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. Our featured game of this edition is the Florida Panthers taking on the Carolina Hurricanes. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.
NHL Predictions
San Jose Sharks vs Detroit Red Wings
Head-to-Head: Sharks 0-1 Red Wings
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How to Watch:
US TV: Fan Duel Sports Detroit; NBC Sports California; NHL Network
Canada TV: Sportsnet
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
We open up NHL predictions with the San Jose Sharks visiting the Detroit Red Wings. Yaroslav Askarov is likely to get the start after Alex Nedeljkovic got the call against the Washington Capitals on Thursday. San Jose is 7-3 in its previous 10 games, including a win over Washington on Thursday night. Macklin Celebrini is playing like a Hart Trophy candidate with 24 goals, 47 assists, and 71 points.
John Gibson is the expected starter for the Red Wings, who are going for the season sweep of the Sharks. Detroit is 6-3-1 in its last 10 games but did get shut out by the Boston Bruins last time out. Lucas Raymond is first in assists (35) and points (49) so far this campaign.
Both teams are playing well. However, Detroit gets the victory at home.
Prediction: Red Wings win 4-3.
Florida Panthers vs Carolina Hurricanes
Head-to-Head: Panthers 1-1 Hurricanes
How to Watch:
US TV: Fan Duel Sports South: Scripps Florida; ESPN+
Canada TV: SNO
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Our second and featured game of NHL predictions has the Florida Panthers taking on the Carolina Hurricanes in the rubber match of the season series. Florida is projected to give Sergei Bobrovsky the call in the blue paint for this game. The Panthers are 5-4-1 in their last 10 games but have won three of their last five games entering this matchup. Sam Reinhart leads the club in goals with 24. However, Brad Marchand is first in assists (23) and points (46).
Frederik Andersen is the expected starter for the Hurricanes, who are also 5-4-1 in their last 10 games. However, Carolina has lost its last two in a row prior to this matchup. Despite the recent struggles, the Canes are still in first place in the Metropolitan Division. Sebastian Aho is tops in assists (28) and points (45) for Carolina.
The Hurricanes may be the first-place team. However, the Panthers pick up the victory.
Prediction: Panthers win 4-2.
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Nashville Predators vs Colorado Avalanche
Head-to-Head: Predators 1-2 Avalanche
How to Watch:
US TV: Fan Duel Sports South: Altitude; KTVD; ESPN+
Canada TV: SN360; TVA Sports
Time: 9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Our third and final game of NHL predictions is the final encounter of the season between the Nashville Predators and the Colorado Avalanche. Nashville is slated to give Juuse Saros the start in goal for this game. The Predators are 6-4 in their previous 10 games, including three wins in their last four games. Ryan O’Reilly leads the club in assists (26) and points (39) for the Predators.
Mackenzie Blackwood is the probable starter for the Avalanche, who are 7-2-1 in their last 10 games. However, Colorado is coming off an overtime loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs last time out. The Avs have only lost four times in regulation this season. Nathan MacKinnon is putting up Hart Trophy numbers with 36 goals, 45 assists, and 81 points.
Nashville has forced its way back into the wild card conversation. However, Colorado should record the win.
Prediction: Avalanche win 4-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
We round 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 Panthers versus the Hurricanes is 6.5, and we like the under in this game.
As for individual props, take Seth Jarvis to score a goal for Carolina. On the Florida side of things, go with Anton Lundell to get an assist.
Main photo by: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
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