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 Florida Panthers taking on the New York Islanders. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.
NHL Predictions
Winnipeg Jets vs San Jose Sharks
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Head-to-Head: Jets 0-1 Sharks
How to Watch: US TV: NBC Sports California; ESPN+. Canada TV: TSN3; TVA Sports.
Time: 4 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
We open up NHL predictions with the Winnipeg Jets visiting the San Jose Sharks. Olympic gold medalist Connor Hellebuyck is the confirmed starter for the Jets, who are 4-3-3 in their last 10 games. However, Winnipeg is coming off a loss to the Anaheim Ducks in overtime. Mark Scheifele is first on the team in assists (43) and points (70).
Alex Nedeljkovic is the likely starter after Yaroslav Askarov started against the Edmonton Oilers. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. San Jose is 4-5-1 in its last 10 games, but did get a win over Edmonton on Saturday. Sophomore standout Macklin Celebrini leads in goals (29), assists (53), and points (82).
San Jose is rested and Winnipeg has been struggling. However, the Sharks should get the win.
Prediction: Sharks win 4-2.
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St Louis Blues vs Minnesota Wild
Head-to-Head: Blues 0-1 Wild
How to Watch: US TV: Fan Duel Sports Midwest; Fan Duel Sports Wisconsin X; Fan Duel Sports North; ESPN+
Time: 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Our second game of NHL predictions has the St Louis Blues heading up north to take on the Minnesota Wild. Joel Hofer is the projected starter for the Blues, who are 2-7-1 in their last 10 games. St Louis is likely to be a seller at the upcoming trade deadline, and we may see some lineup changes. Pavel Buchnevich is tops in assists (23) and points (36) for the Blues.
Filip Gustavsson is the expected starter for the Wild, who are 7-2-1 in their last 10 games. Minnesota had its recent seven-game winning streak stopped last time out in a loss to the Utah Mammoth. Kirill Kaprizov is first in assists (40) and points (73) for the Wild.
St Louis is struggling and might try to collect assets. Minnesota should get back on track with the win.
Prediction: Wild win 5-2.
Florida Panthers vs New York Islanders
Head-to-Head: Panthers 1-0 Islanders
How to Watch: US TV: ESPN; ESPN+. Canada TV: TVA Sports; Sportsnet.
Time: 6:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Our featured game of NHL predictions has the Florida Panthers heading to the Metro area to play the New York Islanders. Sergei Bobrovsky is the probable starter for the Panthers, who are 4-6 in their last 10 games. The back-to-back defending Stanley Cup champions are in danger of missing out in the postseason. Sam Reinhart leads Florida in assists (29) and points (56).
The Islanders are expected to give David Rittich the start for this game. New York is on a four-game winning streak and has taken seven of its last 10 games. Mat Barzal is leading the way in assists (37) and points (54) for the Isles.
The Islanders are playing well as of late. However, the Panthers are in desperation mode.
Prediction: Panthers win 3-1.
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Calgary Flames vs Anaheim Ducks
Head-to-Head: Flames 0-1 Ducks
How to Watch: US TV: Victory+; ESPN+. Canada TV: SN West.
Time: 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Prediction: Ducks win 5-3.
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 Flames versus the Ducks is 5.5, and we like the under in this game.
As for individual props, take Brad Marchand to score for Florida. On the New York side of things, go with Bo Horvat to get a power-play point.
Main photo by: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images
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