NHL Predictions: Jan 17 Minnesota Wild vs Buffalo Sabres

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. Our featured game of this edition is the Minnesota Wild taking on the Buffalo Sabres. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.

NHL Predictions

Minnesota Wild vs Buffalo Sabres

Head-to-Head: Wild 0-1 Sabres

How to Watch:

US TV: Fan Duel Sports North; Fan Duel Sports Wisconsin; MSG Buffalo; NHL Network

Time: 12:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)

We open up NHL predictions with our first and featured game between the Minnesota Wild and the Buffalo Sabres. Minnesota is expected to give Filip Gustavsson the start in this game but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. The Wild are 4-3-3 in their previous 10 games, including three straight losses prior to this matinee matchup. Minnesota will be without Joel Eriksson Ek and Matt Boldy for this game. Kirill Kaprizov leads the way in assists (27) and points (52).

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is the probable starter for a Sabres team that is 8-2 in the last 10 games. Buffalo also has 15 victories in their last 17 games entering this game with Minnesota. The Sabres have the longest Stanley Cup Playoff drought in the league but are working hard to turn things around. Tage Thompson leads the club in goals (25), assists (24), and points (49).

Buffalo sports fans may have something else on their minds. However, the day should start off good with a win.

Prediction: Sabres win 4-2.

Florida Panthers vs Washington Capitals

Head-to-Head: Panthers 2-0 Capitals

How to Watch:

US TV: Monumental Sports Network; Scripps Florida; ESPN+

Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)

Our second game of NHL predictions has the Florida Panthers going for the season sweep against the Washington Capitals. Florida is expected to give Daniil Tarasov the call in goal after a disastrous 9-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes the night before. The Panthers are 4-5-1 in their last 10 games entering this old Southeast Division matchup. Brad Marchand leads the club in assists (23) and points (46).

Logan Thompson is the projected starter for the Capitals, who are also 4-5-1 in their last 10 games. However, Washington did lose to the San Jose Sharks in its last time on the ice. Tom Wilson leads the club in goals (22) and points (42).

Both teams are looking for consistency. However, Florida is just a bit irritated after such a terrible performance against Carolina.

Predictions: Hurricanes win 4-2.

Carolina Hurricanes vs New Jersey Devils

Head-to-Head: Hurricanes 2-0 Devils

How to Watch:

US TV: Fan Duel Sports South; MSGSN; ESPN+

Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)

Our final game of NHL predictions has the Hurricanes and the New Jersey Devils getting together in a Metropolitan Division matchup. Carolina is expected to give Frederik Andersen the start in the crease. The Hurricanes are 5-4-1 in their previous 10 games, including that blowout win over the Panthers. Sebatian Aho leads the team in assists (30) and points (47).

Jacob Markstrom is the likely starter for the Devils, who are 4-5-1 in their last 10 games. However, New Jersey has won its last two games entering this matchup. Nico Hischier leads the club in goals (15) and points (37).

The Devils have a bit more rest. However, the Canes are flying high off the win.Prediction: Panthers win 4-3.

Prediction: Hurricanes win 3-2.

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 Wild and the Sabres is 6.5, and we like the under in this game.

As for individual props, take Quinn Hughes to get a power-play point for Minnesota. On the Buffalo side of things, go with Alex Tuch to get an anytime goal.

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