NHL Predictions: December 16th Chicago Blackhawks at Toronto Maple Leafs

As the Toronto Maple Leafs get set to host the Chicago Blackhawks, this matchup feels like one of those games Toronto simply has to have. The Leafs are still searching for consistency and trying to solidify their place in the Stanley Cup Playoff picture, while the Blackhawks are in full rebuild mode. On paper, this should favour Toronto heavily. But as Leafs fans know all too well, games like this can turn uncomfortable quickly if the urgency isn’t there from the opening faceoff. Welcome back to another edition of NHL Predictions with Last Word On Hockey. Today, it’s the Blackhawks at the Leafs

NHL Predictions: Blackhawks vs Maple Leafs and What to Watch

2025–26 Head-to-Head: Blackhawks 1–0 Maple Leafs

Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)

How to Watch: TSN 4, ESPN+, CHSN

Blackhawks are Short-Handed and Searching for Offence

The Chicago Blackhawks enter this matchup short-handed, with Connor Bedard sidelined due to injury. Without their offensive centrepiece, Chicago faces an even steeper challenge in generating scoring chances. Bedard’s absence removes the one player capable of tilting the ice on his own, forcing the Blackhawks to rely on a committee approach that has struggled to produce consistent results all season.

Without him, Chicago’s offensive issues become more pronounced. The Blackhawks lack depth scoring and often have trouble sustaining pressure in the offensive zone. They struggle to create high-danger chances and frequently settle for shots from the perimeter. Defensively, coverage breakdowns and difficulties defending speed through the neutral zone remain ongoing problems, areas the Maple Leafs should be able to exploit with their pace and skill.

Maple Leafs: No Excuses Tonight

This is a game the Maple Leafs need to control. Toronto has the clear edge in talent, depth, and special teams. Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and John Tavares should be able to generate scoring chances against a Blackhawks defence that struggles with pace and structure.

The Leafs’ power play could be a difference-maker. Chicago’s penalty kill has been inconsistent, and Toronto has the shooters to make them pay if they get looks. At five-on-five, the Leafs need to play a direct game get pucks deep, win battles, and avoid getting cute in the neutral zone.

Defensively, the message is simple: don’t give Chicago life. That means limiting turnovers, keeping Bedard to the outside, and avoiding odd-man rushes. In goal, Toronto just needs steady play. They don’t need a steal, they need reliability.

NHL Prediction

Final Score Prediction: Maple Leafs win 5–2

This should be a game Toronto dictates from start to finish. If the Leafs bring the right mindset and don’t take shortcuts, their offensive depth and special teams should be too much for a rebuilding Blackhawks team.

Chicago may hang around early, but over 60 minutes, the Leafs’ talent should create separation. Anything less than two points here would be a missed opportunity.

Best Betting Angles:

Moneyline: Maple Leafs win
Total Goals: Over 6.0
Player Prop: Auston Matthews anytime goal

Main Photo: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

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