Welcome back to the return of NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are happening and gives our predictions for each one, breaking down head-to-head matchups and other factors that may play in. We also have a featured game of the day, which is considered must-watch TV. Today’s featured game is the Montreal Canadiens vs Boston Bruins . Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024-25 season starts.
NHL Predictions
Montreal Canadiens vs Boston Bruins
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: TSN2; NESN; ESPN+
Our featured game of NHL predictions is the renewal of the old rivalry between the Bruins and Canadiens. Montreal will be coming off a rivalry game the night before against the Toronto Maple Leafs . Cayden Primeau will likely draw the start with Sam Montembeault going the night before. Both the Habs and the Leafs will have the unenviable task of back-to-back games right out the chute.
Boston is expected to go with Jeremy Swayman in goal for his season-debut. The Bruins missed him in between the pipes as Joonas Korpisalo struggled in the the season-opener. Boston’s netminder was under fire against the Florida Panthers in the first game of the campaign. Pavel Zacha , Charlie McAvoy , Trent Frederic and David Pastrnak each tallied for the Bruins.
The B’s will be a little sore from that opening loss to the Panthers. Take the Bruins to bounce back.
Prediction: Bruins win 5-2.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs New Jersey Devils
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: TSN4; MSG; ESPN+
As previously mentioned, Toronto will be playing back-to-back games. However, they will have to do so with a young goalie in Dennis Hildeby. The injury to Joseph Woll has thrown off the rotation as Anthony Stolarz was likely going to start.
It’ll be a reunion of sorts as Sheldon Keefe is now the bench boss for the New Jersey Devils. The trip to Czechia was a successful one as the Devils picked up two wins against the Buffalo Sabres. Jacob Markstrom will likely draw the start for New Jersey. Paul Cotter netted a pair of goals for the Devils in Europe.
Toronto will have a lot taken out of them and will have an inexperienced netminder. New Jersey should continue its perfect start.
Prediction: Devils win 4-3.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Detroit Red Wings
Time: 8 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: Bally Sports Detroit; Sportsnet Pittsburgh; SN1
Our final game of NHL predictions has the Pittsburgh Penguins taking on the Detroit Red Wings. Pittsburgh will be coming off back-to-back games after playing the New York Rangers, Jesper Blomqvist will likely get the call with Tristan Jarry playing the night before.
This will be the season-opener for the Red Wings and Ville Husso is the projected starter. However, check social media before locking in a starter. Detroit narrowly missed out on the post-season and are wanting to break through. Key young pieces like Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond have signed deals and want to take the Wings to the next level.
Back-t0-Back games are tough to predict. Detroit should get the win at home to start the season.
Prediction: Red Wings win 3-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
Let’s take a look at some prop bets for tonight’s sets of games. We’ll go with one of the non-featured games for our main prop bet. The San Jose Sharks will host the St Louis Blues and that means the debut of Macklin Celebrini. Bet MGM has a solid +175 play on Celebrini getting the over on 0.5 assists.
Also, take a run at Columbus Blue Jackets hitting the moneyline against the Minnesota Wild at +190 on Fan Duel. Emotion will carry the Jackets to the win,
Main photo by: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
The post NHL Predictions: Oct. 10 With Montreal Canadiens vs Boston Bruins appeared first on Last Word On Hockey .