NHL Predictions: Jan 4 Montreal Canadiens vs Dallas Stars

US TV: Victory+; ESPN+

Canada TV: TSN2; RDS

Time: 2 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)

We open up NHL predictions with our featured game between the Montreal Canadiens and the Dallas Stars. Jakub Dobes is the expected starter after Jacob Fowler got the call in the loss to the St Louis Blues. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. Montreal is 6-1-3 in its previous 10 games but was shutout by St Louis on Saturday. Nick Suzuki leads the team in assists (31) and points (45) so far this campaign.

Jake Oettinger is the likely starter for Stars, who got a 7-0 shutout of the Habs on November 13. Dallas comes into this game with a 4-4-2 mark in its previous 10 games. However, the Stars have dropped three consecutive games prior to this matchup. Dallas is a top five team in goals scored (3.48, second) and goals allowed (2.68, fifth). Mikko Rantanen leads the way with 40 assists and 56 points.

Dallas will be rested, and Montreal is coming off a 2-0 loss to St Louis. The hosts should get the win.

Prediction: Stars win 4-2.

Colorado Avalanche vs Florida Panthers

Head-to-Head: Avalanche 1-0 Panthers

How to Watch:

US TV: Scripps Florida; Altitude; ESPN+

Canada TV: Sportsnet

Time: 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)

Our second game of Sunday’s NHL predictions is a preseason pick for the Stanley Cup Final between the Colorado Avalanche and the Florida Panthers. Trent Miner is the probable starter for the Avalanche after Scott Wedgewood got the start against the Carolina Hurricanes. The Avs were winners of nine consecutive games entering Saturday’s matchup with the Hurricanes. Entering Saturday’s matchup with Carolina, Nathan MacKinnon had 34 goals and 36 assists for 70 points.

Sergei Bobrovsky is the likely starter for the Panthers, who are 6-3-1 in their last 10 games. However, Florida has dropped two consecutive games entering this matchup. The Panthers are trying to get back on track and force their way back into the playoff picture. Brad Marchand is tied with Sam Reinhart for first on the team in goals with 23, but Marchand is first in assists (23) and points (46).

Colorado beat Florida, 6-2, in the first meeting of the season. However, the Panthers should be able to get past the Avs’ backup.

Prediction: Panthers win 4-3.

Carolina Hurricanes vs New Jersey Devils

Head-to-Head: Hurricanes 1-0 Devils

How to Watch:

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

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

We close out NHL predictions with a Metropolitan Division matchup between the Hurricanes and the New Jersey Devils. Brandon Bussi is expected to draw the start after Frederik Andersen played against Colorado the night before. Carolina is 5-4-1 entering Saturday’s game against Colorado. Sebastian Aho is first in assists (24) and points (40) so far this season.

Jake Allen is the projected starter for the Devils, who are also 5-4-1 in their last 10 games. However, New Jersey has picked up victories in its last two games. This includes a 4-1 victory over the Utah Mammoth on Saturday. Jesper Bratt leads the club in assists (24) and points (33) so far this season.

Both teams are in the backend of back-to-back games. However, Carolina should get the win.

Prediction: Hurricanes win 4-3.

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 Canadiens versus the Stars is 6.5, and we like the under in this game.

As for individual props, take Cole Caufield to score an anytime goal for Montreal. On the Dallas side, take Thomas Harley to register at least one assist.

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