Welcome back to another 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. For this edition, we will look at the Colorado Avalanche taking on the Vegas Golden Knights. 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 Vegas Golden Knights
2024-25 Season Series: Avalanche 2-1 Golden Knights
U.S TV: Scripps Vegas; Altitude; ESPN+
Canada TV: SN1
Time: 4 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
Our first game of NHL predictions on this Halloween has the Avalanche taking on the Golden Knights. Mackenzie Blackwood could make his season debut in between the pipes. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. The Avs are coming off a victory last time out. Nathan MacKinnon is off to a fast start with nine goals and 17 points, while Cale Makar is leading in assists with 12.
Akira Schmid is the projected starter for the Golden Knights, who have done well despite the loss of Adin Hill. Vegas is 3-0-1 in its first four home games of the season. Jack Eichel is first in goals (8) and points (19) so far this campaign for the Golden Knights. Eichel is tied with Mark Stone for first in assists with 11.
This should be a good game, but the Golden Knights will get the treat of a victory.
Prediction: Golden Knights win 4-3.
New York Islanders vs Washington Capitals
Head-to-Head: Islanders 0-1 Capitals
U.S TV: Monumental Sports Network; MSGSN: NHL Network
Canada TV: SN1
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
Our second game of NHL predictions has the New York Islanders taking on the Washington Capitals. Ilya Sorokin will likely get the start with David Rittich playing on Thursday night. Going into Thursday’s games, Bo Horvat was leading in goals (6) and points (11). However, Anders Lee and Mathew Barzal lead in assists with six.
Logan Thompson is the probable starter for the Capitals, who have lost two consecutive games like the Islanders. Washington beat New York, 4-2, on October 11 thanks to a pair of goals from Aliaksei Protas. Tom Wilson leads the club in goals (6) and points (11), while Dylan Strome is first in assists with eight.
Both teams need a victory, but the Capitals get the feeling of receiving a full-sized candy bar.
Prediction: Capitals win 4-1.
Detroit Red Wings vs Anaheim Ducks
2024-25 Season Series: Red Wings 1-1 Ducks
U.S TV: Fan Duel Sports Detroit; KCOP; ESPN+
Canada TV: SN1
Time: 10 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
Our last game of NHL predictions has John Gibson and the Detroit Red Wings returning to the Honda Center to play the Anaheim Ducks. Gibson is the confirmed starter and will take on his old team. The Red Wings will be playing the second game in as many nights after taking on the Los Angeles Kings. Heading into Thursday’s games, Dylan Larkin is first in goals (8), assists (8), and points (16). Alex DeBrincat also has eight assists so far for Detroit.
Lukas Dostal is the expected starter for the Ducks, who are 5-3-1 in the first 10 games of the season. There will be plenty of emotion with Gibson returning home. Leo Carlsson is tied for first in assists (7) with Troy Terry. However, Cutter Gauthier is tops in goals with six.
Both teams are off to good starts, but Detroit gets the victory.
Prediction: Red Wings win 4-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
We round out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. Let’s go back to our featured game for our preferred props. The over/under for this game is 6.5, and we like the over in this game.
As for individual props, go with Martin Necas to get an anytime goal for the Avalanche. For the Golden Knights, take Pavel Dorofeyev to record a power-play goal.
Main photo by: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: Oct. 31 Colorado Avalanche vs Vegas Golden Knights appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.