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 New York Rangers. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024-25 season starts.
NHL Predictions
Florida Panthers vs Boston Bruins
Head-to-Head: Panthers 1-0 Bruins
Time: 1:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: Scripps Florida; NESN; ESPN+
Our opening game of NHL predictions has the Florida Panthers making the trip to Boston to take on the Boston Bruins. Florida started off the season with a 6-4 victory over Boston. Sergei Bobrovsky is the projected starter, but always check social media before locking a fantasy starter. The Panthers have lost two straight after getting the season off on the right note. Florida will also be feeling the loss of Aleksander Barkov. Sam Bennett leads the team in goals (three) and points (four).
Boston rebounded from a the season-opener with a pair of victories. Jeremy Swayman is the expected starter for the Bruins. However, this will be his first look at the Panthers this season. Elias Lindholm has played well the last two games with five points, including two goals. David Pastrnak leads the team in goals with three.
Fantasy players and bettors should note the early start time. Florida is struggling right now without Barkov and Boston prolongs the misery.
Prediction: Bruins win 4-2.
Detroit Red Wings vs New York Rangers
Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: Bally Sports Detroit; MSG; NHL Network
Our featured game is an Original Six matchup between the Red Wings and Rangers. Detroit is expected to go with Cam Talbot in goal after a 42-save shutout against the Nashville Predators. Alex DeBrincat leads the team in goals with two and is tied with Lucas Raymond for the most points. Of note, the Wings also just put Ville Husso on waivers.
New York forced overtime the last time out, but lost to the Utah Hockey Club. Igor Shesterkin will look to bounce back after a shaky outing if he gets the start. Artemi Panarin scored twice on Saturday and has four points this season. A number of other Rangers players have three points on the 2024-25 campaign.
Both teams have designs on the Stanley Cup Playoffs. However, Shesterkin will look to bounce back in this one.
Prediction: Rangers win 3-1.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Montreal Canadiens
Time: 7:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: Sportsnet Pittsburgh; Prime. RDS; ESPN+
Our final game of NHL predictions has the Pittsburgh Penguins visiting the Montreal Canadiens. The Penguins are coming off a 4-2 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday night. Tristan Jarry is the expected starter for Pittsburgh in this one. Evgeni Malkin leads the team in points with four assists this season. However, Anthony Beauvillier is tops in goals with two.
Montreal is off to a strong start thanks to the strong play of Cole Caufield. The former University of Wisconsin product has four goals so far this campaign. Sam Montembeault has also been solid so far this season with a 0.50 goals-against-average.
Pittsburgh is a veteran team, but Montreal is showing signs of life early on.
Prediction: Canadiens win 4-2.
Prop Bets of the Night for NHL Predictions
We have a couple of good prop bets to get you through Monday’s slate. Caufield is a +165 any time scorer on FanDuel for Montreal. Sidney Crosby usually does well close to home and is a +145 any time scorer on FanDuel.
Main photo by: Brad Penner – Imagn Images
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