Welcome back to the return of NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are happening and gives our predictions for each one, breaking down head-to-head matchups and other factors that may play in. We also have a featured game of the day, which is considered must-watch TV. Today’s featured game is the Buffalo Sabres vs Toronto Maple Leafs. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024-25 season continues.
NHL Predictions
New York Islanders vs Chicago Blackhawks
Head-to-Head: Islanders 1-0 Blackhawks
Time: 3 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: Chicago Sports Network; Sportsnet; MSGSN; NHL Network
Our opening game of NHL predictions has the New York Islanders taking on the Chicago Blackhawks. The two teams played just a few days ago with the Isles coming away with the win. Ilya Sorokin is the confirmed starter for the Islanders, who are 4-4-2 in the last 10 games. Anders Lee is first in goals (13) and points (25) for New York.
Arvid Soderblom is the projected starter for Chicago, which is 2-7-1 in the last 10 games. The Blackhawks are tied for 30th in goals scored per game with 2.45 per game. Ryan Donato is first in goals with 10, but Connor Bedard is tops in assists (18) and points (24).
Both teams struggle to score goals, but the Islanders get the victory.
Prediction: Islanders win 3-1.
Buffalo Sabres vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Time: 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: MSG Buffalo, TSN4; ESPN+
Our featured game of NHL predictions has the old QEW rivals get together. Buffalo is falling apart this season with nine straight losses. The Sabres will likely turn to James Reimer in goal to try to stem the tide. Tage Thompson is first on the club in goals with 16 and Alex Tuch is tops in assists (16) and points (24).
Dennis Hildeby is the projected starter with Toronto coming off back-to-back games. The Leafs two-game winning streak was stopped by the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday night. William Nylander leads the team in goals with 18 while Mitch Marner has 28 assists and 38 points.
Toronto will come out firing after a lethargic performance on Saturday.
Prediction: Maple Leafs win 5-2.
Vegas Golden Knights vs Minnesota Wild
Time: 6 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: Fan Duel Sports North; Fan Duel Sports Wisconsin; Scripps Vegas; NHL Network
Our last game of NHL predictions has the Vegas Golden Knights visiting the Minnesota Wild. Vegas is coming off a 6-3 loss to the Edmonton Oilers the day before. Ilya Samsonov is the expected starter for the Golden Knights. Ivan Barbashev is first on the team in goals with 15 while Jack Eichel is tops in assists (31) and points (40).
Minnesota is coming off a victory over the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday. Filip Gustavsson is the likely starter for the Wild, who are 7-3 in the last 10 games. Kirill Kaprizov is leading in goals (20), assists (25) and points (45) for Minnesota.
Both teams are coming off back-to-backs, but Minnesota gets the win.
Prediction: Wild win 3-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
We finish up NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. The under of the Islanders and Blackhawks game is at 5.5, but we think that’s a good play. A number of places are giving the under at +100 for this game.
Main photo by: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: Dec 15 Buffalo Sabres vs Toronto Maple Leafs appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.