Saturday NHL Games: Picks & Predictions for 2025 Season
As another action-packed Saturday arrives in the NHL, fans are treated to a full slate of matchups with playoff-level intensity. From divisional rivalries to heavyweight clashes, this lineup offers something for everyone. Below is your complete Saturday schedule in Eastern Time, along with picks, predictions, who wins, and why, plus where to watch each game.
Let’s break down every matchup on the board.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Florida Panthers – 5:00 PM ET
- Watch: ESPN+, SCRI, The
- Pick: Panthers win
Florida’s balanced offense and strong forechecking should pressure Tampa’s defense, which has struggled with consistency. The Panthers’ depth gives them the edge in this rivalry matchup.
Anaheim Ducks vs Minnesota Wild – 6:00 PM ET
- Watch: ESPN+, FDSN, FDSW, Vict
- Pick: Ducks win
Anaheim’s structured two-way game continues to shine, while Minnesota’s difficulty preventing high-danger chances remains a key weakness. Ducks hold the advantage here.
New York Rangers vs Columbus Blue Jackets – 7:00 PM ET
- Watch: ESPN+, MSG, FDSO
- Pick: Rangers win
The Rangers’ superior goaltending and more dynamic offense make them a safer choice. Columbus competes hard but lacks the scoring punch to match NYR for 60 minutes.
New Jersey Devils vs Washington Capitals – 7:00 PM ET
- Watch: ESPN+, MNMT, MSGS
- Pick: Devils win
New Jersey’s speed creates matchup problems for Washington, whose slower pace and lower offensive upside put them at a disadvantage against the Devils’ attack.
Los Angeles Kings vs Ottawa Senators – 7:00 PM ET
- Watch: ESPN+, FDSW
- Pick: Kings win
LA’s excellent 5-on-5 play and disciplined defensive structure are tough to break down. Ottawa has firepower but lacks the consistency needed to break through.
Boston Bruins vs Montreal Canadiens – 7:00 PM ET
- Watch: NHLN, NESN
- Pick: Bruins win
Boston’s experience and defensive discipline give them the edge in this Original Six rivalry. Montreal’s transition game struggles against elite defensive teams like the Bruins.
Edmonton Oilers vs Carolina Hurricanes – 7:00 PM ET
- Watch: ESPN+, FDSS
- Pick: Hurricanes win
Carolina’s aggressive forecheck and depth scoring pose problems for Edmonton, who remains heavily reliant on top-line production. The Hurricanes’ balanced attack should prevail.
Buffalo Sabres vs Detroit Red Wings – 7:00 PM ET
- Watch: ESPN+, FDSD, MSG-**
- Pick: Red Wings win
Detroit’s speed and improved offense make them the more complete team. Buffalo continues to struggle defensively and gives up too many rush chances.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Chicago Blackhawks – 7:00 PM ET
- Watch: ESPN+, CHSN
- Pick: Maple Leafs win
Toronto’s high-end skill will be tough for Chicago’s thin defensive group to manage. The Leafs’ top-six forwards give them a clear advantage.
Vegas Golden Knights vs St. Louis Blues – 8:00 PM ET
- Watch: ESPN+, SCRI, FDSM
- Pick: Golden Knights win
Vegas controls the puck better, rolls deeper lines, and executes more consistently on special teams. St. Louis remains too streaky offensively.
Philadelphia Flyers vs Dallas Stars – 8:00 PM ET
- Watch: ESPN+, Vict, NBCS
- Pick: Stars win
Dallas’ roster depth and strong defensive identity give them the edge. Philadelphia plays hard but lacks the finishing talent to keep up with the Stars over 60 minutes.
San Jose Sharks vs Seattle Kraken – 10:00 PM ET
- Watch: ESPN+, NBCS, KHN, KONG
- Pick: Kraken win
Seattle’s tight defensive structure and deeper lineup should control a San Jose team that still struggles with consistency and shot suppression.
Winnipeg Jets vs Calgary Flames – 10:00 PM ET
- Watch: ESPN+
- Pick: Jets win
The Flames remain in a downward spiral, and Winnipeg’s stronger offense and goaltending give them a decisive advantage in this Western Conference matchup.