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 Winnipeg Jets taking on the Toronto Maple Leafs. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.
We also want to wish everyone a Happy and safe New York. Here’s to 2026.
NHL Predictions
Winnipeg Jets vs Detroit Red Wings
2024-25 Season Series: Jets 1-1 Maple Leafs
US TV: NHL Network
Canada TV: SNO; TSN3
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
We open up NHL predictions with the Winnipeg Jets taking on the Toronto Maple Leafs in our featured matchup. Eric Comrie is the probable starter with Connor Hellebuyck getting the call against the Detroit Red Wings. Winnipeg is 1-6-3 in its previous 10 games, including seven consecutive losses. The Jets have only gotten points in four of their last 10 games. Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor are tied for the team’s lead in points with 45.
Toronto is expected to give Joseph Woll the start after he got a 4-0 shutout against the New Jersey Devils last time out. The Maple Leafs are 4-4-2 in their previous 10 games but have victories in three of their last four games. Keep an eye on William Nylander‘s status entering this matchup. John Tavares is the next highest point-getter has 36.
These matchups are always tough to get a read on since both teams can be inconsistent. However, Toronto gets the win.
Prediction: Maple Leafs win 4-1.
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Montreal Canadiens vs Carolina Hurricanes
2024-25 Season Series: Canadiens 2-1 Hurricanes
How to Watch:
US TV: Fan Duel Sports South; ESPN+
Canada TV: TSN2; RDS
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Our second game of NHL predictions has the Montreal Canadiens beginning the New Year against the Carolina Hurricanes. Jakub Dobes is the likely starter for the Canadiens, who are 6-1-3 in their last 10 games. Montreal is coming off an impressive overtime victory over the Florida Panthers last time out. Nick Suzuki leads team in assists (31) and points (44) so far this campaign.
Brandon Bussi is having a breakout season for the Hurricanes, and he’ll likely get the start in this game. Carolina is 6-3-1 in its previous 10 games entering this matchup. Sebastian Aho has the team lead in assists (21) and points (35).
Both teams are looking to start 2026 with a victory. However, Carolina records the win at home.
Prediction: Hurricanes win 4-3.
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Dallas Stars vs Chicago Blackahwks
2024-25 Season Series: Sabres 1-1 Stars
How to Watch:
US TV: Victory+; Chicago Sports Network; ESPN+
Canada TV: SN1
Time: 8:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Our final game of NHL predictions is a Central Division matchup between the Dallas Stars and the Chicago Blackhawks. Jake Oettinger is expected to get the start after Casey DeSmith played against the Buffalo Sabres. Dallas is 5-3-2 in its last 10 games but have dropped three consecutive games. Mikko Rantanen is first on the team with 39 assists and 54 points.
Spencer Knight is the probable starter for the Blackhawks, who are 2-7-1 in their previous 10 games. This includes losses in eight of their last nine games. However, the Blachawks did beat the Stars in a shootout last time out. Leading point-scorer Connor Bedard did return to the ice recently. However, there’s no timeline for his return.
Dallas is coming off a tough game against Buffalo. However, the Stars should rebound with a victory.
Prediction: Stars win 4-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
We close out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. Let’s go back out to our featured game for our favourite props. The over/under for the Leafs versus the Jets is 5.5, and we like the under in this game.
As for individual props, go with Josh Morrissey to get an assist in this game for Winnipeg. On the Toronto side of things, take Matthew Knies to score an anytime goal.
Main photo by: Terrance Lee-Imagn Images
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