NHL Predictions: Dec 9 Dallas Stars vs Winnipeg Jets

Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at Last Word on Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. For this edition, we will look at the Dallas Stars taking on the Winnipeg Jets. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.

NHL Predictions

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Montreal Canadiens

2024-25 Season Series: Lightning 2-1 Canadiens

How to Watch:

US TV: The Spot; ESPN+

Canada TV: TSN2; RDS

Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time

We open up NHL predictions with the Tampa Bay Lightning visiting the Montreal Canadiens. Brandon Halverson is the expected starter for the Lightning, but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. Tampa Bay is coming off a 2-0 shutout loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs in the Monday Night Hockey on Prime matchup. The Lightning are 6-4 in the previous 10 games, but have dropped their last four games. Leading point-getter Nikita Kucherov returned to the lineup against the Leafs, but only recorded two shots against in the loss.

Sam Montembeault is the probable starter for the Canadiens, who are 5-4-1 in the last 10 games. Montreal is coming off a loss to the St Louis Blues on Sunday night. The Habs are a top-10 goal-scoring team with 3.21 goals scored per game. However, Montreal is 29th in goals allowed with 3.46.

Tampa Bay is coming off a tough loss with a young goalie in between the pipes. Montreal should bounce back with a win.

Prediction: Canadiens win 3-2.