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 Carolina Hurricanes taking on the Montreal Canadiens. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2024-25 season.
NHL Predictions
Carolina Hurricanes vs Montreal Canadiens
Head-to-Head: Hurricanes 1-1 Canadiens
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: Sportsnet; Fan Duel Sports South; ESPN+
We open up NHL predictions with our featured matchup between the Hurricanes and Canadiens. Pyotr Kochetkov is the expected starter for the Hurricanes, but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. Carolina has already clinched a first-round series, so keep an eye on its lineup. Jackson Blake has netted six goals and three assists over the past 10 games.
Montreal will likely go with Sam Montembeault in goal for this game. The Canadiens just need one point to clinch a post-season spot. However, Montreal is 6-2-2 in the last 10 games, which includes three straight losses. Cole Caufield has recorded 37 goals and 32 assists for the Habs.
The pressure is on Montreal, but it gets the job done.
Prediction: Canadiens win 3-2.
Detroit Red Wings vs New Jersey Devils
Head-to-Head: Red Wings 1-1 Devils
Time: 7:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: TNT; TruTV; Max; Fan Duel Sports Detroit
The Detroit Red Wings visit the New Jersey Devils in the second game of NHL predictions. Detroit is expected to go with Petr Mrazek in between the pipes for this game. The Red Wings are 5-4-1 in the last 10 games and winners of the last two straight. Lucas Raymond is first in assists (51) and points (78) for the Red Wings.
New Jersey is expected to go with Jacob Markstrom in the blue paint for this game. The Devils will be facing the Hurricanes in the first round of the playoffs. New Jersey is 5-4-1 in the last 10 games. Nico Hischier is tops on the team in goals with 35.
It’ll be tough to see how the lineup shakes out, but New Jersey should get the win.
Prediction: Devils win 4-3.
Edmonton Oilers vs San Jose Sharks
Head-to-Head: Oilers 3-0 Sharks
Time: 10:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: SN1; SN West; NBC Sports California; ESPN+
Our last game of NHL predictions has the Edmonton Oilers taking on the San Jose Sharks. Stuart Skinner is the expected starter for the Oilers, who are 6-4 in the last 10 games. However, the injury-depleted Edmonton roster is coming off a loss. Leon Draisaitl is first in goals (52) and points (106) for the Oilers.
Alexandar Georgiev is the projected starter for the Sharks, who have lost 10 straight games. San Jose has only earned three points during this stretch and is looking for some positivity to end the season. Macklin Celebrini is trying to cap his rookie season on a strong note and add to his 63 points.
Edmonton is banged up, but should get the victory.
Predictions: Oilers win 5-3.
Prop Bets of the Night
We round out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. Let’s go back to our featured game for our preferred props. Go with Sebastian Aho to score in this game, but check the lineups to make sure he’s playing. For Montreal, go with Nick Suzuki to get a power-play point in this game.
Main photo by: James Guillory-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: April 16 Carolina Hurricanes vs Montreal Canadiens appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.