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 New York Islanders 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

New York Islanders vs Montreal Canadiens

Time: 7:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

TV Schedule: TSN2, RDS, ESPN+

This matchup features two Eastern Conference opponents in the heat of the Wild Card race as the season come down the stretch. The Islanders are fifth in the Metropolitan Division through 67 games played. Their record stands at 31-28-3 good for 70 points just three back of the last wild card spot. The Canadiens are the ones holding down that spot currently with 73 points. They sit fifth in the Atlantic Division with a 33-27-7 record after 67 games played. This is the third and final matchup between these two this season. So far, they have split the first two games. The Canadiens taking the most recent one 2-1 in a shootout north of the border inside the Bell Centre. This final meeting will take place on Long Island inside UBS Arena.

The Islanders Story

For the Islanders they come into this game after snapping their three-game losing streak. They did so by starting up a little two-game winning streak. The two wins came in the same fashion, going to the third down 2-0 and coming back to win 4-2 both times. Those were against one of the league’s best in the Florida Panthers. The most recent was against the hated rival Pittsburgh Penguins. These comebacks were led by the unsuspecting players in the lineup. Pierre Engvall nabbing points in both games, including the game winner against the Penguins. Simon Holmstrom scored goals in both games as well. Even the blueline chipped into these games too, Noah Dobson producing three points including two goals in the last two games. For the 26th ranked offence in the league at just 2.70 goals per game, they’ll take offence from wherever they can get it.

Defensively is where things get a little better for this group. In each of the last three games they haven’t allowed more than two goals. For the season they are middle of the pack, sitting 16th in goals-against per game at 2.94. 16th is also where they sit in terms of allowing high danger shots with 138 against on the year. What’s impressive is they’ve stayed in the middle while having the 31st ranked penalty kill in the league at 71.2%. However, goaltender Ilya Sorokin deserves the bulk of that credit, this team goes as he goes. In his last nine outings he has been lights out recording a 6-2-1 record with a .923 SV% and only 21 goals allowed. The season long numbers are solid as well. He holds a 26-20-5 record with a .906 SV% and a 2.72 GAA.

The Canadiens Story

Montreal comes into this game playing well and on a two-game winning streak of their own. Over their last 10 games they are 7-1-2 and have played themselves into a playoff spot. Their 14th ranked offence at 3.00 goals per game has been heating up recently. In seven of those last 10 games, they have scored four goals or more. Montreal is led by Nick Suzuki and his team leading 70 points in 67 games. He has three goals and seven assists just in the month of March. His linemates and he have carried the load offensively for this group. Flanked by Cole Caufield who has 33 goals on the season and has recorded at least one point in eight of his last 10 games. On the other flank 20-year-old Juraj Slafkovsky has been locked in as well. Since the 4 Nations break, he has six goals and five assists in his last 11 games. They are a dangerous trio and have been on fire as of late.

Defensively the Canadiens are not as strong. Despite having the eighth-ranked penalty kill at 81.7%, they still rank 25th in goals against on the season with 3.24 per game. A big reason for that is they allow a lot of quality chances. They have given up the second most high-danger chances with 176 against. However, their goaltender Sam Montembeault has covered up that weakness. He has been unreal since play resumed from the 4 Nations tournament. Over his last eight starts, he hasn’t taken a regulation loss. He boasts a 7-0-1 record with a .922 SV% and a 2.09 GAA. This surge has given him his first 25-win campaign and has pushed the Habs into a playoff position.

NHL Predictions

Both teams have been playing well coming into this matchup. The two sides also seem to be pretty evenly matched on paper. Montreal holding advantages offensively and on special teams. While the Islanders have defensive and goaltending advantages. With a massive two points on the line, the home ice could be the advantage that tips the scales. That is held by the Islanders, so we think they come away with the win in this one.

Prediction: Islanders win 4-3

Prop Bets

Popular sports books have the Islanders as the favourites at -128. We like that line in this game. The over/under is set at 5.5. The Islanders have scored four goals in back-to-back games. The Canadiens have one of the strongest top lines in the league and they have been clicking. For these reasons we like the over at -110. As far as anytime goal scorers for the Islanders take Kyle Palmieri at +190. Coming off a three-point game look for him to keep it rolling in this one. For the Canadiens, take Nick Suzuki at +220. He is having a career year and solidifying himself as one of the top centres in the league. Coming off a goal in his last game a well, look for him to light the lamp again in this game.

Main Photo Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

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Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are scheduled then offers insight and analysis to help predict who will be victorious in head-to-head matchups. Today we are looking at the game between the Ottawa Senators vs Montreal Canadiens. Be sure to check out more NHL Predictions as the 2024-25 season continues.

NHL Predictions

Ottawa Senators vs Montreal Canadiens

Head-to-Head: Devils 1-1 Blue Jackets

Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

TV: TSN2; TSN5; ESPN+

We open up NHL predictions with our featured game between the Senators and the Canadiens. Ottawa is expected to start Linus Ullmark in between the pipes. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. The Senators are 7-2-1 in the last 10 games and this includes six straight victories. Brady Tkachuk has registered 27 goals and 24 assists for Ottawa.

Sam Montembeault is the confirmed starter for the Canadiens, who are 7-1-2 in the last 10 games. The Habs are coming off a 3-1 victory over the Florida Panthers last time out.  Patrik Laine has overcome injuries to get 16 goals with 11 assists for the Canadiens.

Both teams are playing well, but Ottawa continues its winning run.

Prediction: Senators win 4-2.

Detroit Red Wings vs Washington Capitals

Head-to-Head: Red Wings 1-1 Capitals

Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

TV: SN360; Fan Duel Sports Detroit; Monumental Sports Network; ESPN+

The second game of NHL predictions has the Detroit Red Wings visiting the Washington Capitals. Detroit is projected to start Petr Mrazek in between the pipes for this game. The Red Wings are 3-7 in the last 10 games, but did get a victory in their last game out. Alex DeBrincat has collected five goals and added four assists over the past 10 games.

Washington is likely to go with Charlie Lindgren in goal for this game. The Capitals are 6-4 in the last 10 games and are in first place in the Metropolitan Division. Tom Wilson has been averaging over a point a game as of late with three goals and eight assists over the past 10 games for Washington.

This is an important game for different reasons, but the Capitals continue their solid run.

Prediction: Capitals win 5-3.

Winnipeg Jets vs Vancouver Canucks

Head-to-Head: Jets 1-0 Canucks

Time: 10 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

TV: SN Pacific; TSN3; ESPN+

Our last game of NHL predictions has the Winnipeg Jets taking on the Vancouver Canucks. Winnipeg is expected to start Connor Hellebuyck in the crease for this game. The Jets are 6-3-1 in the last 10 games and winners of three straight games prior to this game. Kyle Connor has totaled 36 goals and 49 assists for Winnipeg.

Kevin Lankinen is the projected starter for the Canucks, who are 5-5 in the last 10 games. This also includes a loss in the team’s last outing. Vancouver owns a 27-6-6 record in games they score at least three goals. Elias Pettersson is having a slow season by his standards with 15 goals and 27 assists for the Canucks.

The Jets are playing well, but the Canucks are looking for some mometum.

Prediction: Jets win 4-2.

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 props. For Ottawa, take Drake Batherson to get the over on 0.5 points. On the Montreal end of things, go with Cole Caufield to get a goal on the power play.

Main photo by: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

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Jakub Dobes had one of the best starts possible for a rookie goalie this season. He earned a shutout in his first career game en route to rattling off five straight wins. The young netminder beat the likes of Florida, Washington, Colorado, Dallas, and the Rangers. These are very impressive accomplishments for a rookie goalie on a struggling team. His heroics helped the Canadiens climb back into the playoff conversation and gave them stability in the backup goalie position. However, since his hot start, Dobes has had some lacklustre performances. Still, at only 23 years old, Dobes could be a big part of the team’s goalie solution of the future. Let’s analyze Jakub Dobes with the Montreal Canadiens.

Jakub Dobes Montreal Canadiens and Taking Over for Cayden Primeau

To begin the 2024-25 season, Cayden Primeau was slated as the backup netminder behind Sam Montembeault. However, Primeau got off to a disastrous start. This led to Dobes being called up to replace him in December. Since being sent down, Primeau has been dominant in the AHL. Despite this, it’s not expected that he will receive another shot in the NHL anytime this season.

Dobes has been the better goaltender at the NHL level up to this point in their careers. Dobes (23) is also two years younger than Primeau (25). At this point, Primeau seems to be one of those cases where a player is too good for the AHL but can’t figure it out at the highest level. He’s received every opportunity to succeed but his chances of becoming an NHL goaltender are seemingly passing him by. With Montembeault as the current starter for at least the next two seasons and the younger Dobes outplaying him, if Primeau is to be an NHL goalie it likely won’t be with Montreal.

Dobes and his Up and Down 24-25

As previously mentioned, Dobes got off to a scorching hot start to his NHL career. He has since lost four of his last five games with a 1-2-2 record. He was also pulled in a game against the Lightning after allowing three goals on only eight shots. This isn’t all on Dobes, however, as the team hasn’t always played well in front of him. Similar to the Carey Price era where the Canadiens typically didn’t play well in front of their backup netminders, the Habs have left Dobes out to dry at times.

Regardless, Dobes hasn’t been nearly as good as he was in his first five starts. He has the added benefit of being 6″4 and well over 200 pounds. However, he plays a very unorthodox style and gets beaten cleanly frequently. Still, these struggles are part of the learning curve for a young netminder in his first season in the NHL. With the Canadiens needing victories down the stretch, we likely will only see Dobes in net during back-to-back stints. Montembeault has been the better goalie since the 4 Nations break and they’ll need him to continue to play lights out if they hope to earn a playoff berth.

Dobes’ Future Outlook with the Montreal Canadiens

Dobes could be an integral part of the Canadiens goaltending future. Jacob Fowler hopes to project as the team’s starter long-term. However, he likely won’t be in the NHL for another two seasons at minimum. He will be wrapping up his dominant college career this spring and will need a year or two of seasoning in Laval before making the jump to the NHL. Sam Montembeault is also under contract for another two years so he can bridge the gap until Fowler makes the NHL.

Dobes is a restricted free agent at season’s end but will undoubtedly be extended by Montreal. This means that he should be the backup to Montembeault for the next two seasons. Dobes’ development over the next two years will be a big deciding factor on what to do with Montembeault once his contract expires. If Dobes can prove himself and find consistency, he could be the Montreal Canadiens starting goalie in as little as two years.

Main Photo Credit: Sergei Belski – Imagn Images

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The Montreal Canadiens are deep in the playoff race with less than 20 games remaining. The Ottawa Senators currently occupy the top wild card seed with Montreal only two points out of the second wild card. The Senators beefed up their roster at the deadline with additions like Dylan Cozens and Fabian Zetterlund. This has allowed them to widen the gap between themselves and the pack. With Ottawa beginning to take a stranglehold of the top spot, the Canadiens will have to set their sights on that second spot. However, falling in the second wild card spot might actually be the best case scenario for the Montreal Canadiens.

Montreal Canadiens Wild Card Race

Avoiding the Gauntlet Atlantic Division

The current top seed in the NHL is the Washington Capitals. This means whichever team finishes in the second wild card will face them and be placed in the Metro Division playoff bracket. This would allow for the Canadiens to avoid the gauntlet that is the Atlantic Division. The Atlantic hosts some of the league’s heaviest hitters and is arguably the deepest division in the NHL. The Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers have combined for three of the last four Stanley Cups. They are still juggernaut squads that both beefed up their rosters at the deadline.

The Toronto Maple Leafs also are in the Atlantic Division. They are battling with Florida for the top spot. The Ottawa Senators will have to face one of these squads if they land in the first wild card. The Maple Leafs also added at the deadline with the additions of Brandon Carlo and Scott Laughton. They have one of the best squads they’ve had in years and are no longer an easy team when it comes playoff time. Any team that enters the Atlantic Division bracket will have their hands full and the Canadiens would do best to avoid that side of the bracket.

Metro Division Has Some Question Marks

The Metropolitan Division, in contrast to the Atlantic, is regarded as one of the weakest divisions in the league. They could only have three teams in the playoff picture and all three have their own question marks. Despite the Capitals having the best record in the league, they are not without question marks. Their roster is very unproven and this current rendition outside of Alex Ovechkin and John Carlson have very little playoff experience. They have largely ridden on the backs of Ovechkin’s pursuit of Wayne Gretzky‘s record as well as the stellar play of goaltender Logan Thompson. It’s also never usually a good idea to bet on the President’s Trophy winners to have postseason success, something the Capitals and Ovechkin are very familiar with.

As for the remaining two squads, the Carolina Hurricanes and New Jersey Devils, they both come with issues of their own. The Hurricanes have faced much criticism due to the handling of superstar Mikko Rantanen. Rantanen was acquired from Colorado but only suited up for thirteen games with Carolina before being sent to Dallas. This leaves their forward core without a true star outside of Sebastian Aho. The Devils, on the other hand, had a true superstar in Jack Hughes. However, it was recently announced that Hughes would miss the remainder of the season due to injury. This puts a damper on the hopes of a deep playoff run for a team that was already struggling before Hughes’ injury.

WC2 is More Realistic and Sets Up Better For Draft

The second wild card is first and foremost a more realistic option for the Montreal Canadiens. The Senators seem to be running away with Wild Card one and this sets the Habs up to sneak into that second spot. Columbus, New York, Detroit, and Boston are all in the mix, but the Habs can control their own destiny if they continue to play the way they have coming out of the four nations break.

Falling into the second wild card also comes with one final benefit for Montreal. Grabbing that second wild card likely means the Canadiens were one of the last teams in the league to make the playoffs. This would have them finishing 15th or 16th respectively. This would set up the Canadiens for a better draft position. If they are eliminated in the first round, they would draft somewhere around 17th or 18th. They are also in possession of the Calgary Flames 1st round pick. The Flames are in a similar spot to the Canadiens as they aim for playoffs. With two picks in the 17-20 range, Montreal would be set up nicely for the draft despite making the playoffs. Kent Hughes could even package the two picks to move up in the draft if he wished.

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The Montreal Canadiens locked in Jake Evans, one of their free agents, last week. They inked the forward to a four-year, 2.8 million dollar deal which is a bargain. They now face another big decision with his linemate Joel Armia. The veteran forward has been with the Canadiens since 2018. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent and the team needs to decide whether bringing the 31-year-old back is in their best interest. While UFAs like David Savard and Christian Dvorak will likely hit the market, Armia is a more intriguing player for the Canadiens to hold on to. Montreal opted to keep him past the deadline, but will they resign Joel Armia beyond this season?

Montreal Canadiens Joel Armia

Joel Armia’s value

Armia’s play this season alongside Jake Evans has increased his stock, both for the team and on the open market. It was rumoured that the Canadiens were offered a second rounder in exchange for his services. Kent Hughes’ reluctance to trade him at that price is a testament to how much he is valued within the organization. Armia has registered eleven goals and 25 points, which ranks seventh on the Canadiens. However, he is also one of the league’s most efficient penalty killers.

With Jake Evans receiving just under three million, Armia could easily fetch this price as well, potentially closer to four million on the open market. However, if he wants to stay in Montreal, it will have to be on a team-friendly deal much like Evans. Even if Armia agrees to take a pay cut to remain a Canadien, other factors could prevent his return.

Young players poised to make Canadiens

The Canadiens have one of the NHL’s best group of young players. Many of these prospects are now ready to graduate to the NHL level. We have seen Owen Beck and Joshua Roy thrive in the AHL this season. Both have earned NHL callups throughout the year. Emil Heineman has also cemented himself in the Canadiens bottom-six with his play. Oliver Kapanen, who started the year with Montreal, has been dominant in the SHL this year. Finally, Ivan Demidov, the most electric prospect in the Canadiens system, is expected to come over to Montreal from Russia next season.

With all these young players in the mix, it may be difficult to find the room to justify a Joel Armia return. The veteran contracts to Brendan Gallagher and Josh Anderson also take up spots in the bottom six. These two deals would be hard to move this offseason and the team would eat a lot of money in a buyout scenario.

Verdict

Although the Canadiens likely would want to bring back Joel Armia, it seems unlikely. The forward has earned himself a payday on the open market, one which might be too rich for Montreal’s blood. With the abundance of young players, it is hard to see there being a spot for him next season. The only scenario where an Armia signing would make sense is if Hughes was able to shed one or both of the Gallagher and Anderson contracts.

The fourth line of Heineman, Evans, and Armia has been amazing for Montreal this year. Not to mention the penalty killing of Armia and Evans has helped the team reach the top 10 in that department. The first time in years that Montreal has been in the top 10 in any regard. Moving on from such an effective bottom six forward might not be ideal. However, with the abundance of young talent on the way, it is the right move for the Montreal Canadiens.

Main Photo: Perry Nelson- Imagn Images

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Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are scheduled then offers insight and analysis to help predict who will be victorious in head-to-head matchups. Today we are looking at the game between the Montreal Canadiens vs. Vancouver Canucks. Be sure to check out more NHL Predictions as the 2024-25 season continues.

NHL Predictions

Columbus Blue Jackets vs New Jersey Devils

Head-to-Head: Blue Jackets 1-0 Devils

Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

TV: MSGSN; Fan Duel Sports Ohio; ESPN+

We open up NHL predictions with the Columbus Blue Jackets taking on the New Jersey Devils. Elvis Merzlikins is the expected starter for the Blue Jackets, but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. Columbus 5-4-1 in the last 10 games, but got a victory over the New York Rangers the last time out. Adam Fantilli is coming off a hat trick and has six goals with four assists over the last 10 games.

Jacob Markstrom is the projected starter for the Devils, who are 4-6 in the last 10 games. However, New Jersey did score a win in its last game. Jesper Bratt has collected 17 goals with 53 assists for the Devils.

Both teams are looking for points in this game, but Columbus gets the victory.

Prediction: Blue Jackets win 4-2.

New York Rangers vs Winnipeg Jets

Head-to-Head: Rangers 0-1 Jets

Time: 8 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

TV: MSG; TSN3; ESPN+

The second game of NHL predictions has the Rangers taking on the Winnipeg Jets in Manitoba. Igor Shesterkin is the probable starter for the Rangers, who are 5-3-2 in the last 10 games. Artemi Panarin has been averaging a point a game as of late with five goals and five assists over the past 10 games.

Connor Hellebuyck is the likely starter for the Jets, who are 6-3-1 in the last 10 games. However, Winnipeg is coming off a loss on Sunday entering this matchup. Mark Scheifele has netted 35 goals and 37 assists for the Jets.

It’s another pivotal matchup, but Winnipeg has looked much better as of late.

Prediction: Jets win 3-2.

Montreal Canadiens vs Vancouver Canucks

Head-to-Head: Canadiens 1-0 Canucks

Time: 10 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

TV: SN Pacific; TSN2; ESPN+

Our last game of NHL predictions has the Canadiens looking for the season-sweep over the Canucks. Sam Montembeault is the expected starter for Montreal, which is 5-4-1 in the last 10 games. However, the Habs have lost the last two games prior to this matchup. Calder Trophy candidate Lane Hutson has posted four goals and 43 assists for Montreal.

Kevin Lankinen is the projected starter for the Canucks, who are 5-5 in the last 1o games. Vancouver has seven overtime-losses at home this season. Conor Garland has recorded 16 goals and 21 assists for the Canucks.

This is another important matchup with plenty on the line. However, Montreal takes the win.

Prediction: Canadiens win 5-3.

Prop Bets of the Night

We wrap up NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. Let’s go to our featured game for some of our props. On the Montreal side, go with Cole Caufield to score a goal. For the Vancouver end of things, take Jake DeBrusk to get the over on 0.5 points.

Main photo by: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

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Welcome back to another edition of NHL Rumours brought to you by the crew at Last Word on Hockey. We’re at the eve of the trade deadline, and teams are ready to get to work to make their final roster decisions for their push for Lord Stanley’s Cup. One of those teams is the Montreal Canadiens, who currently sit just two points out of the final wild card position. The Canadiens have decided not to be a full-on seller by signing Jake Evans to a four-year deal, however, they still need to make decisions on a couple of other pending unrestricted free agents who will certainly receive some attention before tomorrow’s deadline. This edition of NHL Rumours focuses on the Canadiens and what they plan to do with Joel Armia and David Savard.

All NHL Rumours come from their original source and are subject to change.

INSIDER TRADING – @DarrenDreger, @PierreVLeBrun & @reporterchris go across the country and look at where each Canadian team stands with two days left until the NHL trade deadline: https://t.co/DTSTdnFC9i pic.twitter.com/rliFyyd1a6

— TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) March 5, 2025

NHL Rumours: Canadiens Exploring Options on Pending UFAs

Rumour: Pierre LeBrun spoke in the latest edition of TSN’s Insider Trading about the Canadiens plans heading into the trade deadline. He mentioned the Canadiens are not looking to move both Joel Armia and David Savard, but could move one for the right deal. 

Analysis: With the Canadiens sitting just two points back of the final wild card position, it’s no surprise that they wouldn’t want to sell off and hurt their chances at making the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Like LeBrun mentions, the Canadiens season was already a success. The goal at the beginning of the year was to play meaningful games in March, and they’re doing just that. They made the next step in their rebuild and are soon ready to become legitimate playoff contenders.

However, there is still work to do. General Manager Kent Hughes needs to weigh his options and figure out what’s best for the team. Fortunately for Hughes, there is no pressure here. They don’t need to trade either player if they don’t get a deal that makes sense to them. They can use them as their own rentals to try to make a run. This could also potentially lead to an extension for either Savard or Armia. As LeBrun states, they don’t need another fourth-round pick, they have plenty of those from years prior. Unless a team is going to step up and make an extremely enticing offer that Hughes cannot refuse, expect to see both remain in Canadiens sweaters after the deadline.

Other Interesting Trade Options for the Canadiens?

The one interesting comment LeBrun made was that what other general managers around the league are hearing is that Hughes is, in fact, looking to make a hockey deal at the deadline. Much like the ones he made for Alex Newhook and Kirby Dach in years past. Hughes would be in the market for another young, NHL-ready player to slot into their lineup and help them immediately as well as in the future.

One name that comes to mind specifically is Trevor Zegras. Zegras sits at number 33 on TSN’s Trade Bait Board, however, he’s been linked to Montreal over the last year or so. At 23 years old and in need of a change of scenery, Zegras fits exactly the type of player Hughes is looking to trade for. Whether or not the two teams could strike a deal remains to be seen. But it’s something hockey fans should keep an eye on.

Main Photo: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

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Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are scheduled then offers insight and analysis to help predict who will be victorious in head-to-head matchups. Today we are looking at the game between the Montreal Canadiens vs. Edmonton Oilers. Be sure to check out more NHL Predictions as the 2024-25 season continues.

NHL Predictions

Utah Hockey Club vs Detroit Red Wings

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

TV: Utah16; Fan Duel Sports Detroit; ESPN+

We open NHL predictions with the Utah Hockey Club visiting the Detroit Red Wings. Newly-extended goalie Karel Vejmelka is the projected starter for Utah. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. Utah is 6-4 entering this matchup, but lost the last time out. Team captain Clayton Keller is first in goals (22) and assists (47) to have a nice 69 points so far this season.

Detroit is expected to counter with Cam Talbot in the crease for this game. The Red Wings are struggling at a bad time with three straight losses prior to this game. However, Detroit is still 5-4-1 in the last 10 games. Lucas Raymond is tops on the team in assists (41) and points (63).

Both teams would love a victory to bolster their playoff chances. However, Detroit gets it done at home.

Prediction: Red Wings win 4-3.

Winnipeg Jets vs Philadelphia Flyers

Head-to-Head: Jets 0-1 Flyers

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

TV: TSN3; NBC Sports Philadelphia; ESPN+

The next game in NHL predictions is the Winnipeg Jets trying to avoid the season-sweep against the Philadelphia Flyers. Winnipeg is likely to go with Connor Hellebuyck in the blue paint for this game. The Jets 7-2-1 in the last 10 games, but have dropped three consecutive after their franchise-best winning streak. Mark Scheifele has been averaging over a point a game as of late for Winnipeg with five goals with six assists over the past 10 games.

Samuel Ersson is the probable starter for the Flyers, who are 4-4-2 in the last 10 games. Rookie standout Matvei Michkov has registered five goals and six assists over the last 10 games for Philadelphia.

The Jets are still a bit sore from the Flyers beating the last time out and need to get back on track.

Prediction: Jets win 5-2.

Montreal Canadiens vs Edmonton Oilers

Head-to-Head: Canadiens 1-0 Oilers

Time: 9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)

TV: SN West; TSN2; ESPN+

Our last game of NHL predictions is our featured matchup with Canadiens taking on the Oilers. Sam Montembeault is the expected starter for Montreal, which has won five straight to put itself back into Stanley Cup Playoff contention. The Habs may be 6-4 in the last 10, but are playing a lot better as of late. Cole Caufield hit the 30-goal mark in Montreal’s last game.

Stuart Skinner is the confirmed starter for the Oilers, who have been struggling as of late. Edmonton has dropped seven of its last 10 games entering this matchup. Leon Draisaitl has been piling up the offence with 45 goals and 47 assists for the Oilers.

Montreal has been hot, but this is a chance for Edmonton to finally get on track at home.

Prediction: Oilers win 4-3.

Prop Bets of the Night

We finish out NHL predictions with some prop bets for the featured game between Montreal and Edmonton. For the Canadiens, take Nick Suzuki to get the over on 0.5 points in this one. On the Oilers end of things, go with Zach Hyman to get a power-play point.

Main photo by: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

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Welcome back to another edition of NHL Rumours from the crew here at Last Word On Hockey. The trade deadline is just two days away, and the trading has already commenced. Teams want to get the upper hand on their opponents by getting deals done quickly rather than waiting for Friday’s deadline. In this edition of NHL Rumours, we focus on the rumour surrounding the teams that kicked tires on Montreal Canadiens forward Jake Evans.

All NHL Rumours come from their original source and are subject to change.

NHL Rumours: Canadiens Received Calls From Multiple Teams on Evans

Rumour: On TSN’s Insider Trading, Pierre LeBrun mentions that the Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets and New Jersey Devils all kicked tires on Jake Evans. 

INSIDER TRADING…

– How Hughes’ injury affects NJ’s deadline
– Jets trying to be aggressive
– Frederic deal gives EDM cap flexibility
– Leafs’ other centre options
– Habs’ patience pays off with Evans
– TB poised to strike ahead of deadline

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— TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) March 4, 2025

Analysis: Jake Evans was one of the most sought-after players up until he signed his new four-year deal on Tuesday. Last week all signs pointed to Evans leaving Montreal. However, with the Canadiens recent surge (being just one point out of the final playoff spot) and a mutual interest between the two parties to get a deal done, they were able to come to terms on a deal that works for both parties.

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun mentions that the Toronto Maple Leafs, New Jersey Devils, and Winnipeg Jets had all reached out the general manager Kent Hughes to try to acquire his services. However, Hughes buckled down and got the deal done with Evans. This was a brilliant move by the Canadiens as Evans has become such an important player for the organization.

LeBrun also mentions Evans certainly left money on the table taking this extremely cap-friendly deal with the Canadiens. This speaks volumes on what Hughes is doing in Montreal. Players are buying into this team, and they don’t want to leave. The Canadiens already have three of their stars locked up long-term in Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkovsky. All of which also signed very cap-friendly deals. As the cap continues to rise, the Canadiens will have more and more room to play with as they try to build this team into a legitimate Stanley Cup Contender.

What This Means

The NHL trade bait board just lost one of the biggest targets, so the teams that were chasing him will now need to look elsewhere to bolster their lineups. The Jets are said to be looking at every option. From scoring forwards to depth forwards to defencemen. Everything is on the table, according to TSN’s Darren Dreger. The Leafs, on the other hand, are in a bit of a tight situation, given their cap. For them to make any moves, they need to move players out. This could create some interesting scenarios as we get closer to the deadline. The Devils are in an even more complicated situation as they assess the Jack Hughes injury.

All of this creates some great storylines heading into this year’s trade deadline, which should create one of the most exciting deadlines to date. There could be some major shuffling for some teams.

Main Photo: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

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