NHL Predictions: Oct. 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

Montreal Canadiens vs Detroit Red Wings

2024-25 Season Series: Canadiens 3-1 Red Wings

Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time

TV: TSN2; Fan Duel Sports Detroit; ESPN+

We start NHL predictions with an Atlantic Division matchup between the Montreal Canadiens and the Detroit Red Wings. The Habs will likely go with Jakub Dobes after starting Sam Montembeault the night before. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. Montreal will be the first Eastern Conference team that has to experience a back-to-back. Oliver Kapanen and Zachary Bolduc each scored for the Habs in a 5-2 loss.

Detroit will go with John Gibson in between the pipes to make his Red Wings’ debut. The team is trying to return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since the 2015-16 season. Alex DeBrincat returns as the team’s leading goal-scorer with 39, while Lucas Raymond was tops in points with 80.

One wonders how the Habs will react after their season-opener against the rival Toronto Maple Leafs. However, Montreal should collect the road win.

Prediction: Canadiens win 4-2.

New Jersey Devils vs Carolina Hurricanes

2024-25 Season Series: Devils 2-2 Hurricanes

Time: 7:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time

TV: ESPN+; Hulu

Our second game of NHL predictions is a rematch of the first round series between the New Jersey Devils and the Carolina Hurricanes. A much healthier Devils team will likely give Jacob Markstrom the call in between the pipes. New Jersey lost in five games to Carolina last season. However, the Devils have Jack Hughes and a number of players back in the lineup. Nico Hischier led the club in goals with 35, while Jesper Bratt totaled 88 points.

Frederik Andersen is listed as the team’s expected starter for the Hurricanes. The team added Nikolaj Ehlers as one of the big prizes in free agency. Seth Jarvis led the balanced attack with 32 goals, but Sebastian Aho was the team’s top point-getter with 74.

New Jersey should be much better with all of its players in the lineup. However, Carolina opens the season at home with the win.

Prediction: Hurricanes win 3-2.

Dallas Stars vs Winnipeg Jets

2024-25 Season Series: Stars 1-3 Jets

Time: 8 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time

TV: Victory+; TSN3; ESPN+

Our last game of NHL predictions is another postseason rematch between the Stars and Jets. Dallas got past Winnipeg en route to another Western Conference Final appearance. Jake Oettinger is expected to get the start for the Stars. Jason Robertson returns as Dallas’ leading scorer with 35 goals, while Matt Duchene earned himself another deal with an 82-point season.

Connor Hellebuyck will get the call for the defending President’s Trophy holders. However, the Jets are coming into the game with a number of injuries. Dylam Samberg and Adam Lowry are just a number of the names that will be out for the home team. Newly-extended forward Kyle Connor tallied 41 goals and 97 points to lead Winnipeg.

The Jets are a solid team, but they are banged up. Dallas should take the opener.

Prediction: Jets win 4-1.

Prop Bets of the Night

We close out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. On the Dallas side of things, go with Wyatt Johnston to net a goal in the opener. For Winnipeg, take Mark Scheifele to get the over on 0.5 assists.

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