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 Colorado Avalanche 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.
We also want to wish everyone a Happy and safe New York. Here’s to 2026.
NHL Predictions
Montreal Canadiens vs St Louis Blues
Embed from Getty Imageswindow.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:’ppctY0gmRl9xndEd-uvelg’,sig:’_Mha9Dw94teRPb9G9VXZQlXZ5gcMfhjLdNZGQBvDLis=’,w:’594px’,h:’424px’,items:’2250870758′,caption: true ,tld:’com’,is360: false })});
Head-to-Head: Canadiens 0-1 Blues
US TV: Fan Duel Sports Midwest; ESPN+
Canada TV: TSN2; RDS
Time: 4 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
We open up NHL predictions with the Montreal Canadiens taking on the St Louis Blues. Montreal is expected to start Jakub Dobes in goal but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. The Canadiens are 6-1-3 in their previous 10 games, including victories in three of their last four games. Olympic snub Cole Caufield leads the team in goals with 20 so far this campaign.
Jordan Binnington is the projected starter for the Blues after Joel Hofer got the 4-3 win against the Vegas Golden Knights. St Louis did beat Montreal, 4-3, on December 7. The Blues are 5-4-1 in their last 10 games entering this matchup. St Louis has struggled to score this season but did get four goals on Friday. Jake Neighbours is first on the team in goals with 10.
Both teams are coming off wins on Friday. However, Montreal should even up the season series.
Prediction: Canadiens win 3-2.
Embed from Getty Imageswindow.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:’HaHgzRI-TotqNwyj1FuUdg’,sig:’UZEbIoHNCvytjUoLO3C2S6Y9p1Th5-Q_UdI2KOPOFkU=’,w:’594px’,h:’396px’,items:’2192312767′,caption: true ,tld:’com’,is360: false })});
Toronto Maple Leafs vs New York Islanders
2024-25 Season Series: Maple Leafs 2-1 Islanders
How to Watch:’
US TV: MSG SN; NHL Network
Canada TV: CBC; Sportsnet
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
It’s a Hockey Night in Canada matchup between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the New York Islanders in our second game of NHL predictions. Toronto is expected to give Joseph Woll the start in goal. The Maple Leafs are 5-4-1 in their previous 10 games but have taken four of their last five. Auston Matthews did return to the lineup against the Winnipeg Jets and hopes to fill the void if William Nylander is out for an extended period.
David Rittich is likely to get the start for the Islanders, who are also 5-4-1 in their last 10 games. However, the Isles have dropped two of their last three games prior to this Saturday night tilt. New York will be without Bo Horvat, who led the team in goals (21) and points (33).
Both teams are dealing with injuries, but the Leafs pick up the road win.
Prediction: Maple Leafs win 4-2.
Colorado Avalanche vs Carolina Hurricanes
Head-to-Head: Avalanche 0-1 Hurricanes
How to Watch:’
US TV: Fan Duel Sports South; Altitude; ESPN+
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Our final and featured game of NHL predictions has the Colorado Avalanche looking to continue their winning ways against the Carolina Hurricanes. Colorado is expected to give Scott Wedgewood the start after Mackenzie Blackwood was ruled out due to injury. The Avalanche have won nine in a row entering this game. Nathan MacKinnon is making a strong case for the Hart Trophy with 70 points already this season.
Brandon Bussi is the projected starter for the Hurricanes, who are 5-4-1 in their previous 10 games. However, Carolina is coming off a loss on Thursday to the Canadiens. It’s uncertain if Brandon Bussi or Frederik Andersen gets the start in goal. Sebastian Aho leads the team in assists (24) and points (40) so far this campaign.
Carolina is one of the only teams to beat Colorado in regulation. However, the Avs get revenge in this one.
Prediction: Avalanche win 5-3.
Prop Bets of the Night
We close out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. Let’s stay with our featured game for our preferred props. The over/under for the Hurricanes versus the Avalanche is 6.5, and we like the over in this game.
As for individual props, take Nikolaj Ehlers to score for Carolina. On the Colorado side, take Cale Makar to get the over on 1.5 points.
Main photo by: James Guillory-Imagn Images
Please play responsibly, check for your local rules and age restrictions; some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER