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 Detroit Red Wings taking on the Boston Bruins. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions , as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.
NHL Predictions
Calgary Flames vs Columbus Blue Jackets
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Head-to-Head: Flames 1-0 Blue Jackets
US TV: Fan Duel Sports Ohio; ESPN+
Canada TV: SNW
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
We open up NHL predictions with a matchup between the Calgary Flames and the Columbus Blue Jackets. Dustin Wolf is expected to get the start in goal for the Flames. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. Calgary is coming into this game with a 5-5 record in its previous 10 games but are coming off a victory on Saturday against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Nazem Kadri leads the Flames in assists (24) and points (32).
Jet Greaves is the projected starter for a Blue Jackets team that’s 5-4-1 in their last 10 games. However, the biggest news is that Columbus will have a new bench boss in Rick Bowness , who replaces Dean Evason behind the bench. Kirill Marchenko is first on the club in assists (21) and points (37).
One wonders if the Blue Jackets will benefit from the “new coach bounce.” However, the Flames look a bit more stable in this situation.
Prediction: Flames win 3-2.
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Montreal Canadiens vs Washington Capitals
Head-to-Head: Canadiens 0-1 Capitals
How to Watch:
US TV: Monumental Sports Network; ESPN+
Canada TV: TSN2; RDS
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Our second game of NHL predictions is a rematch of last season’s first-round series between the Montreal Canadiens and Washington Capitals. Montreal will go with Samuel Montembeault after Jakub Dobes started against the Vancouver Canucks in the Monday Night Hockey on Prime matchup. Montreal are 7-2-1 in their last 10 games. Cole Caufield leads the team in goals this year with 21, while Nick Suzuki is the team leader in points with 50.
Logan Thompson is the likely starter for Washington, which is 4-5-1 in its last games. The Capitals have struggled to find consistency in their recent run of games. Tom Wilson has the team’s lead in goals (22) and points (42) for Washington. The Caps did get an 8-4 victory over the Habs earlier in the season.
Montreal will be coming off a game against Vancouver on Monday night, so Washington should get the win.
Prediction: Capitals win 5-3.
Detroit Red Wings vs Boston Bruins
Head-to-Head: Red Wings 1-1 Bruins
How to Watch:
US TV: NESN; TNT; TruTV; HBO Max
Time: 7:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Our final and featured game of NHL predictions has the Detroit Red Wings and Boston Bruins meeting for the third time this season. Cam Talbot is the probable starter for the Red Wings, who are 7-2-1 in their last 10 games. This includes three straight victories entering this Atlantic Division battle. Lucas Raymond leads the team in assists (35) and points (49) so far this season.
Jeremy Swayman is the projected starter for the Bruins, who are 5-4-1 in their last 10 games. This also includes victories in Boston’s last three games. The Bruins have been finding different ways to win with offensive explosions in one game and winning a slugfest in the other. David Pastrnak leads the way in assists (36) and points (55) so far this campaign.
Both teams are on a hot streak entering this matchup. However, Detroit picks up the victory.
Prediction: Red Wings win 3-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
We close out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. Let’s stick with our featured game for our favourite props. The over/under for the Red Wings versus the Bruins is 6.5, and we like the under in this game.
As for individual props, take Dylan Larkin to get a power-play point for Detroit. On the Boston side of things, go with Morgan Geekie to get an anytime goal.
Main photo by: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
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