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 Minnesota Wild taking on the Edmonton Oilers. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.
NHL Predictions
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Colorado Avalanche vs Detroit Red Wings
2024-25 Season Series: Avalanche 2-0 Red Wings
How to Watch: US TV: ABC; ESPN+. Canada TV: TSN2; RDS
Time: 1 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
We open up NHL predictions with the Colorado Avalanche meeting the Detroit Red Wings for a matinee matchup. Mackenzie Blackwood is the expected starter for Colorado but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. The Avalanche are 4-4-2 in their previous 10 games, including losses in their last two games. Nathan MacKinnon is making a strong case to claim the Hart Trophy with 38 goals, 50 assists, and 88 points.
John Gibson is the confirmed starter for the Red Wings, who are 6-2-2 in the last 10 entering this matchup with their old rival from the 1990s and the 2000s. However, Detroit has dropped three of its last four games prior to today’s game. Lucas Raymond is first on the club in assists (40) and points (58) so far this season.
Both teams are looking to get back on track in the first portion of a home-and-home set. However, Colorado gets back on track with the win.
Prediction: Avalanche win 4-3.
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Montreal Canadiens vs Buffalo Sabres
Head-to-Head: Canadiens 1-2 Sabres
How to Watch: US TV: MSG Buffalo, NHL Network. Canada TV: SNE; City TV; TVA Sports
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Our second game of NHL predictions is the final regular season meeting between the Montreal Canadiens and the Buffalo Sabres. Sam Montembeault is the likely starter for Montreal, which is 5-4-1 in its last 10 games. This includes two consecutive wins for the Habs entering this Atlantic Division tilt. Nick Suzuki leads the club in points with 62, including eight in Montreal’s last 10 games.
Alex Lyon is the probable starter for Buffalo with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen sideline for at least a week. The Sabres are coming with a 7-2-1 mark in their last 10 games, including five consecutive victories. Buffalo has 75.8 percent chance to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs according to Moneypuck. Tage Thompson leads the team in goals (28), assists (27), and points (55) so far.
Both teams have momentum going into this game. However, Montreal should get the victory.
Prediction: Canadiens win 5-3.
Minnesota Wild vs Edmonton Oilers
Head-to-Head: Wild 2-0 Oilers
How to Watch: US TV: Fan Duel Sports North X, Fan Duel Sports Wisconsin, ESPN+. Canada TV: CBC; Sportsnet; City TV; TVA Sports
Time: 10 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Our final and featured game of NHL predictions has the Minnesota Wild going for the three-game season sweep of the Edmonton Oilers. Filip Gustavsson is the projected starter for the Wild, who are 5-3-2 prior to the Hockey Night in Canda finale. However, Minnesota has taken its last two games to remain second in the Central Division. Kirill Kaprizov leads the team in goals (29), assists (37), and points (66) so far this campaign.
Tristan Jarry is the expected starter for Edmonton, which is 6-3-1 in its last 10 games. The Oilers have won three games in a row, including a furious comeback against the San Jose Sharks the last time out. Edmonton has been able to piece things together and sit in second in the Pacific Division. Connor McDavid has been strong all season with 34 goals, 60 assists, and 94 points.
Minnesota has had Edmonton’s number so far this season. However, the Oilers should get the win at home.
Prediction: Oilers win 4-2.
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 favourite props. The over/under for the Oilers versus the Wild is 6.5, and we like the under in this game.
As for individual props, go with Quinn Hughes to get a power-play point for Minnesota. On the Edmonton side of things, go with the red-hot Evan Bouchard to have a multiple-point night.
Main photo by: Perry Nelson – Imagn Images
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