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 Montreal Canadiens vs Boston Bruins. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024-25 season starts.
NHL Predictions
Montreal Canadiens vs Boston Bruins
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: TSN2; NESN; ESPN+
Our featured game of NHL predictions is the renewal of the old rivalry between the Bruins and Canadiens. Montreal will be coming off a rivalry game the night before against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Cayden Primeau will likely draw the start with Sam Montembeault going the night before. Both the Habs and the Leafs will have the unenviable task of back-to-back games right out the chute.
Boston is expected to go with Jeremy Swayman in goal for his season-debut. The Bruins missed him in between the pipes as Joonas Korpisalo struggled in the the season-opener. Boston’s netminder was under fire against the Florida Panthers in the first game of the campaign. Pavel Zacha, Charlie McAvoy, Trent Frederic and David Pastrnak each tallied for the Bruins.
The B’s will be a little sore from that opening loss to the Panthers. Take the Bruins to bounce back.
Prediction: Bruins win 5-2.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs New Jersey Devils
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: TSN4; MSG; ESPN+
As previously mentioned, Toronto will be playing back-to-back games. However, they will have to do so with a young goalie in Dennis Hildeby. The injury to Joseph Woll has thrown off the rotation as Anthony Stolarz was likely going to start.
It’ll be a reunion of sorts as Sheldon Keefe is now the bench boss for the New Jersey Devils. The trip to Czechia was a successful one as the Devils picked up two wins against the Buffalo Sabres. Jacob Markstrom will likely draw the start for New Jersey. Paul Cotter netted a pair of goals for the Devils in Europe.
Toronto will have a lot taken out of them and will have an inexperienced netminder. New Jersey should continue its perfect start.
Prediction: Devils win 4-3.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Detroit Red Wings
Time: 8 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: Bally Sports Detroit; Sportsnet Pittsburgh; SN1
Our final game of NHL predictions has the Pittsburgh Penguins taking on the Detroit Red Wings. Pittsburgh will be coming off back-to-back games after playing the New York Rangers, Jesper Blomqvist will likely get the call with Tristan Jarry playing the night before.
This will be the season-opener for the Red Wings and Ville Husso is the projected starter. However, check social media before locking in a starter. Detroit narrowly missed out on the post-season and are wanting to break through. Key young pieces like Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond have signed deals and want to take the Wings to the next level.
Back-t0-Back games are tough to predict. Detroit should get the win at home to start the season.
Prediction: Red Wings win 3-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
Let’s take a look at some prop bets for tonight’s sets of games. We’ll go with one of the non-featured games for our main prop bet. The San Jose Sharks will host the St Louis Blues and that means the debut of Macklin Celebrini. Bet MGM has a solid +175 play on Celebrini getting the over on 0.5 assists.
Also, take a run at Columbus Blue Jackets hitting the moneyline against the Minnesota Wild at +190 on Fan Duel. Emotion will carry the Jackets to the win,
Main photo by: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
The post NHL Predictions: Oct. 10 With Montreal Canadiens vs Boston Bruins appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.