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. Our featured game of this edition is the Vegas Golden Knights taking on the Toronto Maple Leafs. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.
NHL Predictions
Vegas Golden Knights vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Head-to-Head: Golden Knights 1-0 Maple Leafs
US TV: Scripps Vegas; ESPN+
Canada TV: Sportsnet; TVA Sports
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
We open up NHL predictions with our featured game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Adin Hill is the expected starter for the Golden Knights but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. The big story will be the return of Mitch Marner to Toronto after the sign and trade deal in the summer. Marner currently has 12 goals and 40 assists for 52 points so far this campaign. Jack Eichel leads the team in assists (41) and points (59).
Anthony Stolarz is the projected starter for the Maple Leafs, who are 5-2-3 in their last 10 games. Toronto is coming off an overtime loss to the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday night. The Leafs will be under plenty of pressure to get a measure of revenge. However, Toronto comes into this game with injuries to William Nylander and their defence. John Tavares is second on the club in points with 43.
There will be plenty of motivation with the Leafs to beat Marner. However, the Golden Knights get the last laugh.
Prediction: Golden Knights win 4-2.
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St Louis Blues vs Dallas Stars
Head-to-Head: Golden Knights 1-0 Maple Leafs
How to Watch:
US TV: Fan Duel Sports Midwest; Victory+; ESPN+
Time: 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Our second game of NHL predictions is a Central Division matchup between the St Louis Blues and the Dallas Stars. St Louis is expected to give Joel Hofer the call in goal for this game. The Blues are 4-6 in their previous 10 games, including two consecutive losses. Robert Thomas leads the club in assists (22) and points (33).
Jake Oettinger is the likely starter after Casey DeSmith got the nod in the 1-0 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday. Dallas is 3-5-2 in its last 10 games, including that defeat to Columbus. Mikko Rantanen is first on the team in assists (44) and points (63).
The Stars are coming off a game the night before. However, Dallas should get the victory.
Prediction: Stars win 4-1.
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Washington Capitals vs Calgary Flames
2024-25 Season Series: Capitals 1-1 Flames
How to Watch:
US TV: Monumental Sports Network; ESPN+
Canada TV: SN1
Time: 9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Our last game of NHL predictions has the Washington Capitals meeting the Calgary Flames for the first time this season. Logan Thompson is the expected starter for the Capitals, who are 3-6-1 in their last 10 games. However, Washington has dropped its last four games in a row. Alex Ovechkin and Tom Wilson are tied for the team’s lead in points with 43.
Devin Cooley is the probable starter for the Flames, who are also 3-6-1 in their last 10 games. However, Calgary has only lost its last two games in a row. Nazem Kadri leads the team in assists (25) and points (34) for the Flames.
Both teams are struggling coming into this game. However, Washington should get back on track.
Prediction: Capitals win 4-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
We close out NHL predictions with our prop bets of the night. Let’s go back to our featured game for our preferred props. The over/under for the Maple Leafs versus the Golden Knights is 5.5, and we like the over in this game.
As for individual props, take Marner to score against his old team for Vegas. On the Toronto side of things, take Auston Matthews to get a goal.
Main photo by: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
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