Welcome back to the return of NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are happening and gives our predictions for each one, breaking down head-to-head matchups and other factors that may play in. We also have a featured game of the day, which is considered must-watch TV. Today’s featured game is the Toronto Maple Leafs vs Buffalo Sabres. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024-25 season continues.
NHL Predictions
Montreal Canadiens vs Detroit Red Wings
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: Fan Duel Sports Detroit; TSN2; ESPN+
We open NHL predictions with the Montreal Canadiens battling the Detroit Red Wings. Montreal will start Sam Montembeault in this Atlantic Division matchup. The Canadiens are 5-5 in the last 10 games and are coming off a victory last time out. Patrik Laine is coming off a hat trick in the Canadiens’ 6-1 win over the Sabres.
Cam Talbot is the confirmed starter for Detroit, which is 4-4-2 in the last 10 games. However, the Red Wings have won the last two games in a row. Lucas Raymond has notched 13 goals and 20 assists for the Red Wings.
Both teams are playing better, but need a win. Detroit gets the victory at home.
Prediction: Red Wings win 4-3.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Buffalo Sabres
Head-to-Head: Maple Leafs 1-0 Sabres
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: SNO; ESPN+; Hulu
Our featured game has the Sabres hosting the Maple Leafs in the QEW rivalry. Toronto will roll with Matt Murray in goal for his first start in ages. John Tavares has tallied 15 goals and 14 assists for the Maple Leafs. William Nylander has continued his great start with six goals and three assists over the past 10 games.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is expected to get the start in between the pipes for the Sabres. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. Buffalo has lost 11 straight games and only taken three points in that time frame. Alex Tuch has been a bright spot with nine goals with 16 assists for the Sabres.
The wild card will be home Murray reacts to playing against NHL competition. However, the Leafs find a way.
Prediction: Maple Leafs win 5-3.
Utah Hockey Club vs Minnesota Wild
Head-to-Head: Utah HC 0-1 Wild
Time: 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: Utah16; Fan Duel Sports North; Fan Duel Sports Wisconsin X; ESPN+
The last game of NHL predictions has the Utah Hockey Club visiting the Minnesota Wild. Utah is 7-2-1 in the last 10 games and has three consecutive victories. Karel Vejmelka is the confirmed starter for Utah. Dylan Guenther is first in goals (14) and points (30).
Marc-Andre Fleury is the confirmed starter for the Wild, who have lost two in a row. Minnesota is 6-4 in the last 10 games, but is still second in the Central Division. Kirill Kaprizov is leading in goals (22), assists (26) and points (48) for the Wild.
Utah is coming in hot, but Minnesota turns it around to get the win.
Prediction: Wild win 4-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
We close out NHL predictions with some prop bets. The focus will go on the featured game between the Leafs and Sabres. On the Toronto side, go with Mitch Marner to have a multiple-point night at +170. For Buffalo, go with Tage Thompson to score at any time at +155 odds.
Main photo by: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: Dec 20 Toronto Maple Leafs vs Buffalo Sabres appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.