Welcome back to 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 Vegas Golden Knights 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
Vegas Golden Knights vs Montreal Canadiens
Head-to-Head: Golden Knights 0-1 Canadiens
How to Watch: US TV: Scripps Vegas; ESPN+ Canada TV: TSN2; RDS
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
We open up NHL predictions with the featured matchup between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Montreal Canadiens. Vegas is expected to give Adin Hill the start in goal for this game. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter in goal. The Golden Knights are 7-3 in their previous 10 games but are coming off a loss to the Ottawa Senators last time out. Jack Eichel is first in assists (42) and points (61) so far this campaign.
Jakub Dobes will be starter for the Canadiens, who are 5-4-1 in their last 10 games. However, Montreal has dropped its last two games entering this matchup. The Habs did beat the Golden Knights, 4-1, on November 28 in the first meeting of the season. Cole Caufield leads the team in goals with 29, including eight in Montreal’s previous 10 games.
The Habs have been solid at home. However, the Golden Knights pick up the win on the road.
Prediction: Golden Knights win 4-2.
Embed from Getty Imageswindow.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:’yPJUFh0hTVZNjv9dthuoEQ’,sig:’3WuX9ldyHmjJ7mO_qlc8ACK_lsOmuXiIqqfF35sbnGo=’,w:’594px’,h:’396px’,items:’2195772335′,caption: true ,tld:’com’,is360: false })});
Los Angeles Kings vs Detroit Red Wings
Head-to-Head: Kings 0-1 Red Wings
How to Watch:
US TV: Fan Duel Sports West; Fan Duel Sports Detroit X; ESPN+
Canada TV: Sportsnet
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Our second game of NHL predictions has the Los Angeles Kings trying to avoid the season sweep against the Detroit Red Wings. Darcy Kuemper is the likely starter for the Kings, who are 4-2-4 in their last 10 games. However, Los Angeles has won its previous two games entering this matchup. Kevin Fiala is first on the club in goals with 18 so far for the Kings.
John Gibson is the confirmed starter for the Red Wings, who are 8-1-1 in their last 10 games. Detroit’s rise up the standings can be somewhat tied to Gibson’s improved play since December. Lucas Raymond leads the team in assists (40) and points (58) so far this season. This includes nine points in this recent 10-game stretch.
The Kings have struggled on special teams this season. Those struggles will play in the Wings favour tonight.
Prediction: Red Wings win 4-1.
Embed from Getty Imageswindow.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:’QBtNZaPORKpxTV247uyT2g’,sig:’0grjWmfpHs7rZJGfjAlIZKhMkOs8m4MQPSk0YU8sGRM=’,w:’594px’,h:’396px’,items:’2255231041′,caption: true ,tld:’com’,is360: false })});
Winnipeg Jets vs New Jersey Devils
Head-to-Head: Jets 1-0 Devils
How to Watch:
US TV: MSGSN; ESPN+
Canada TV: TSN3
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Our last game of NHL predictions has the Winnipeg Jets going for the season sweep against the New Jersey Devils. Connor Hellebuyck is expected to get the start in the crease for Winnipeg, which is 5-3-2 in its last 10 games. However, the Jets have dropped their previous two games. Mark Scheifele leads the team in goals (25), assists (36), and points (61) for Winnipeg.
Jake Allen is the confirmed starter for the Devils, who are 5-5 in their previous 10 games. However, New Jersey is coming off a Sunday afternoon loss to the Seattle Kraken. Nico Hischier is first on the club in goals (16) and points (39) so far this campaign.
Both teams are trying to find consistency before the Olympic break. However, the Devils should pick up the victory.
Prediction: Devils 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 Golden Knights versus the Canadiens is 6.5, and we like the under in this game.
As for individual props, take Mark Stone to get at least one assist for Vegas. On the Montreal side of things, go with Nick Suzuki to get the over 0.5 points.
Main photo by: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Please play responsibly, check for your local rules and age restrictions; some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER