NHL Predictions: Dec 31 Buffalo Sabres vs Dallas Stars

US TV: Fan Duel Sports Detroit; ESPN+

Canada TV: Sportsnet

Time: 6:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)

We open up NHL predictions with the Winnipeg Jets taking on the Detroit Red Wings. Connor Hellebuyck is expected to get the start for Winnipeg but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. The Jets are reeling and have only one win in their previous 10 games. This includes six consecutive losses entering this matchup. Michigan native Kyle Connor is tied with Mark Scheifele for the team’s lead in points with 45.

John Gibson is the probable starter for the Red Wings, who look to end the calendar year in first place in the Atlantic Division. Detroit is 7-3 in its last 10 games, including wins in four of its last five games. Lucas Raymond leads the way in assists (31) and points (42) so far this season.

Winnipeg needs to get rack up points to pull out of this tailspin. However, Detroit has too much momentum going in its favour.

Prediction: Red Wings win 4-2.

Buffalo Sabres vs Dallas Stars

2024-25 Season Series: Sabres 1-1 Stars

How to Watch:

US TV: Victory+; MSG Buffalo; ESPN+

Time: 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)

Our second and featured game of NHL predictions has the red-hot Buffalo Sabres taking on the Dallas Stars. Buffalo is expected to give Alex Lyon the start as it tries to maintain a nine-game winning streak. The Sabres now find themselves in the thick of a Stanley Cup Playoff battle. Tage Thompson leads the club in goals (18) and points (34) so far this campaign.

Jake Oettinger is likely to get the start for the Stars, who 6-2-2 in their previous 10 games. However, Dallas has dropped its last two games prior to this meaningful matchup against Buffalo. The Stars are second in goals scored (3.49) and fourth in goals allowed (2.62) so far this season. Mikko Rantanen is looking great with 39 assists and 54 points.

Buffalo has plenty of momentum, but Dallas is a strong team at home.

Prediction: Stars win 4-3.

Boston Bruins vs Edmonton Oilers

Head-to-Head: Bruins 0-1 Oilers

How to Watch:

US TV: NESN; ESPN+

Canada TV: Sportsnet

Time: 9:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)

Our third and final game of NHL predictions has the Boston Bruins battling the Edmonton Oilers. Jeremy Swayman is the probable starter for a Bruins team that’s dropped six straight games. David Pastrnak and Morgan Geekie are shouldering the load with 41 and 40 points, respectively.

Edmonton is expected to give Connor Ingram the start in goal for this game. The Oilers are 7-3 in their previous 10 games and are doing well despite the loss of Tristan Jarry in goal. Connor McDavid has 24 goals and 45 assists for 69 points so far this campaign.

Boston has shown flashes under new coach Marco Sturm. However, Edmonton has too many weapons.

Prediction: Oilers win 5-2.

Prop Bets of the Night

We close out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. Let’s go back to our featured game for our preferred props. The over/under for the Sabres versus the Stars is 5.5, and we like the over in this game.

As for individual props, go with Alex Tuch to get an anytime goal for Buffalo. On the Dallas side of things, take Roope Hintz to get an assist.

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