With the large amount of games on tonight’s NHL schedule, it might be hard to know where to start. We at the Last Word on Hockey have helped narrow your focus to our best bets. This round of NHL Predictions will help condense the slate into three best bets and one prop bet of the night.
NHL Predictions
New York Rangers vs Philadelphia Flyers
Head-to-Head: Rangers 0-0 Flyers
TV: NHL Network; MSG; NBC Sports Philadelphia
Our first and featured game of NHL predictions has the New York Rangers visiting the Philadelphia Flyers. Jonathan Quick is likely to get the start after his shutout on Wednesday night. However, always check social media before locking in a fantasy starter. Alexis Lafreniere got the only goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The former top pick in 2020 has learned a lot playing with Artemi Panarin.
[cta id=4013 type=cta]
Carter Hart is likely to get the start for the Flyers in this one. Philadelphia had their most recent winning streak stopped against the New York Islanders. Travis Konecny and Travis Sanheim have played well this season for John Tortorella’s team. The Flyers may be in the middle of a rebuild, but they’ll give the Rangers a game. Philadelphia is young, but gives teams plenty of fits.
New York has responded well so far this season and Quick is playing like his old self.
Prediction: Rangers win 4-2.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Chicago Blackhawks
Head-to-Head: Maple Leafs 0-1 Blackhawks
TV: NBC Sports Chicago; TSN4; ESPN+
The Chicago Blackhawks look to sweep the season series against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Ilya Samsonov will get the call for the Leafs in between the pipes. Toronto has won four straight games, but it has been an inconsistent squad this season. William Nylander has been playing like he wants a big-time deal.
Arvid Soderblom will get the start for the Blackhawks. Chicago got shelled, 7-3, against the Columbus Blue Jackets prior to Turkey Day. Some good news is that Connor Bedard already has 10 goals in the campaign. The Hawks have put together some great performances, but need more consistency as well.
Toronto is looking to bounce back from its early-season loss to Chicago and will do so.
Prediction: Maple Leafs win 5-2.
Montreal Canadiens vs San Jose Sharks
Head-to-Head: Canadiens 0-0 Sharks
TV: NBC Sports California; TSN2; RDS; ESPN+
Our last game of NHL predictions has the Montreal Canadiens taking on the San Jose Sharks. The Habs will roll with Cayden Primeau in goal against the Sharks. Montreal snapped a losing streak last time out with a 4-3 win over the Anaheim Ducks. The Canadiens have been up-and-down this season, but have some wins over some of the league leaders. New acquisition Alex Newhook already has six goals for his new team.
The Sharks are coming off a 7-1 beating from the Seattle Kraken on Wednesday. MacKenzie Blackwood is the expected starter and had to come in for relief in the last game. Mike Hoffman has four goals to help lead the worst goal-scoring offence in the league. Defensively isn’t much better as San Jose is last in goals allowed and 30th on the PK.
The Habs are a fast and fun team that should get the jump on a beleaguered Sharks squad.
Prediction: Canadiens win 5-3.
Prop Bet of the Night
Let’s keep with the Sharks and Canadiens matchup for our prop bet of the afternoon. Cole Caufield has been an opportune goal-scorer this season for the Habs. We like him for a +0.5 goals scored today. The Sharks defence has been pourous and this should allow the former University of Wisconsin product to flourish.
Main photo by: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
