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 taking on the Edmonton Oilers. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.

NHL Predictions
Columbus Blue Jackets vs New Jersey Devils
Head-to-Head: Blue Jackets 1-2 Devils
How to Watch: US TV: Fan Duel Sports Ohio, MSGSN; ESPN+. 

Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)

Our opening game of NHL predictions is the final meeting of the season between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the New Jersey Devils. Columbus is expected to give Jet Greaves the start for this game. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. The Blue Jackets have won nine of their last 10 games, including a five-game winning streak. Things have changed under new head coach Rick Bowness. Kirill Marchenko leads the team in goals (19), assists (27), and points (46).

Jacob Markstrom is the probable starter for the Devils, who are 6-4 in their previous 10 games. However, New Jersey did get a victory in its last time on ice. There’s worry about Jack Hughes not being in the lineup due to a lower-body injury. Nico Hischier leads the club in goals (18) and points (41) for New Jersey.

New Jersey is trying to climb back up the Metropolitan Division standings. However, Columbus seems renewed under Bowness.

Prediction: Blue Jackets win 4-2.

Buffalo Sabres vs Tampa Bay Lightning
2024-25 Season Series: Sabres 1-2 Lightning
How to Watch: US TV: ESPN+; Hulu 

Time: 7:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)

The second game of our NHL Predictions is first meeting of the season between the Buffalo Sabres and the Tampa Bay Lightning. Buffalo is projected to give Colten Ellis the start in goal for this game. The Sabres are 7-2-1 in their last 10 games and trying to desperately end their lengthy Stanley Cup Playoff drought. Tage Thompson is first or tied for first in goals (29), assists (28), and points (57) so far for Buffalo.

Andrei Vasilevskiy is the projected starter and is coming off a goalie fight against Boston Bruins netminder Jeremy Swayman. The Lightning are 8-1-1 in their previous 10 games, including three consecutive victories. Nikita Kucherov is having another great season with 28 goals, 58 assists, and 86 points.

Both teams are coming in hot. However, Tampa Bay has played Buffalo very well over the last few seasons.

Prediction: Lightning win 4-3.

Toronto Maple Leafs vs Edmonton Oilers
Head-to-Head: Maple Leafs 0-1 Oilers
How to Watch: US TV: ESPN+; Hulu. Canada TV: Sportsnet; TVA Sports

Time: 8:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)

Our final and featured game of NHL predictions has the Toronto Maple Leafs trying to keep momentum going against the Edmonton Oilers. Anthony Stolarz is the likely starter for the Maple Leafs, who are 3-5-2 in their last 10 games. However, Toronto has won its last two consecutive games entering this matchup. William Nylander, who recently returned to the lineup, leads the team in assists (33) and points (51).

Tristan Jarry is the projected starter for Edmonton, which is 5-4-1 in its last 10 games. However, the Oilers are coming off a loss to the Minnesota Wild last time on the ice. Edmonton is 15-9-4 at Rogers Place so far this campaign. Connor McDavid has been excellent this season with 34 goals, 61 assists and 95 points so far this campaign.

The Maple Leafs are trying to go into the Winter Olympics with momentum. However, the Oilers should collect the win.

Prediction: Oilers win 5-3.

Prop Bets of the Night

We close out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. Let’s stay with our featured game for our preferred props. The over/under for the Maple Leafs versus the Oilers is 6.5, and we like the over in this game.

As for individual props, take Matthew Knies to get an assist in this game for Toronto. On the Edmonton end of things, take Evan Bouchard to get a power-play point.

Main photo by: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

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