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 Colorado Avalanche taking on the Montreal Canadiens. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.
NHL Predictions
Colorado Avalanche vs Montreal Canadiens
Head-to-Head: Avalanche 1-0 Canadiens
How to Watch: US TV: Altitude. Canada TV: TSN2; RDS
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
We open up NHL predictions with our featured game between the Colorado Avalanche and the Montreal Canadiens. Colorado is expected to give Scott Wedgewood the start for this game. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. The Avalanche are 4-4-2 in their last 10 games entering this matchup. Nathan MacKinnon leads the team in goals (38), assists (50), and points (88) so far for Colorado.
Jakub Dobes is the confirmed starter for the Canadiens, who are 5-4-1 in their previous 10 games. However, Montreal did score an overtime victory over the Vegas Golden Knights last time out. The Habs are looking to overturn a 7-2 loss to the Avalanche on November 29. Cole Caufield is continuing to use the USA Olympic snub as fuel, as he hit the 30-goal mark against Vegas.
Both teams are looking to go into the Olympic break with momentum. However, Colorado should get the win.
Prediction: Avalanche win 5-3.
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San Jose Sharks vs Edmonton Oilers
2024-25 Season Series: Sharks 0-4 Oilers
How to Watch:
US TV: NBC Sports California; ESPN+
Canada TV: SN1
Time: 9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Our second game of NHL predictions has the San Jose Sharks meeting the Edmonton Oilers for the first time this campaign. Alex Nedeljkovic is the projected starter for the Sharks, who are 7-3 in their last 10 games. However, the Sharks have lost their previous six encounters against the Oilers. Macklin Celebrini is leading the way with 27 goals and 51 assists for 78 points.
Tristan Jarry is the probable starter for the Oilers, who are 5-3-2 in their last 10 games. However, Edmonton has won its last two games entering this matchup. The Oilers haven’t lost to the Sharks since November 9, 2023. Connor McDavid is first on the team in goals (33), assists (59), and points (92).
This Sharks team is much different than the ones that have struggled against the Oilers. However, Edmonton gets the victory at home.
Prediction: Oilers win 4-2.
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Dallas Stars vs Vegas Golden Knights
2024-25 Season Series: Stars 2-1 Golden Knights
How to Watch:
US TV: Scripps Vegas; Victory+; ESPN+
Time: 10 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Our final game of NHL predictions has the Dallas Stars squaring off with the Golden Knights for the first time this season. Jake Oettinger is the likely starter for the Stars, who are 5-4-1 in their previous 10 games. However, Dallas has gotten victories in its last two games. Mikko Rantanen has been exceptional this season with 45 assists and 64 points for the Stars.
Adin Hill is the expected starter for the Golden Knights, who are 6-3-1 in their previous 10 games. However, Vegas has dropped its last two games entering this Western Conference showdown. Jack Eichel is tops on the club in assists (42) and points (61) so far this campaign.
These two teams are no stranger to each other. However, Dallas keeps momentum going with the win.
Prediction: Stars win 4-3.
Prop Bets of the Night
We close out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. Let’s go back to our featured game for our preferred props. The over/under for the Avalanche versus the Canadiens is 6.5, and we like the over.
As for individual props, take Cale Makar to have a multiple-point night for Colorado. On the Montreal side of things, go with Lane Hutson to record a power-play point.
Main photo by: Ron Chenoy – Imagn Images
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