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 Vancouver Canucks taking on the Chicago Blackhawks. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.
NHL Predictions
Minnesota Wild vs Washington Capitals
2024-25 Season Series: Wild 2-0 Capitals
U.S TV: Monumental Sports Network; Fan Duel Sports Wisconsin; ESPN+
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
Our first game of NHL predictions has the Minnesota Wild taking on the Washington Capitals. Filip Gustavsson is the expected starter for Minnesota, but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy goalie. The Wild are top 10 in goals scored with 3.5 per game. However, they’ve given up 3.75 per game in a small sample size. Kirill Kaprizov leads the way with nine points so far this season for Minnesota.
Logan Thompson is the projected starter for Washington, which has won three straight after dropping the season-opener. The Capitals are near the bottom when it comes to goals scored, with 2.25. However, they’ve only given up an average of 1.75 goals per game. Aliaksei Protas and Tom Wilson are tied for the team lead in points with five.
The Capitals have been fairly solid on defence, and that should carry them to the win.
Prediction: Capitals win 3-2.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Detroit Red Wings
2024-25 Season Series: Lightning 2-2 Red Wings
U.S TV: The Spot; Fan Duel Sports Detroit; ESPN+
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
It’s an Atlantic Division matchup between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Detroit Red Wings in our next game of NHL predictions. Tampa Bay is off to a slow start with three losses in the first four games. Andrei Vasilevskiy is the projected starter, but has struggled to start the campaign. Brayden Point and Jake Guentzel are tied for first on the team in points with five.
John Gibson is the confirmed starter for Detroit, which has taken three consecutive games after losing the season-opener. Cam Talbot has backstopped the three victories, but Gibson gets the call in this one. Alex DeBrincat leads the Red Wings in points with six, but Mason Appleton is the surprise leader in goals with three.
Detroit has been strong the last few games, but Tampa Bay should get back on track.
Prediction: Lightning win 4-2.
Vancouver Canucks vs Chicago Blackhawks
2024-25 Season Series: Canucks 3-0 Blackhawks
U.S TV: Chicago Sports Network; ESPN+
Canada TV: SN Pacific
Time: 8:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
Our featured game of NHL predictions has the Canucks looking to win their second game in as many nights. Kevin Lankinen is the expected starter after Thatcher Demko got the victory over the Dallas Stars the night before. Vancouver has spread the wealth around so far this season, with five players being the joint-leaders in points with three. Kiefer Sherwood, Brock Boeser, and Filip Chytill are all tied for first on the team in goals with three.
Spencer Knight is the likely starter in the blue paint for Chicago, which has taken two wins in a row. The Blackhawks are averaging 3.6 goals per game and only giving up 2.8 per game. Frank Nazar, Connor Bedard, and Teuvo Teravainen are sharing the team lead in points with five. Ilya Mikheyev is first in goals scored with three.
Chicago looks like a much-improved team, but Vancouver should get the victory.
Prediction: Canucks win 4-3.
Utah Mammoth vs San Jose Sharks
2024-25 Season Series: Mammoth 2-1 Sharks
U.S TV: Hulu; ESPN+
Time: 9 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
Prediction: Mammoth win 5-3.
Prop Bets of the Night
We close out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. Let’s go back to our featured game of the night for our preferred props. The over/under for the Canucks versus Blackhawks is 6.5 and we think the over gets hit.
As for individual props, go with Nazar to get an anytime goal for Chicago. On the Vancouver side, take Elias Pettersson to get a power-play point.
Main photo by: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
Please play responsibly, check for your local rules and age restrictions; some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
The post NHL Predictions: Oct. 17 Vancouver Canucks vs Chicago Blackhawks appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.