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 New Jersey Devils 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.
NHL Predictions
Seattle Kraken vs Washington Capitals
2024-25 Season Series: Kraken 0-2 Capitals
U.S TV: Monumental Sports Network; KHN; KONG; ESPN+
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
Our first game of NHL predictions has the Seattle Kraken visiting the Washington Capitals. Philipp Grubauer is the expected starter, but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. The Kraken have gotten points in all five games, including a Saturday night victory over the Maple Leafs. Vince Dunn leads the team in points, but Jared McCann is tops in goals scored with three.
Logan Thompson is the expected starter for Washington, which is coming off a loss on Sunday to the Vancouver Canucks. The Capitals are second in the league in goals allowed per game, with only an average of two allowed per game. Tom Wilson leads the team in points with nine, while Aliaksei Protas leads the way in goals with four.
The Kraken do look like a tough out under Lane Lambert so far. However, take Capitals to bounce back with a win.
Prediction: Capitals win 4-2.
New Jersey Devils vs Toronto Maple Leafs
2024-25 Season Series: Devils 0-3 Maple Leafs
How to Watch:
U.S TV: MSG; ESPN+
Canada TV: TSN4
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
Our featured game of NHL predictions has the Devils heading up north to take on the Maple Leafs. New Jersey is slated to start Jake Allen in between the pipes. The Devils have won straight games and they’ve done this without Jacob Markstrom for most of it. Jesper Bratt is the team’s leader in points with seven, but three other players are tied with Bratt for the lead in goals.
Anthony Stolarz is expected to get the call in the blue paint for the Maple Leafs. Stolarz is hoping for a little more fight from his team unlike on Saturday night. William Nylander is off to a red-hot start with 11 points, while Auston Matthews. Captain Auston Matthews is leading Toronto in goals with four.
New Jersey is coming on hot in the one. However, Toronto will show some fight in this one.
Prediction: Maple Leafs win 4-3.
Florida Panthers vs Boston Bruins
2024-25 Season Series: Panthers 2-2 Bruins
How to Watch:
U.S TV: ESPN
Canada TV: SN360
Time: 7:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
Our last game of NHL predictions has the Boston Bruins hosting the Florida Panthers. Sergei Bobrovsky is expected to draw the start for the Panthers, who have lost four consecutive games. Injuries have taken a massive toll on Florida in the early stages of the season. It’ll be an emotional night as Florida’s points leader, Brad Marchand, first in goals (3) and points (6).
Boston is also dealing with its own four-game losing streak heading into this Atlantic Division game. Both teams have lost the last four games after getting off to three-game winning streaks to start the campaign. Jeremy Swayman will likely get the call in net for Boston. David Pastrnak leads the Bruins in goals (4), assists (4), and points (8).
Both teams are trying to get their footing under them. However, Florida will skate away with the win.
Prediction: Panthers win 5-3.
Prop Bets of Night
We round 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 this game is 5.5, and we’ll go with the over on this one.
As for individual props, go with Nico Hischier to get a power-play point for New Jersey. On the Toronto side, take Matthews to notch a power-play goal.
Main photo by: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: Oct. 21 New Jersey Devils vs Toronto Maple Leafs appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.