Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are scheduled and offers insight and analysis to help predict who will be victorious in head-to-head matchups. In today’s round of NHL Predictions, we are looking at the game between the Toronto Maple Leafs vs Montreal Canadiens. Be sure to check out more NHL Predictions as the 2024-25 season continues.
NHL Predictions
Boston Bruins vs Ottawa Senators
Head-to-Head: Bruins 0-1 Senators
Time: 3 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: Sportsnet; CBC; NESN; ESPN+
We open NHL predictions with an Atlantic Division matchup between the Boston Bruins and the Ottawa Senators. Boston is expected to go with Jeremy Swayman in goal for this one. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. The Bruins are 3-6-1 in their last heading into this one. However, they’ve also won two in a row. David Pastrnak leads the team in goals (20), assists (28) and points (48) in this one.
Leevi Merilainen has taken the Senators’ crease by storm and is the likely starter in this one. This game will be the first of two meetings in a week between the two teams. Ottawa is 4-4-2 in the last 10 games entering this matchup. Tim Stutzle is first in assists (29) and points (43) for the Senators.
Boston had struggled as of late, but have played better as of late.
Prediction: Bruins win 3-2.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Montreal Canadiens
Head-to-Head: Maple Leafs 1-1 Canadiens
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: Sportsnet; CBC; NHL Network
Our featured game of NHL predictions is between the old rivals. These two clubs looking to get the edge in the season series. Toronto is expected to turn to Joseph Woll in goal for this game. The Maple Leafs are 6-4 in the last 10 games coming into this one. The John Tavares injury is making Toronto shuffle its lineup around. Mitch Marner is first in assists (48) and points (62) on the team in a contract year.
Montreal enters this rivalry game as one of the hottest teams in the league. The Canadiens are 8-1-1 in the last 10 and have two wins in a row. Sam Montembeault is the projected starter for the Habs in this game. Rookie Lane Hutson is making his case for the Calder Trophy with a team-leading 33 assists.
The Tavares injury looms large for Toronto and Montreal has been hot.
Prediction: Canadiens win 4-3.
Edmonton Oilers vs Vancouver Canucks
Head-t0-Head: Oilers 1-0 Canucks
Time: 10 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: Sportsnet; CBC; ESPN+
The last game of NHL predictions has the Edmonton Oilers visiting the Vancouver Canucks. Edmonton is 8-2 in the last 10 games and has gotten victories in the last four games. Stuart Skinner is the likely starter in the blue paint for the Oilers. Leon Draisaitl has been outstanding all season with 31 goals and 36 assists for the Oilers.
Things are falling apart for the Canucks as they are 2-5-3 in the last 10 games. Thatcher Demko will likely to be tasked with stopping the bleeding in goal for Vancouver. Brock Boeser has been a bright spot as of late with four goals and one assist over the past 10 games.
The drama seems to be too much for the Canucks and the Oilers are one of the better teams in the league.
Prediction: Oilers win 5-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
We round of NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. Let’s focus on the last game of the evening for our props. Go with Connor McDavid to get the over on 1.5 at -115 on the Oilers side. For the Canucks, take Conor Garland to get a power-play point at +550. Both of these prop bets are courtesy of BetMGM.
Main photo by: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: Jan 18 Toronto Maple Leafs vs Montreal Canadiens appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.