been red hot as of late.
Prediction: Wild win 4-2.
Best Bets
We close out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. Let’s go back to the featured game for our preferred props. The over/under for the Sabres versus the Panthers is 6.5, and we like the under in this game.
As for individual props, go with Rasmus Dahlin to get at least one assist for Buffalo. One the Florida side of things, take Brad Marchand to score a goal.
Main photo by: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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