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 Toronto Maple Leafs taking on the New Jersey Devils. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.
NHL Predictions
Toronto Maple Leafs vs New Jersey Devils
Head-to-Head: Maple Leafs 1-1 Devils
How to Watch: US TV: Hulu; ESPN+. Canada TV: Sportsnet; TVA Sports
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Our first and featured game of NHL predictions has the Toronto Maple Leafs trying to right the ship against the New Jersey Devils. Joseph Woll is the expected starter for Toronto but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. The Maple Leafs are 3-6-1 in their previous 10 games, including four consecutive defeats. William Nylander leads the team in assists (36) and points (56). Auston Matthews is first on the team in goals with 26.
Jake Allen is the projected starter for the Devils, who are 3-7 in their last 10 games. However, New Jersey has won its last two games in a row entering this matchup. Both the Devils and the Maple Leafs sit in seventh place and have fallen well short of expectations so far this season. Jesper Bratt leads the team in assists (31) and points (44) so far this campaign. However, Nico Hischier is tops in goals with 20 this season.
Both teams are in need of a victory. However, Toronto finds a way to win.
Prediction: Maple Leafs win 4-3.
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Vegas Golden Knights vs Detroit Red Wings
Head-to-Head: Golden Knights 1-0 Red Wings
How to Watch: US TV: Scripps Vegas; Fan Duel Sports Detroit; ESPN+. Canada TV: Sportsnet+.
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Our second and final game of NHL predictions has the Vegas Golden Knights going for the season sweep of the Detroit Red Wings. The Golden Knights are projected to give Adin Hill after playing the night before against the Buffalo Sabres. Vegas is 3-5-2 in the previous 10 games, including a three-game losing streak. Jack Eichel is first on the team in assists (48) and points (69). However, Pavel Dorofeyev leads the way in goals with 29.
John Gibson is listed as the probable starter for the Red Wings despite getting dinged up in the last game. Detroit is 4-4-2 in its last 10 games but did get a victory in its last outing against the Nashville Predators. Lucas Raymond is tops in assists (44) and points (64), while Alex DeBrincat is the club’s leading goalscorer with 31.
The Golden Knights are coming off a tough loss to the Sabres. We should see the Red Wings take advantage of this.
Prediction: Red Wings win 4-2.
Best Bets
We close out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. Let’s go back to our featured game for our favourite props. The over/under for the Maple Leafs and the Devils is 5.5, and we like the over in this game.
As for individual props, go with Bobby McMann to get an assist for Toronto. On the New Jersey side of things, take Jack Hughes to score a goal.
Main photo by: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
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