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 Detroit Red Wings. 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 Tampa Bay Lightning
Head-to-Head: Canadiens 0-1 Lightning
US TV: The Spot; ESPN+
Canada TV: TSN2; RDS
Time: 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
We open up NHL predictions with an Atlantic Division matchup between the Montreal Canadiens and the Tampa Bay Lightning. Montreal will Jacob Fowler the start in this game. The Habs are 5-3-2 heading into the first game back since the Christmas break. Nick Suzuki leads the team in points so far this season with 42.
Jonas Johansson will likely draw the start for Tampa Bay after Andrei Vasilevskiy got the win in goal against the Florida Panthers. The Lightning are 5-4-1 in their previous 10 games, including victories in three consecutive games. Nikita Kucherov leads the team in both assists (32) and points (47) so far this campaign.
Tampa Bay is on a roll but is coming off a hard-fought game against Florida. Montreal should be rested for this game.
Prediction: Canadiens win 4-3.