
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 Boston Bruins 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.
U.S. TV: Scripps Florida; The Spot; ESPN+
Time: 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EDT)
We open up the NHL predictions with a grudge match between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Florida Panthers. Andrei Vasilevskiy is the expected starter for Tampa Bay, but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. The Lightning are 7-3 in the last 10 games. However, they suffered a 7-3 loss to the New York Rangers in their previous game. Jake Guentzel leads the Lightning in points with 16 and is one of four players with a team-leading seven goals.
Sergei Bobrovsky is the projected starter for the Panthers, who are 6-3-1 in the last 10 games. Florida has also won its previous two consecutive games entering the Sunshine State Showdown. The Panthers have steadied the ship after a rough start to the season. Brad Marchand is the team’s leader in goals (11) and points (20) so far this campaign.
This is going to be a penalty-filled affair after the preseason fireworks. However, Florida gets the win at home.
Prediction: Panthers win 4-3.
How to Watch:
U.S. TV: NESN; NHL Network
Canada TV: CityTV; SN East; TVAS; SN+
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EDT)
Our featured game of NHL predictions is another installment of the old rivalry between the Bruins and Canadiens. Boston is expected to start Jeremy Swayman in goal for this game. The Bruins are 8-2 in their previous 10 games, but did suffer a loss in their last game. Boston scored 3.37 goals per game, but it also allowed 3.37 goals per game. David Pastrnak is having another great season with 11 goals, 13 assists, and 24 points.
Montreal will likely go with Sam Montembeault as its starter. The Canadiens are 5-3-2 in the last 10 games, but have lost their last two games. Montreal has somewhat cooled off after its hot start, but the Habs are still in first place in the Atlantic Division. Cole Caufield leads the club in goals with 12 and is making a case to be included on the Team USA Olympic squad.
These rivalry games are tough to gauge, but Montreal squeaks out a win over Boston.
Prediction: Canadiens win 4-3 in overtime.
How to Watch:
U.S. TV: ESPN+
Canada TV: CityTV; CBC; Sportsnet
Time: 10 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EDT)
Our final game of NHL Predictions has the Winnipeg Jets going for the season sweep over the Calgary Flames. Connor Hellebuyck is the expected starter for Winnipeg, which is 5-5 in the last 10 games. Mark Scheifele is first on the Jets in goals (10) and points (23).
Dustin Wolf is the probable starter for the Flames, who are 4-5-1 in the last 10 games. However, Calgary did win its previous time on ice against the San Jose Sharks. Blake Coleman is first on the squad in goals (7), but Nazem Kadri is first in points (11).
Both teams are looking for consistency, but Winnipeg gets the sweep.
Prediction: Jets win 4-1.
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 Bruins versus the Habs is 6.5, and we like the over in this game.
As for individual props, go with Morgan Geekie to get an anytime goal for Boston. On the Montreal side of things, go with Nick Suzuki to get the over on 1.5 points.
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