NHL Predictions: Jan 7 Calgary Flames vs Montreal Canadiens

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 Calgary Flames taking on the Montreal Canadiens. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.

NHL Predictions

Dallas Stars vs Washington Capitals

Head-to-Head: Stars 1-0 Capitals

How to Watch:

US TV: Victory+; TNT; TruTV; HBO Max

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

We open up NHL predictions with a matchup between the Dallas Stars and the Washington Capitals. Dallas will likely turn to Casey DeSmith after Jake Oettinger got the call the night before. The Stars are 4-3-3 in their previous 10 games, which includes losses in six consecutive games. Mikko Rantanen leads the team in assists (42) and points (59) so far this season.

Logan Thompson is the probable starter for the Capitals, who are 4-4-2 in their last 10 games. However, Washington is coming off a victory against the Anaheim Ducks in its last outing. Tom Wilson leads the team in goals (22) and points (42) so far this campaign.

Both teams are talented. However, the Stars are really struggling at this point.

Prediction: Capitals win 4-2.

Calgary Flames vs Montreal Canadiens

Head-to-Head: Flames 0-1 Canadiens

How to Watch:

US TV: ESPN+

Canada TV: Sportsnet; RDS

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

Our second and featured game of NHL predictions has the Calgary Flames visit the Montreal Canadiens in an all-Canada affair. Dustin Wolf is the likely starter for the Flames, who are 6-4 in their last 10 games. However, Calgary has dropped its last two games entering this matchup. This game could see the debut of Zayne Parekh in a Flames jersey. Nazem Kadri leads the team in assists (24) and points (32) so far.

Jacob Fowler is the projected starter for the Canadiens, who are 6-2-2 in the last 10 and coming off a victory over the Stars on Monday night. Montreal averages 3.31 goals scored per game, which is good enough for seventh in the league. Cole Caufield leads the team in goals with 20 so far this season.

The Flames have been playing well. However, the Habs should record the victory.

Prediction: Canadiens win 5-2.

San Jose Sharks vs Los Angeles Kings

Head-to-Head: Sharks 1-1 Kings

How to Watch:

US TV: NBC Sports California; Fan Duel Sports West; ESPN+

Canada TV: Sportsnet

Time: 10 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)

Our final game of NHL predictions is a Pacific Division matchup between the San Jose Sharks and the Los Angeles Kings. Alex Nedeljkovic is the expected starter for the Sharks, who are 6-4 in the previous 10 games. Macklin Celebrini leads the team in goals (23), assists (41) and points (64) for San Jose.

Darcy Kuemper is the probable starter for the Kings, who are 4-6 in the last 10 games. However, Los Angeles is off sweeping a back-to-back set against the Minnesota Wild. Adrian Kempe is tied for first on the team in goals with Kevin Fiala, who both have 15 this campaign.

Both teams are jockeying for a Stanley Cup Playoff spot. However, the Sharks get the win and take the season series.

Prediction: Sharks 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 Flames versus the Canadiens is 6.5, and we like the over in this one.

As for individual props, we think Parekh gets a point in his debut for Calgary. On the Montreal side of things, take Juraj Slafkovsky to get an anytime goal.

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