Welcome back to another 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 Montreal Canadiens. 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 Montreal Canadiens
Head-to-Head: Sabres 1-1 Canadiens
US TV: MSG Buffalo; ESPN+
Canada TV: TSN2; RDS
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
We open up NHL predictions with our featured game between the Buffalo Sabres and the Montreal Canadiens. Buffalo is expected to give Alex Lyon the start in goal. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. The Sabres are 6-3-1 in their last 10 games entering this matchup. Buffalo is in the mix for one of the wild card spots in the Eastern Conference. Tage Thompson leads the team in goals (26), assists (25), and points (51) so far this campaign.
Sam Montembeault is the projected starter for the Canadiens, who are also 6-3-1 in their previous 10 games. However, Montreal has won its last two games entering this divisional game. Nick Suzuki leads the Habs in assists (40) and points (55) so far this season. Cole Caufield is using his Team USA Olympic snub as fuel with 25 goals.
Both teams are playing well entering this matchup. However, the home team has won both games so far this season.
Prediction: Canadiens win 4-3.
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Vegas Golden Knights vs Boston Bruins
Head-to-Head: Golden Knights 1-0 Bruins
US TV: NESN; Scripps Vegas; ESPN+
Canada TV: Sportsnet
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Our second game of NHL predictions has Bruce Cassidy and the Vegas Golden Knights visiting the Boston Bruins. Akira Schmid is the probable starter for the Golden Knights, who are 7-2-1 in the previous 10 games. However, Vegas had its seven-game losing streak snapped by the Philadelphia Flyers. Jack Eichel is first on the club in assists (40) and points (57) so far this season.
Jeremy Swayman is the expected starter for the Bruins, who are 8-2 in their previous 10 games. However, Boston also had its own six-game winning run snapped by the Dallas Stars. David Pastrnak is heading into the Olympics leading the team in assists (40) and points (60).
Both teams are playing well. However, Boston gets the victory at home.
Prediction: Bruins win 3-2.
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Florida Panthers vs Winnipeg Jets
2024-25 Season Series: Panthers 1-1 Jets
US TV: Scripps Florida; ESPN+
Canada TV: TSN3
Time: 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Our last game of NHL predictions has the Florida Panthers meeting with the Winnipeg Jets for the first time this season. Florida is likely to give Sergei Bobrovsky the start in between the pipes for this game. The Panthers are 4-5-1 but did get Matthew Tkachuk back in their last game. Sam Reinhart has 24 goals and 23 assists for 47 points.
Connor Hellebuyck is the projected starter for the Jets, who are 5-3-2 in their previous 10 games. Winnipeg is starting to look like its old self again but needs to start picking up points in a hurry. Mark Scheifele leads the team in goals (25), assists (36), and points (61) for the Jets so far.
Winnipeg has been a better team as of late. However, it’s desperation team for Florida.
Prediction: Panthers win 4-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
We close out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. Let’s go back to our featured game for our preferred props. The over/under for the Sabres versus the Canadiens is 6.5, and we like the over in this game.
As for individual props, take Alex Tuch to get a goal for Buffalo. On the Montreal side of things, go with Juraj Slafkovsky to get a power-play point.
Main photo by: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
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