Welcome back to 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 Toronto Maple Leafs visiting 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
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Florida Panthers
Head-to-Head: Maple Leafs 2-0 Panthers
How to Watch: US TV: Scripps Florida; ESPN+. Canada TV: TSN4; TVA Sports.
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
We open up NHL predictions with our featured matchup between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Florida Panthers. Toronto will be in part two of the Florida two-step and will likely go with Joseph Woll in goal for this game. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. Toronto is 3-6-1 in its last 10 games after falling to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday night. This loss stopped a three-game winning streak. William Nylander leads the team in assists (36) and points (54) so far this season.
Sergei Bobrovsky is the projected starter for Florida, which is 4-6 in its last 10 games. This includes losses in five of its last six games. Florida needs to get moving or it will miss the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Sam Reinhart leads the team in goals (27), assists (28), and points (55).
Florida needs to start racking up points. The Panthers should be able to take advantage of the Leafs playing the night before.
Prediction: Panthers win 4-2.
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Minnesota Wild vs Colorado Avalanche
Head-to-Head: Wild 1-1 Avalanche
How to Watch: US TV: Altitude; KTVD; KUSA; Fan Duel Sports North; Fan Duel Sports Wisconsin, ESPN+. Canada TV: SN Pacific; TVA Sports.
Time: 9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Our second game of NHL predictions has the Minnesota Wild visiting the Colorado Avalanche. Minnesota is likely to go with Filip Gustavsson in goal, who is looking to bounce back after a tough Olympic tournament. The Wild are 8-1-1 in their previous 10 games, including a five-game winning streak. Kirill Kaprizov is tied for first in goals scored with 32 with Matt Boldy, who has nine points in the last 10 games.
Mackenzie Blackwood is the expected starter for Colorado, which is 5-4-1 in its last 10 games. The Avalanche have taken their last two games, including a victory over the Utah Mammoth on Wednesday night. Nathan MacKinnon leads the club in goals (40), assists (53), and points (93) for the Avs.
Both teams are hoping to make a deep playoff run. However, MacKinnon seems to be motivated after losing in the gold medal game.
Prediction: Avalanche win 5-3.
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Edmonton Oilers vs Los Angeles Kings
Head-to-Head: Oilers 0-1 Kings
How to Watch: US TV: ESPN, ESPN+. Canada TV: SN West.
Time: 10 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Our final game of NHL predictions has the Edmonton Oilers continuing their Southern California road trip against the Los Angeles Kings. Connor Ingram is the probable starter after Tristan Jarry started in the 6-5 loss to the Anaheim Ducks. The Oilers are 4-6 in their last 10 games, including four consecutive losses. Connor McDavid is only two points away from the 100 mark with 98.
Olympian Darcy Kuemper is the projected starter for the Kings after Anton Forsberg got the call the night before. Los Angeles is coming off a 6-4 defeat to the Vegas Golden Knights and is on its own four-game losing streak. The Kings are 4-4-2 in their previous 10 games. Adrian Kempe leads the team in goals so far with 21.
Both teams are in need of a victory. However, Edmonton will get back on track.
Prediction: Oilers win 5-4.
Best Bets
We close 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 Maple Leafs versus the Panthers is 6.5, and we like the under in this game.
As for individual props, go with Auston Matthews to score for Toronto. On the Florida side of things, take Sam Bennett to get the over on 0.5 points.
Main photo by: Sam Navarro – Imagn Images
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