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 Montreal Canadiens taking on the Toronto Maple Leafs. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2024-25 season.
NHL Predictions
Washington Capitals vs Columbus Blue Jackets
Head-to-Head: Capitals 1-1 Blue Jackets
Time: 12:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: ABC; ESPN+; SN 360
We open up NHL predictions with the Washington Capitals versus Columbus Blue Jackets. Washington is expected to go with Charlie Lindgren in goal for this game. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. The Caps are 5-4-1 in the last 10 games and locked up home ice in the East. Dylan Strome is averaging a point a game with four goals and six assists over the last 10 games.
Jet Greaves is the probable starter for the Blue Jackets, who are 5-5 in the last 10 games. However, Columbus have won two consecutive games. The Blue Jackets need a win to stay alive in the post-season race. Team captain Boone Jenner has tallied seven goals and three assists over the last 10 games.
Keep an eye on the lineups for this game, but the Capitals get the win.
Prediction: Capitals win 4-3.
Colorado Avalanche vs Los Angeles Kings
Head-to-Head: Avalanche 2-0 Kings
Time: 4 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: Altitude; Fan Duel Sports West; ESPN+
Our second game of NHL predictions has the Colorado Avalanche taking on the Los Angeles Kings. Mackenzie Blackwood is the projected starter for the Avalanche, who are 6-3-1 in the last 10 games. However, Colorado is coming off a loss in its last game. Nathan MacKinnon leads the team in goals (32), assists (84) and points (116).
Darcy Kuemper is the likely starter for the Kings, who are 7-3 in the last 10 games. A victory for Los Angeles would go a long way to sealing up home ice in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Adrian Kempe is tops in goals (33) and points (67) for the Kings.
This could be a playoff preview, but Colorado gets the victory.
Prediction: Avalanche win 3-2.
Montreal Canadiens vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Head-to-Head: Canadiens 1-2 Maple Leafs
Time: 7 p.m.: Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: CBC; Sportsnet; ESPN+
Our final and featured game of NHL predictions is another installment of the old rivalry between the Habs and Leafs. Jakub Dobes is the confirmed starter for Montreal, which can clinch a post-season spot with a win. The Canadiens are 6-4 in the last 10 games, but are coming off a loss on Friday night. Nick Suzuki has registered 29 goals and 58 assists for Montreal.
Joseph Woll is the expected starter for the Maple Leafs, who are 7-2-1 in the last 10 games. Toronto can help its case towards winning the Atlantic Division title with a victory. Mitch Marner has notched 25 goals with 72 assists for the Maple Leafs.
This is a high-stakes game, but Montreal gets the win and books its spot in the playoffs.
Prediction: Canadiens win 4-3 in overtime.
Prop Bets of the Night
We close out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. Let’s stay with our featured game for our props. For Montreal, take Cole Caufield to score a goal in this game. On the Toronto side, take Auston Matthews to get a power-play point.
Main photo by: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: April 12 Montreal Canadiens vs Toronto Maple Leafs appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.