Welcome back to the return of NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are happening and gives our predictions for each one, breaking down head-to-head matchups and other factors that may play in. We also have a featured game of the day, which is considered must-watch TV. Today’s featured game is the Minnesota Wild vs Tampa Bay Lightning. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024-25 season continues.
NHL Predictions
Winnipeg Jets vs Columbus Blue Jackets
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: TSN3; Fan Duel Sports Ohio; ESPN+
We have the Winnipeg Jets visiting the Columbus Blue Jackets in the opening game of NHL predictions. The Jets are projected to go with Connor Hellebuyck in the blue paint for this one. Winnipeg is off to a great start with wins in nine of the first 10 games. Kyle Connor has played a large hand in the Jets hot start with nine goals and 17 points.
Elvis Merzļikins is the likely starter for the Blue Jackets, who have been a pleasant surprise this season. Many thought Columbus would be a pushover, but it has been a problem for a number of teams. Sean Monahan has been extra-motivated and leads the team in goals with five. Kirill Marchenko is tops in assists (7) and points (11) this campaign.
The Blue Jackets are pesky and play hard under Dean Evason. However, the Jets get the victory.
Prediction: Jets win 3-2.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Minnesota Wild
Time: 8 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: Fan Duel Sports Sun; Fan Duel Sports North; Fan Duel Sports Wisconsin; ESPN+
Our second and featured game of NHL predictions has the Lightning visiting the Wild. Some thought Tampa Bay would get off to a great start. However, many didn’t anticipate the Wild being here. Andrei Vasilevskiy is the expected starter in this game for Tampa Bay. Nikita Kucherov is leading in goals (9) and points (17). However, Anthony Cirelli is tops in assists with 10 already.
Minnesota is likely to roll with Filip Gustavsson in the crease for this game. The Wild are off to a 6-1-2 start this campaign with much of that thanks to Kirill Kaprizov. Minnesota’s Russian star is first in goals (5), assists (13) and points (18) for the 2024-25 season.
Both teams have played well, but Minnesota is a great home team.
Prediction: Wild win 4-3.
New Jersey Devils vs Calgary Flames
Time: 9 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: MSGSN2; SN1; ESPN+
Our final game of this Friday night set of NHL predictions has the Calgary Flames hosting the New Jersey Devils. Jacob Markstrom is probable to get the start against his old team. Nico Hischier is off to a blistering start with 10 goals and 15 points already.
Daniel Vladar is the expected starter for the Flames, who have cooled off after a surprisingly good start. Defenceman Rasmus Andersson is leading in goals (4), assists (6) and points (10) this season for Calgary.
The Flames played well to start the season, but the Devils take the road victory.
Prediction: Devils win 5-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
We wrap up this round of NHL prediction with some prop bets of the night. Let’s start with our featured game for some good props. Take Kaprizov as a +125 anytime goalscorer at Bet365.
In the final game for this round of games, take Hischier at +1200 for a two-goal scorer at Bet365. It may seem like high odds, but the Swiss star has been excellent to start the season.
Main photo by: Kim Klement-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: Nov. 1 w/ Tampa Bay Lightning vs Minnesota Wild appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.