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. For this edition, we will look at the Edmonton Oilers taking on the Calgary Flames. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.
NHL Predictions
Minnesota Wild vs Winnipeg Jets
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Head-to-Head: Wild 1-1 Jets
US TV: Fan Duel Sports North; Fan Duel Sports Wisconsin X; ESPN+
Canada TV: SN1; SN West
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
We open up NHL predictions with a Central Division matchup between the Minnesota Wild and the Winnipeg Jets. Filip Gustavsson is the projected starter for the Wild but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. Minnesota is 7-2-1 in its previous 10 games but have dropped its last two games entering this Christmas break. Matt Boldy and Kirill Kaprizov share the team’s lead in points with 43.
Connor Hellebuyck is the probable starter for the Jets, who are 2-5-3 in the last 10 games. Winnipeg has dropped its last four games entering this rivalry games. The Jets had the best record in the league last season, but injuries have made things much tougher. Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor are both tied with 43 points so far this campaign.
Both teams needed a break after some recent losses. However, Minnesota is more equipped to bounce back.
Prediction: Wild win 4-2.
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Colorado Avalanche vs Vegas Golden Knights
Head-to-Head: Avalanche 1-1 Golden Knights
How to Watch:
US TV: Altitude; Scripps Vegas; ESPN
Time: 10 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Our second game of NHL prediction has the Colorado Avalanche visiting the Vegas Golden Knights. MacKenzie Blackwood is the expected starter for the Avalanche, who 8-1-1 in their previous 10 games. Colorado has rattled off six consecutive victories and has only lost twice in regulation so far this season. Nathan MacKinnon is making his case for the Hart Trophy with 30 goals and 31 assists for 61 points.
Carter Hart is the likely starter for the Golden Knights, who are trying to even the season series after a 4-2 loss to the Avs on Halloween night. Vegas is 6-2-2 in its last 10 games, including a victory over the San Jose Sharks last time out. Keep an eye on leading point-getter Jack Eichel‘s status, who has missed the last few games due to injury.
Vegas has plenty of talent, but Colorado is on another level.
Prediction: Avalanche win 4-3.
Edmonton Oilers vs Calgary Flames
Head-to-Head: Oilers 1-1 Flames
How to Watch:
US TV: ESPN+
Canada TV: CBC; Sportsnet; TVA Sports
Time: 10 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Our final and featured game of NHL predictions is another installment in the Battle of Alberta between the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames. Calvin Pickard is expected to draw the start and most of them while Tristan Jarry is out. The Oilers are 7-2-1 in their previous 10 games, including wins in four of their last five. Connor McDavid is making his own case for MVP with 23 goals and 44 assists for 67 points.
Dustin Wolfe is the projected starter for the Flames, who are steadying the ship after a rough start. Calgary is 6-4 in its last 10 games but did suffer a 5-1 loss to Edmonton in the last game before the break. Mattew Coronato leads the team in goals with 11, while Nazem Kadri is first in points with 31.
These rivalry games are always intense, but the Oilers should get the victory.
Prediction: Oilers win 5-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
We close out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. Let’s stay with our featured game for our preferred props. The over/under for the Oilers versus the Flames is set at 6.5, and we like the over in this game.
As for individual props, take Ryan Nugent-Hopkins to get a goal for Edmonton. On the Calgary side of things, take Rasmus Andersson to get a power-play point.
Main photo by: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
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