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. For this edition, we will look at the Toronto Maple Leafs taking on the Detroit Red Wings. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.
NHL Predictions
Montreal Canadiens vs Tampa Bay Lightning
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Head-to-Head: Canadiens 0-1 Lightning
US TV: The Spot; ESPN+
Canada TV: TSN2; RDS
Time: 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
We open up NHL predictions with an Atlantic Division matchup between the Montreal Canadiens and the Tampa Bay Lightning. Montreal will Jacob Fowler the start in this game. The Habs are 5-3-2 heading into the first game back since the Christmas break. Nick Suzuki leads the team in points so far this season with 42.
Jonas Johansson will likely draw the start for Tampa Bay after Andrei Vasilevskiy got the win in goal against the Florida Panthers. The Lightning are 5-4-1 in their previous 10 games, including victories in three consecutive games. Nikita Kucherov leads the team in both assists (32) and points (47) so far this campaign.
Tampa Bay is on a roll but is coming off a hard-fought game against Florida. Montreal should be rested for this game.
Prediction: Canadiens win 4-3.
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New York Islanders vs Columbus Blue Jackets
Head-to-Head: Islanders 1-0 Blue Jackets
How to Watch:
US TV: MSGSN; Fan Duel Sports Ohio; ESPN+
Time: 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
The second game of NHL predictions is a Metropolitan Division matchup between the New York Islanders and the Columbus Blue Jackets. Ilya Sorokin is expected to get the start after David Rittich got the shutout against the New York Rangers. The Islanders are 6-3-1 in their previous 10 games, including two consecutive wins entering this matchup. Bo Horvat leads the club in goals (19) and points (31) for the Isles.
Jet Greaves is the projected starter for the Blue Jackets but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. The Jackets are 3-6-1 in their last 10 games but did get a win over the Los Angeles Kings in their last game before break. Kirill Marchenko is first in assists (16) and points (27) for Columbus.
The Islanders are coming in with plenty of momentum and should capitalize on that.
Prediction: Islanders win 4-2.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Detroit Red Wings
Head-to-Head: Maple Leafs 0-2 Red Wings
How to Watch:
US TV: Fan Duel Sports Detroit; ESPN+
Canada TV: SNO
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Our featured game of NHL predictions is the third meeting of the season between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Detroit Red Wings. Toronto is likely to give Dennis Hildeby after it downed the Ottawa Senators on Saturday night. The Leafs are last in the Atlantic Division and have a 4-4-2 mark in their last 10 games. However, Toronto has won its last two games entering this matchup. William Nylander leads the club in assists and points but keep an eye on his status after getting hurt on Saturday.
Cam Talbot is the probable starter for the Red Wings, who are playing in their first game back from the Christmas break. Detroit is surprisingly first in the division and is 7-3 in its last 10 games. However, the Red Wings lost to the Carolina Hurricanes in their last game out. Lucas Raymond is first on the team in assists (30) and points (41).
Toronto has been playing better, but Detroit seems to have the Leafs number this season.
Prediction: Red Wings win 3-2.
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Philadelphia Flyers vs Seattle Kraken
Head-to-Head: Flyers 1-0 Kraken
How to Watch:
US TV: KHN, KONG, NBCS-PH, NHL Network
Time: 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Prediction: Flyers win 5-3.
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 Maple Leafs versus the Red Wings is 6.5, and we like the under in this game.
As for individual props, take Dylan Larkin to score an anytime goal for Detroit. On the Toronto side of things, take Matthew Knies to get at least a point.
Main photo by: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
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