Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are scheduled and offers insight and analysis to help predict who will be victorious in head-to-head matchups. In today’s round of NHL Predictions, we are looking at the game between the Montreal Canadiens vs Tampa Bay Lightning. Be sure to check out more NHL Predictions as the 2024-25 season continues.
NHL Predictions
Montreal Canadiens vs Tampa Bay Lightning
Time: 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: TSN2; Fan Duel Sports Sun; ESPN+
We open NHL predictions with our featured game between the Habs and the Lightning. Sam Montembeault is the confirmed starter for Montreal, which is coming off a shutout victory over the Florida Panthers on Saturday. Kirby Dach scored twice in the 4-0 victory over Florida on Saturday.
Jonas Johansson is the likely starter with the Lightning playing the day before. Tampa Bay is 8-2 in the last 10 games and has two consecutive victories going into this one. Brandon Hagel has key this season with 16 goals and 24 assists for the Lightning.
Montreal is 6-4 in the last 10 and both teams are coming off back-to-backs. However, Tampa Bay picks up the win.
Prediction: Lightning win 4-2.
Washington Capitals vs Detroit Red Wings
Time: 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: Sportsnet 360; Fan Duel Sports Detroit; Monument Sports Network; ESPN+
The second game in today’s NHL predictions has the Washington Capitals visiting the Detroit Red Wings. Charlie Lindgren is expected to get the start after Logan Thompson played last night. The Caps are 7-3 in the last 10 games. Alex Ovechkin returned to the lineup and notched his 869th career goal with an empty-netter.
Detroit likely goes with Alex Lyon in between the pipes. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. The Red Wings have dropped four straight games and are 3-7 in the last 10 games. Lucas Raymond leads Detroit in most offensive categories with 14 goals, 20 assists and 34 points.
The Wings will have a little more rest, but Todd McLellan will still be searching for his first win with the club after this.
Prediction: Capitals win 5-3.
Philadelphia Flyers vs Los Angeles Kings
Head-to-Head: Flyers 0-1 Kings
Time: 9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: SN1; Fan Duel Sports West; NBC Sports Philadelphia; ESPN+
The last game of this set of NHL predictions has the Los Angeles Kings hosting the Philadelphia Flyers. We’ll likely see Aleksei Kolosov get the call in the crease for this game. Philadelphia is 4-5-1 in the last 10 games coming into this one. Noah Cates has been playing well as of late with six goals and two assists over the last 10 games.
David Rittich is the projected starter for Los Angeles, which is 6-2-2 in the last 10 games. The Kings picked up a 7-3 victory over the Flyers earlier in the month. Kevin Fiala scored twice in the win in Philadelphia. Quinton Byfield has notched five goals and two assists over the past 10 games.
Los Angeles looks to be one of the better teams in the Pacific Division and should win this one.
Prediction: Kings win 4-3.
Prop Bets of the Night
We close out NHL predictions with some prop bets. In the opening game, go with Cole Caufield to score at any time at +180. For Tampa Bay, take Jake Guentzel to net a goal at +140. These odds are courtesy of Bet365.
Main photo by: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: Dec 29 Montreal Canadiens vs Tampa Bay Lightning appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.