NHL December 10, 2025

Here's the thing about this matchup - you're getting two of the most talented rosters in the NHL going head-to-head in one of hockey's toughest buildings. The Avalanche roll into TD Garden with Nathan MacKinnon playing at an MVP level, but Boston's home ice advantage is no joke. The Bruins rarely lose at home, and their physical style tends to frustrate finesse teams.

Colorado's depth scoring has been inconsistent on the road, and that's a problem when you're facing a Bruins squad that can roll four lines. Jeremy Swayman has been rock solid between the pipes, and he thrives in these spotlight matchups. The Avs will need Alexandar Georgiev to steal one if they want to leave Boston with two points.

I love the under here. Both teams have strong defensive structures when locked in, and the 6.0 total feels generous. Boston will grind this one out, and don't be surprised if it's a 3-2 type of game decided in the final ten minutes.

Original Six hockey at its finest. Toronto comes into Little Caesars Arena looking to bounce back after a frustrating stretch, while Detroit's young core has been finding their rhythm under Derek Lalonde. Auston Matthews is doing Auston Matthews things, but without Mitch Marner (now in Vegas), the Leafs' secondary scoring has been hit or miss.

Detroit's been sneaky good at home this season. Lucas Raymond is emerging as a legitimate top-line talent, and Moritz Seider anchors a defense that's improved significantly. The Red Wings won't roll over, and their speed can cause problems for Toronto's sometimes sluggish blueline.

This feels like a high-scoring affair. Neither team has elite goaltending right now, and both offenses have firepower. The 6.5 total should hit comfortably, and I wouldn't be shocked to see this one go to overtime with how evenly matched these squads are.

Dallas has been one of the league's best teams all season, and they're looking to continue their dominance on this West Coast swing. The Stars' defense is suffocating - they don't give up much, and when they do, Jake Oettinger has been fantastic in net. Jason Robertson and Roope Hintz lead an offense that's both skilled and physical.

Seattle's been a disappointment. After their surprise playoff run a couple years back, the Kraken have regressed, and their inconsistency is maddening. They'll show flashes of brilliance, then disappear for periods at a time. Climate Pledge Arena should be loud, but I'm not sure this roster has the depth to hang with Dallas.

The Stars are road warriors, and they've been printing money as favorites this season. Seattle's goaltending has been shaky, and I expect Dallas to control possession and wear the Kraken down. Take the Stars and the under - this has 3-1 vibes written all over it.

Look, I get that Connor Bedard is must-see TV and the future is bright in Chicago, but the present is rough. The Blackhawks are rebuilding, and it shows. Their defense is porous, their goaltending is inconsistent, and outside of Bedard's magic, the offense sputters. New Jersey should roll here.

The Devils are loaded. Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, and Jesper Bratt form one of the league's best top lines, and their depth is impressive. Jacob Markstrom has been steady in net, giving New Jersey the backstopping they've craved. This roster is built to contend, and games against rebuilding teams are where they pad their record.

The -185 line is steep, but it's justified. Chicago simply doesn't have the horses to keep up. The over might be in play because the Hawks' defense is a sieve, but the Devils should win this one going away. Four or five goal margin wouldn't surprise me at all.

Central Division clash between two teams heading in opposite directions. Minnesota's been one of the league's best stories this season - their defensive structure is elite, Kirill Kaprizov is playing out of his mind, and the goaltending has been phenomenal. The Wild don't beat themselves, and that's half the battle in hockey.

St. Louis is in a tailspin. The Blues' aging core just can't keep up anymore, and their defensive coverage has been abysmal. Jordan Binnington has had his moments, but he's been left out to dry too often. The roster needs a retool, and games like this one expose just how far they've fallen from their 2019 Cup glory.

Minnesota's road record is strong, and they matchup well against St. Louis's struggling offense. The Wild's forecheck will be relentless, and I expect them to control this game from start to finish. Take Minnesota and the under - this one's gonna be a grind.