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 Los Angeles Kings hosting the Vegas Golden Knights. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.
We’re back from the Olympic break with the return of our NHL predictions. Buckle up for the intense stretch run going into the final two-plus months of the regular season.
NHL Predictions
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Seattle Kraken vs Dallas Stars
Head-to-Head: Kraken 1-1 Stars
How to Watch: US TV: Fox 4; KING 5; Victory+; KONG; KHN; ESPN+
Time: 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
We open our first post-Olympics edition of NHL predictions with the rubber match between the Seattle Kraken and the Dallas Stars. Philipp Grubauer, who had a solid tournament for Germany, is the expected starter for the Kraken. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. Prior to the break, Seattle was 6-4 in its previous 10 games. The Kraken are tied with the Anaheim Ducks for the last automatic Stanley Cup Playoff spot. Jordan Eberle leads the team in goals (20) and points (38) for the Kraken.
Casey DeSmith is the confirmed starter for the Stars, who are 7-3 in their last 10 games. The Olympic break came at a bad time as Dallas had won its last six games entering this Western Conference matchup. Dallas will be without leading scorer Mikko Rantanen for the next couple of weeks at least due to an injury he suffered for Finland at the Olympics. Leading scorer Jason Robertson has 32 goals and will be looking for something to prove after being snubbed for Team USA.
Seattle is fighting for a postseason spot, and Dallas is without a key player. However, the Stars should get the win.
Prediction: Stars win 4-2.
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Colorado Avalanche vs Utah Mammoth
Head-to-Head: Avalanche 2-1 Mammoth
How to Watch: US TV: Utah16; Altitude; ESPN+
Time: 9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Our second game of NHL predictions has the Colorado Avalanche visiting the Utah Mammoth. Colorado is slated to give Mackenzie Blackwood the start for this game. The Avs are 4-5-1 in their previous 10 games but did win in their last game before the Olympics. Keep an eye on annoyed leading scorer in Nathan MacKinnon and top defender Cale Makar. Both will want to get rid of the taste of losing to the United States in the gold medal game.
Karel Vejmelka is the projected starter for Utah, which is 7-3 in its last 10 games. This includes a pair of victories prior to the league’s Olympic break. Team USA gold medalist and team captain Clayton Keller leads the way in assists (37) and points (54).
Utah has been strong entering this matchup. However, teams should be aware of how ticked off the Colorado superstar players will be.
Prediction: Avalanche win 5-2.
Vegas Golden Knights vs Los Angeles Kings
Head-to-Head: Golden Knights 2-1 Kings
How to Watch: US TV: HBO Max; TNT; TruTV. Canada TV: SN1; TVA Sports
Time: 10 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Our final and featured game of NHL prediction has the Vegas Golden Knights taking on the Los Angeles Kings. Vegas is projected to go with Adin Hill in goal for this game. The Golden Knights 3-5-2 in their previous 10 games prior to the Olympics. However, Vegas did win its last two games prior to this Pacific Division game. Olympian Mark Stone had eight points, including seven assists in the last 10 games prior to this matchup.
Anton Forsberg is the expected starter for the Kings while regular starter Darcy Kuemper likely recovers from all that travel. Los Angeles is 4-3-3 in its last 10 games, which includes three consecutive defeats entering this matchup. This game will also likely be the Kings’ debut Artemi Panarin after being traded from the New York Rangers. However, Los Angeles will miss Kevin Fiala, who suffered a nasty injury with Switzerland at the Olympics.
Panarin should hopefully give the offence some pop. However, Vegas should continue with the win.
Prediction: Golden Knights win 4-1.
Best Bets
We close out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. Let’s stick with our featured game for our preferred props. The over/under for the Golden Knights versus the Kings is 5.5, and we like the under in this game.
As for individual props, take gold medalist Jack Eichel to get the over on 1.5 points for Vegas. On the Los Angeles side of things, take Panarin to score in his home debut.
Main photo by: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
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