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 Toronto Maple Leafs taking on the Buffalo Sabres. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2024-25 season.
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: SN 360; NESN; MSG SN; ESPN+
We open up NHL predictions with the New Jersey Devils visiting the Boston Bruins. New Jersey is expected to start Jacob Markstrom in goal, but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. The Devils have made the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but are 4-5-1 in the last 10 games and have lost three straight games. Jesper Bratt leads the team in assists (67) and points (88).
Boston is projected to start Jeremy Swayman in between the pipes for this game. The Bruins are just playing out the string and are 3-7 in the last 10 games. However, Boston did get a victory in its last time out. David Pastrnak is tops in goals (42), assists (62) and points (104) for the Bruins.
One can never tell how these late-season games will go, but New Jersey should get the win.
Prediction: Devils win 4-2.
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: TSN 3; MSG Buffalo; ESPN+
Our featured game has the Maple Leafs looking to clinch the Atlantic Division title with a point against the Sabres. Toronto is projected to start Anthony Stolarz in the blue paint in this game. The Maple Leafs are playing well at the right time with three straight wins and an 8-1-1 mark in the last 10 games. Mitch Marner is one point away from 100 with 26 goals and 73 assists this season for Toronto.
Buffalo is likely to give the start to former Maple Leafs goalie James Reimer in this one. The Sabres are 6-3-1 in the last 10 games, but have dropped the last three games prior to this one. JJ Peterka has been a bright spot this season with 27 goals with 39 assists for Buffalo.
The Sabres would love to play spoiler, but the Maple Leafs get the win and the divisional title.
Prediction: Maple Leafs win 5-3.
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: NBC Sports Philadelphia; Fan Duel Sports Ohio; ESPN+
Our last game of NHL predictions has the Columbus Blue Jackets trying to stay alive against the Philadelphia Flyers. Columbus needs to win out and hope the Montreal Canadiens slip up. The Blue Jackets will likely start Elvis Merzlikins in the crease for this game. Columbus has won three straight games and are 6-4 in the last 10 games. Adam Fantilli has been playing well as of late with seven goals and two assists over the last 10 games.
Samuel Ersson is the probable starter for the Flyers, who are 5-3-2 in the last 10 games. Philadelphia would love to play spoiler and eliminate Columbus. Tyson Foerster has been playing solid as of late with eight goals and three assists over the past 10 games.
Columbus is on a mission and will try to stay alive with a win.
Prediction: Blue Jackets win 5-2.
We round out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. Let’s got back to our featured game for our props. Go with John Tavares to get a power-play point in this game for Toronto. For Buffalo, take Tage Thompson to score a goal.
Main photo by: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
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