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 New York Rangers vs New Jersey Devils. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024-25 season continues.
NHL Predictions
New Jersey Devils vs New York Rangers
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: MSG; MSGSN; ESPN+
Our featured game is the renewal of an old Metropolitan Division rivalry. Jacob Markstrom is the projected starter for the Devils, but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. New Jersey is 6-4 in the last 10, but coming off a defeat to the Washington Capitals last time out. Jesper Bratt has been putting up fantastic numbers with 21 assists and 31 points.
The Rangers come in off a victory over the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday. However, things haven’t been rosy in Rangerstown for the Blueshirts. Igor Shesterkin is the expected starter for New York in this one and will look to get back on track. Artemi Panarin has been great despite the others not producing with 13 goals and 28 points.
New York will play better, but New Jersey is just the better team at this point.
Prediction: Devils win 3-2.
Chicago Blackhawks vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Time: 7:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: Chicago Sports Network; Amazon Prime (Canada); ESPN+
We wrap up NHL predictions with an Original Six battle between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Chicago is expected to go with Arvid Soderblom in goal on the backend of a two-game set. The Blackhawks have dropped two in a row and are 3-6-1 in the last 10 games. Connor Bedard is first in assists (14) and points (19) for Chicago.
Toronto is expected to counter with Anthony Stolarz in goal for this game. The Maple Leafs are 8-2 in the last 10 and just got captain Auston Matthews back on Saturday night. William Nylander is tops in goals with 15, but Mitch Marner is leading in assists (22) and points (31) so far this season.
Chicago faces a tall order against a talented Toronto team and playing two games in two nights.
Predictions: Maple Leafs win 4-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
We close out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. We’ll zero in on the second game between the Blackhawks and Maple Leafs. For Chicago, go with Ryan Donato to score at +400 on BetMGM. On the Toronto end, go with Marner to get the over on 1.5 points at +135 on BetMGM.
Main photo by: John Jones-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: Dec. 2 New Jersey Devils vs New York Rangers appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.