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 Chicago Blackhawks 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
Dallas Stars vs Detroit Red Wings
Head-to-Head: Stars 1-0 Red Wings
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: NHL Network; Fan Duel Sports Detroit; Victory
We open up NHL predictions with the Dallas Stars versus the Detroit Red Wings. The Stars are possibly going with Jake Oettinger in net, but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. We could see some different faces in the lineup for Dallas, which already has home ice in the first round. The Stars are 5-3-2 in the last 10, but have dropped five straight games. Matt Duchene is first in assists (51) and points (81) for Dallas.
Cam Talbot is the projected starter for Detroit, which will miss the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the ninth straight season. The Red Wings are 5-4-1 in the last 10 games entering this matchup. Alex DeBrincat has been a bright spot with the team’s lead in goals at 36.
We could see different lineups with nothing to play for, but Dallas gets back on track.
Prediction: Stars win 4-2.
Chicago Blackhawks vs Montreal Canadiens
Head-to-Head: Blackhawks 1-0 Canadiens
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: Amazon Prime Video (Canada); ESPN+; Chicago Sports Network
Our featured game of NHL predictions has the Blackhawks trying to play spoiler against the Canadiens. Spencer Knight is the expected starter for Chicago, which is 3-5-2 in the last 10 games. The Blackhawks did beat the Habs earlier in the season, but Montreal is a different team. Ryan Donato has generated 31 goals and 30 assists for Chicago.
Sam Montembeault is the projected starter for the Canadiens, who are 6-3-1 in the last 10 games. However, Montreal has lost the last two games in a row. A win will get the Habs back into the post-season for the first time since 2021. Nick Suzuki has registered 29 goals with 58 assists for the Canadiens.
The pressure is on Montreal, but it finally gets the job done.
Prediction: Canadiens win 4-1.
Los Angeles Kings vs Edmonton Oilers
Head-to-Head: Kings 2-1 Oilers
Time: 10 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: Amazon Prime Video (Canada); ESPN+; Fan Duel Sports West
Our last game of NHL predictions is a preview of the opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Los Angeles Kings take on the Edmonton Oilers and will likely start Darcy Kuemper in between the pipes. Los Angeles is 7-3 in the last 10 games and have taken the last two in a row. Kevin Fiala has posted eight goals over the last 10 games for the Kings.
Edmonton is expected to go with Calvin Pickard in the crease for this game. The Oilers 6-4 in the last 10 games and have won the last three consecutive games. Edmonton is doing this despite injuries some important players. Defenceman Evan Bouchard has collected 14 goals and 53 assists for the Oilers.
Both teams may have different lineups, but the Kings pick up the victory.
Prediction: Kings win 4-3.
Prop Bets of the Night
We wrap up NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. Let’s go back to our featured game of the night for our props. We like Connor Bedard to get a power-play point in Chicago. For Montreal, take Cole Caufield to score a goal in this one.
Main photo by: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: April 14 Chicago Blackhawks vs Montreal Canadiens appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.