Welcome back to the return of NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are happening and gives our predictions for each one, breaking down head-to-head matchups and other factors that may play in.

Sam Bennett has been slinging pucks on net at an elevated rate so far this season, and our NHL betting picks will be betting on this trend to continue on Thursday night.

SUNRISE, Fla. – Florida Panthers President of Hockey Operations & General Manager Bill Zito announced today that the club has agreed to terms with Head Coach Paul Maurice on a multi-year contract extension.

Paul Maurice, in his usual self-deprecating way, tried to deflect the big news that came out prior to the Florida Panthers’ 5-1 loss to the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday that he signed a multi-year extension with the team. “I’m just thankful, and hopeful, I guess, that the ink dried on that thing,’’ Maurice said postgame after the loss.

Minnesota's Filip Gustavsson continued his sizzling start to the season by making 24 saves, Jake Middleton tied a career-best with three assists.