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 Carolina Hurricanes 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
Carolina Hurricanes vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Head-to-Head: Hurricanes 1-1 Maple Leafs
How to Watch: US TV: Fan Duel Sports South; NHL Network. Canada TV: SNO; TVA Sports.
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
We open up with the featured game of NHL Predictions as the Carolina Hurricanes and Toronto Maple Leafs square off for the final time this season. Carolina is expected to give Brandon Bussi the start in this game. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. The Hurricanes are 6-4 in their previous 10 games. Sebastian Aho leads the team in assists (45) and points (69).
Joseph Woll is the projected starter for the Maple Leafs, who are 2-5-3 in their last 10 games. Toronto is just hoping for the season to end after seeing Auston Matthews have season-ending surgery. William Nylander leads the team in assists (40) and points (63) so far this campaign.
It’s been a nightmare season for the Maple Leafs. The Hurricanes should keep momentum going.
Prediction: Hurricanes win 4-2.
(Credit Image: © Eric Canha/Cal Sport Media)
New Jersey Devils vs Washington Capitals
Head-to-Head: Devils 1-1 Capitals
How to Watch: US TV: MSGSN; Monumental Sports Network; ESPN+. Canada TV: Sportsnet.
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
Our second game of NHL predictions is a Metropolitan Division matchup between the New Jersey Devils and the Washington Capitals. Jacob Markstrom is the likely starter for the Devils, who are 7-3 in the last 10 games. New Jersey has taken its last three consecutive games entering this matchup. Jesper Bratt is tops in assists (38) and is tied with Jack Hughes in points with 54.
Logan Thompson is the projected starter for the Capitals, who are 5-4-1 in their last 10 games. This includes victories in three of the team’s last five games. Alex Ovechkin is first on the squad in goals (25) and points (52).
Both teams are playing out the string and will likely miss the postseason. However, Washington gets the win at home.
Prediction: Capitals win 5-3.
(Credit Image: © Alie Skowronski/Miami Herald via ZUMA Press Wire)
Florida Panthers vs Calgary Flames
Head-to-Head: Panthers 0-1 Flames
How to Watch: US TV: Scripps Florida; ESPN+. Canada TV: SNW.
Time: 9 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
Our last game of NHL predictions has the Florida Panthers looking for the season split against the Calgary Flames. Daniil Tarasov is the expected starter after the Panthers got a shutout from Sergei Bobrovsky against the Edmonton Oilers. Florida is 4-6 in the last 10 games, but did blank Edmonton last time out. Sam Reinhart leads the team in goals (29), assists (32), and points (61).
Dustin Wolf is the probable starter for the Flames, who are 3-6-1 in their previous 10 games. However, Calgary did beat the St Louis Blues in a shootout last time out. Mikael Backlund is tops in assists (23) and points (38) this season after a number of trades.
Florida may not make the Stanley Cup Playoffs. However, the Panthers are playing strong to end the season.
Prediction: Panthers win 4-1.
Best Bets
We close out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. Let’s go back to our featured game for our favourite props. The over/under for the Hurricanes versus the Leafs is 6.5, and we like the under in this game.
As for individual props, go with Seth Jarvis to get a goal for Carolina. On the Toronto side of things, take John Tavares to get at least a point.
Main photo by: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
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