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. Our featured game of this edition is the Winnipeg Jets taking on the Minnesota Wild. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.
NHL Predictions
San Jose Sharks vs Washington Capitals
Head-to-Head: Sharks 0-1 Capitals
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US TV: Monumental Sports Network; NBC Sports California; ESPN+
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
We open up NHL predictions with the San Jose Sharks visiting the Washington Capitals. Yaroslav Askarov is the projected starter for the Sharks but check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. San Jose is 6-4 in its previous 10 games entering this matchup. However, the Sharks did lose to the Vegas Golden Knights in their last time on ice. Macklin Celebrini is having an awesome second season with the team’s lead in goals (24), assists (46), and points (70).
Logan Thompson is the likely starter for the Capitals, who are 5-4-1 in their last 10 games. Washington did beat San Jose, 7-1, in a game on December 3. However, the Sharks seem to be a much different team than the one that took the ice before Christmas. Tom Wilson leads the way in goals (22) and points (42) so far this campaign.
Both teams are in the mix for a Stanley Cup Playoff spot. However, the Sharks will get a measure of revenge.
Prediction: Sharks win 4-3.
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Seattle Kraken vs Boston Bruins
Head-to-Head: Kraken 1-0 Bruins
How to Watch:
US TV: KHN; KING; KONG; NESN; ESPN+
Time: 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Our second game of NHL predictions has the Seattle Kraken taking on the Boston Bruins in the final meeting for the two teams this season. Joey Daccord will probably get the start after Philipp Grubauer got the call against the New Jersey Devils. Entering Wednesday’s game, Seattle had a 7-1-2 mark in its last 10 games. Prior to the game against the Devils, Jordan Eberle and Matty Beniers are tied for the team lead in points with 29.
Boston is expected to give Jeremy Swayman the nod in this game. The Bruins are 6-3-1 in their previous 10 games, including a four-game winning streak. Many didn’t expect Boston to be in the postseason debate, but Marco Sturm has the team playing well. New father Morgan Geekie leads the club in goals with 25 so far.
Both teams are playing well. However, Boston has more rest after Seattle played on Wednesday night.
Prediction: Bruins win 5-2.
Winnipeg Jets vs Minnesota Wild
Head-to-Head: Jets 1-2 Wild
How to Watch:
US TV: Fan Duel Sports North; Fan Duel Sports Wisconsin X; ESPN+
Canada TV: TSN3
Time: 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Our third and featured game of our NHL predictions has the Winnipeg Jets looking for a split of the season series against the Minnesota Wild. Connor Hellebuyck is the probable starter for the Jets, who are 3-5-2 in their last 10 games. However, Winnipeg has won three consecutive games after an 11-game losing streak. Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor are tied in goals (22), assists (32), and points (54) so far.
Filip Gustavsson is the projected starter for Minnesota, which is 4-2-4 in its previous 10 games. This includes defeats in the Wild’s last two games entering this divisional clash. Despite the losses, Minnesota has at least been getting points in most of its games. Kirill Kaprizov leads the team in assists (27) and points (52) so far this season.
Winnipeg is trying to salvage something out of this season. However, Minnesota should pick up the victory at the Grand Casino Arena.
Prediction: Wild win 4-3.
Prop Bets of the Night
We close out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. Let’s stick with our featured game for our preferred props. The over/under for the Jets versus the Wild is 5.5, and we like the over in this game.
As for individual props, take Josh Morrissey to get an assist for Winnipeg. On the Minnesota side of things, go with Matt Boldy to get a power-play goal.
Main photo by: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images
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