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 Detroit Red Wings taking on the Toronto Maple Leafs. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.
NHL Predictions
Detroit Red Wings vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Head-to-Head: Red Wings 3-0 Maple Leafs
US TV: HBO Max; TNT; TruTV
Canada TV: Sportsnet; TVA Spor
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
We’ve got one game featuring Original Six and Atlantic Division rivals as the Toronto Maple Leafs host the Detroit Red Wings. It’s the last meeting of the season between the rivals and the Red Wings are going for the season sweep of the Maple Leafs. Detroit is currently sitting in second place in the division, while Toronto occupies sixth in the tightly contested division.
The Red Wings have been a pleasant surprise this season and looking to end their long Stanley Cup Playoff drought. We all know the expectations facing the Maple Leafs, but the team finds themselves outside the playoffs as of today.
This round of NHL predictions takes a glimpse at the statistics and storylines heading into this important divisional game.
The Red Wings Story
Before the start of the season, some were wondering if Detroit general manager Steve Yzerman had what it takes to rebuild the only team he ever played for. Yzerman was the mastermind of the Tampa Bay Lightning‘s roster. However, the “Yzerplan” had yet to really get rolling in Detroit, but the team has finally turned a corner.
John Gibson is the confirmed starter for the Red Wings and has bounced back after a tough start to the campaign. The former Anaheim Ducks netminder is 19-9-1 with a 2.74 goals-against-average and .902 save percentage. Gibson also has three shutouts so far this season.
Lucas Raymond leads the team in assists (38) and points (53) so far this campaign. Alex DeBrincat is first on the club in goals with 26.
The Maple Leafs Story
Toronto is always facing the weight of expectations after losing to the eventual champion Florida Panthers. However, the team has seen some stretches of inconsistent play. The Maple Leafs will also be without William Nylander, who is on injured reserve.
Joseph Woll is the confirmed starter for Toronto, which is 6-2-2 in its last 10 games. Woll is 11-5-3 and has a 2.90 goals-against-average. He also has a .910 save percentage and two shutouts for the Leafs.
John Tavares is second on the team in points with 43 this campaign. Auston Matthews is first on the squad in goals with 25 for Toronto.
Prediction
The Leafs don’t want to lose all four games to the Red Wings this season. However, Detroit is a tough out for any team.
Toronto does have the advantage of playing at home. However, the Red Wings did beat the Leafs in the first game at Scotiabank Arena. Despite this, Toronto should salvage a win.
Prediction: Maple Leafs win 4-3.
Prop Bets of the Night
We close out this round of NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. The over/under for the Red Wings versus the Maple Leafs is 6.5, and we like the over in this game.
As for individual props, take Dylan Larkin to score a goal for Detroit. On the Toronto side of things, go with Matthew Knies to get an assist.
Main photo by: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
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