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 Montreal Canadiens taking on the Boston Bruins. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.
These are also the last NHL predictions before the Christmas break. We want to wish those who celebrate, a joyous holiday season.
NHL Predictions
Dallas Stars vs Detroit Red Wings
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2024-25 Season Series Stars 1-1 Red Wings
US TV: TNT; TruTV; HBO Max
Time: 6:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
We open up this festive edition of NHL predictions with the Dallas Stars meeting the Detroit Red Wings for the first time this season. Jake Oettinger is slated to draw the start for Dallas. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. The Stars are dashing into the break with an 8-2 mark in their previous 10 games, including four consecutive victories. Mikko Rantanen leads the team in points so far with 49.
John Gibson is the projected starter for the Red Wings, who are also in a good run of form. Detroit is 7-2-1 in its last 10 games, including two straight victories. The Red Wings are sitting in first place in the topsy turvy Atlantic Division. Alex DeBrincat leads the team in goals (20) and assists (20) so far this campaign.
This should be a good one, but the Stars should get the victory entering the break.
Prediction: Stars win 4-3.
Montreal Canadiens vs Boston Bruins
Head-to-Head: Canadiens 0-1 Bruins
How to Watch:
US TV: NESN; ESPN+
Canada TV: TSN2; RDS
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Our second and featured game of NHL predictions has another chapter in the old rivalry between the Montreal Canadiens and the Boston Bruins. Jakub Dobes is the confirmed stater for the Habs, who are 5-3-2 in their previous 10 games. Montreal has struggled at the defensive end over the last month. Lane Hutson has been playing well with six points in his last 10 games.
Jeremy Swayman will get the start for the Bruins, who have also lacked consistency as of late. Boston is 5-4-1 in its last 10 games but have dropped three of its last four games entering this matchup. Morgan Geekie and David Pastrnak are tied for the team’s lead in points with 39. However, Geekie already has 25 goals so far this campaign.
These games are always tough to read, but Boston should get the home win.
Prediction: Bruins win 3-2.
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Florida Panthers vs Carolina Hurricanes
Head-to-Head: Panthers 1-0 Hurricanes
How to Watch:
US TV: Scripps Florida; Fan Duel Sports South; ESPN+
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Our final game of NHL predictions is the Eastern Conference Final rematch between the Florida Panthers and the Carolina Hurricanes. Florida is expected to start Sergei Bobrovsky in goal for this game. The Panthers are 7-2-1 in their previous 10 games but did lose to the St Louis Blues last time out. Brad Marchand is turning back the clock with 20 goals and 20 assists for 40 points.
Frederik Andersen is the likely starter for the Hurricanes, who are 6-3-1 in their last 10 games. However, Carolina has dropped its last two games entering this matchup between old Southeast Division rivals. Injuries have piled up as both Seth Jarvis and Jaccob Slavin are both out for the Canes. Sebastian Aho leads the club in points with 31.
Both teams are talented, but Carolina is banged up.
Prediction: Panthers win 4-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
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 Canadiens versus the Bruins is 5.5, and we like the over in this game.
As for individual props, go with Cole Caufield to score a goal for Montreal. On the Boston side of things, take Pastrnak to get at least a power-play point.
Main photo by: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
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