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 Detroit Red Wings vs Montreal Canadiens. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024-25 season continues.
NHL Predictions
Detroit Red Wings vs Montreal Canadiens
Head-to-Head: Red Wings 0-1 Canadiens
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: CityTV; Sportsnet East; NHL Network; Fan Duel Sports Detroit X
We open NHL predictions with our featured game between the Red Wings and Canadiens. Alex Lyon is the expected starter with Cam Talbot starting the night before. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. Lucas Raymond leads the team in goals (13), assists (20) and points so far this season.
Cayden Primeau is the expected starter with the Habs winning 4-3 on Friday night in the first part of the home-and-home set. The Canadiens are good in close games as they’ve gone 5-1-2 in games decided by a single goal. Patrik Laine has been great since coming off injured reserve with seven goals and one assist over the last 10 games.
It was a close one last and should be tonight. However, the Wings bounce back due to their advantage in goal.
Prediction: Red Wings win 4-2.
Buffalo Sabres vs Boston Bruins
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: MSG Buffalo; NESN; ESPN+
The Buffalo Sabres try to stop the bleeding against the Boston Bruins in the second game of NHL predictions. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is the confirmed starter after getting pulled against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Buffalo has lost 12 straight games, but faces a Boston team that’s been playing better. Defenceman Owen Power has five goals and 17 assists for the Sabres.
Jeremy Swayman is the confirmed starter for the Bruins, who are 6-3-1 in the last 10 games. Boston is tops in the league with 149 total penalties, which works over four per game. Brad Marchand has nine points (five goals, four assists) in the last 10 games.
Buffalo is a mess and it won’t get better against Boston.
Prediction: Bruins win 5-2.
Seattle Kraken vs Vegas Golden Knights
Head-to-Head: Kraken 1-0 Golden Knights
Time: 10 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: KHN; KONG; Scripps Vegas; ESPN+
The last game of NHL predictions has the Seattle Kraken taking on the Vegas Golden Knights. Joey Daccord is the expected starter for Seattle, which has lost three straight and are 4-5-1 in the last 10 games. Jared McCann has 11 goals and 15 assists for 26 points so far this season.
Adin Hill is the projected starter for Vegas, which is 7-2-1 in the last 10 games. The Golden Knights have won the last two games as they are tops in the Pacific Division. Jack Eichel has been great this season with nine goals and 33 assists for Vegas.
The Golden Knights did lose the first meeting in overtime, but should bounc back.
Prediction: Golden Knights win 4-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
We close out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. The focus will go on the last game for our props. Oliver Bjorkstrand has been hot as of late, so take him to score at +360 for Seattle. For Vegas, go with Mark Stone to score at +200 at a number of outlets.
Main photo by: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: Dec 21 Detroit Red Wings vs Montreal Canadiens appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.