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
Embed from Getty Imageswindow.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:’QHEINBdOT6RXmF-j6H6-fQ’,sig:’sMy-NG559gm-8D-arUopGiATNlfKhT4OtnMEh2kVEwg=’,w:’594px’,h:’396px’,items:’2258383602′,caption: true ,tld:’com’,is360: false })});
Florida Panthers vs Columbus Blue Jackets
Head-to-Head: Panthers 1-0 Blue Jackets
How to Watch: US TV: Scripps Florida; Fan Duel Sports Ohio; ESPN+. Canada TV: Sportsnet.
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
We open up NHL predictions with the Florida Panthers visiting the Columbus Blue Jackets. Sergei Bobrovsky is the projected starter for the Panthers, who are 2-8 in their last 10 games. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. The Panthers have dropped their last three games and sliding out Stanley Cup Playoff contention. Sam Reinhart leads the team in goals (28), assists (29), and points (57).
Jet Greaves is the probable starter for Columbus, which is 8-1-1 in its previous 10 games. The Blue Jackets are winners of two in a row to insert themselves into the postseason conversation. Kirill Marchenko leads to club in goals (22) and points (51) so far this season.
This is the opposite of what people thought. However, the Panthers will get the win.
Prediction: Panthers win 4-3.
Embed from Getty Imageswindow.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:’QHEINBdOT6RXmF-j6H6-fQ’,sig:’sMy-NG559gm-8D-arUopGiATNlfKhT4OtnMEh2kVEwg=’,w:’594px’,h:’396px’,items:’2258383602′,caption: true ,tld:’com’,is360: false })});
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Winnipeg Jets
Head-to-Head: Lightning 1-0 Jets
How to Watch: US TV: The Spot; ESPN+. Canada TV: TSN3.
Time: 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Our second game of NHL predictions has the Tampa Bay Lightning going for the season sweep of the Winnipeg Jets. Andrei Vasilevskiy is the expected starter for the Lightning, who are 6-4 in their previous 10 games. However, Tampa Bay has dropped three straight games entering this matchup. Nikita Kucherov is tops in goals (32), assists (64), and points (96) so far this campaign.
Gold medalist Connor Hellebuyck is the likely starter for the Jets, who are 4-3-3 in the last 10 games. However, Winnipeg did get a win over the Chicago Blackhawks in its last outing. Mark Scheifele is topping the team in goals (28), assists (45), and points (73).
Tampa Bay has been struggling in recent games. However, the Lightning should get on track.
Prediction: Lightning win 3-2.
Boston Bruins vs Nashville Predators
Head-to-Head: Bruins 1-0 Predators
How to Watch: US TV: NESN; Fan Duel Sports South; ESPN+. Canada TV: Sportsnet+.
Time: 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Our final and featured game of NHL predictions has the Boston Bruins making the trip to Music City to play the Nashville Predators. Jeremy Swayman is the expected starter for Boston, which is 6-1-3 in its last 10 games. However, the Bruins got the victory in its last time out. Morgan Geekie is the team’s leader in goals with 33, including three in his last 10 games.
Juuse Saros is the projected starter for the Predators, who are 3-3-4 in their previous 10 games. This includes three consecutive defeats entering this game. Ryan O’Reilly leads the club in assists (37) and points (59) so far this season.
Both clubs are in need of points for various reasons. However, the Bruins take home the win.
Predictions: Bruins win 4-2.
Best Bets
We close out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. Let’s stay with our featured game for our prop bets of the night. The over/under for the Bruins versus the Predators is 5.5, and we like the over in this game.
As for individual props, go with David Pastrnak to get at least a point for Boston. On the Nashville side of things, take Luke Evangelista to get the over on 0.5 points.
Main photo by: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images
Please play responsibly, check for your local rules and age restrictions; some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER