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 Montreal Canadiens taking on the Florida Panthers. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.
NHL Predictions
Montreal Canadiens vs Florida Panthers
2024-25 Season Series: Canadiens 4-0 Panthers
US TV: Scripps Florida; ESPN+
Canada TV: TSN2; RDS
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
We open up NHL predictions with our featured game between the Montreal Canadiens and the Florida Panthers. Samuel Montembeault is the confirmed starter for the Habs, and is looking for redemption after some shaky starts. The Canadiens are 5-2-3 in their previous 10 games but are coming off a shootout loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Cole Caufield leads the team in goals with 18 so far this campaign for Montreal.
Daniil Tarasov is the expected starter for the Panthers but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. Florida is 7-3 in its last 10 games, including a victory over the Washington Capitals last time out. The Panthers could be seeing the return of Matthew Tkachuk after he practiced with the team. Brad Marchand continues to defy Father Time with the team’s lead in goals (22), assists (22), and points (44).
Both teams are looking to end the calendar year strong, but Florida gets the victory heading into the Winter Classic.
Prediction: Panthers win 4-3.
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New Jersey Devils vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Head-to-Head: Devils 1-0 Maple Leafs
How to Watch:
US TV: MSG; ESPN+
Canada TV: SNO
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Our second game of NHL predictions has the New Jersey Devils making their second and final trip to the Six to battle the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Devils are 4-5-1 in their last 10 games, including three consecutive losses. Jacob Markstrom is expected to draw the start for a reeling New Jersey team as Sheldon Keefe makes his return. Jesper Bratt leads the way in assists (23) and points (30) so far for New Jersey.
Joseph Woll is the probable starter for the Maple Leafs, who are also struggling with a 4-4-2 mark in their last 10 games. Toronto also faces uncertainty regarding the status of superstar William Nylander, who left Saturday’s game against the Ottawa Senators. Nylander is the current leader in assists (27) and points (41) for the Leafs. John Tavares and Auston Matthews are tied for the team’s lead in goals with 15 so far this campaign.
These two teams are in need of points heading into the New Year. However, the Devils get the victory in this one.
Prediction: Devils win 4-3.
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Philadelphia Flyers vs Vancouver Canucks
Head-to-Head: Flyers 1-0 Canucks
How to Watch:
US TV: NBC Sports Philadelphia; ESPN+
Canada TV: Sportsnet
Time: 10 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Our third and final game of NHL predictions has the Philadelphia Flyers visiting the Vancouver Canucks. Daniel Vladar is expected to get the call in between the pipes for this game. Flyers bench boss Rick Tocchet makes his return to Vancouver, and the Flyers are 4-2-4 in their previous 10 games. Trevor Zegras is having a great first season in Philadelphia with the team’s lead in goals (15) and points (37).
Thatcher Demko is the projected starter for the Canucks, who are 6-4 in their previous 10 games. Vancouver suffered a 5-2 loss in Philadelphia in a Monday Night Hockey on Prime matchup. Kiefer Sherwood leads the team in goals so far this season with 16.
The Canucks have been better as of late, but the Flyers get the win.
Prediction: Flyers win 3-2.
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 Canadiens versus the Panthers is 6.5, and we like the over in this.
As for individual props, take Nick Suzuki to get a multiple-point night for Montreal. On the Florida side of things, go with Anton Lundell to get an anytime goal.
Main photo by: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
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