Welcome back to 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. Our featured game of this edition is the Colorado Avalanche taking on the Toronto Maple Leafs. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.
NHL Predictions Colorado Avalanche vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Head-to-Head: Avalanche 0-1 Maple Leafs
How to Watch: US TV: Altitude; NHL Network Canada TV: TSN4; TVA Sports
Time: 1:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Our opening game of NHL Predictions has the Colorado Avalanche trying to avoid the season sweep against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Colorado is expected to give the start to Mackenzie Blackwood in goal. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. The Avalanche are 4-4-2 in their last 10 games, including defeats in four of their previous five games. Despite this recent run of form, Colorado has only lost six times in regulation. Nathan MacKinnon is just three points away from 90 heading into this matchup.
Joseph Woll is the likely starter for the Maple Leafs, who are 5-3-2 in their last 10 games. However, Toronto has dropped three consecutive games and four of its last five games. The Maple Leafs are coming an emotional loss to the Vegas Golden Knights in Mitch Marner‘s return to the Six. Toronto is also feeling the loss of William Nylander and injuries to its defensive group. John Tavares has stepped up with 19 goals and 25 assists for 44 points.
Denver’s sports mind maybe on the Broncos in the AFC Championship game. However, the day will start off with an Avalanche victory.
Prediction: Avalanche win 4-2.
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New Jersey Devils vs Seattle Kraken
Head-to-Head: Devils 1-0 Kraken
US TV: KHN, KONG, MSG SN
Canada TV: Sportsnet
Time: 3 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Our second and final game of NHL Predictions has the New Jersey Devils visiting the Seattle Kraken. New Jersey is projected to give Jacob Markstrom the start in the crease for this game. The Devils are 5-5 in their previous 10 games. However, New Jersey has won its last three games entering this matchup. Nico Hischier leads the club in goals (16) and points (39).
Joey Daccord is the expected starter for the Kraken, who are 3-5-2 in their previous 10 games. This includes losses in five of their last six games. Matty Beniers leads the club in assists (22) and points (33). However, Jordan Eberle is first on the team in goals with 17.
Seattle sports fans are also hoping for the Seahawks in the NFC Championship game. However, the Devils will get the victory.
Prediction: Devils 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 for our preferred prop bets of the night. The over/under for the Avalanche versus the Maple Leafs is 6.5, and we like the under in this game.
As for individual props, take Cale Makar to get a power play point in this game for Colorado. He’s up to 19 points on the year, and is looking to strike at any moment. On the Toronto side of things, take Matthew Knies to get an anytime goal. He only has 12 on the year, but we think he continues to momentum from Friday’s game against the Vegas Golden Knights. In that one, he had three shots on goal and added two assists.
Main photo by: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
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