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. We also have a featured game of the day, which is considered must-watch TV. Today’s featured game is the Anaheim Ducks vs Colorado Avalanche. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024-25 season continues.
NHL Predictions
Anaheim Ducks vs Colorado Avalanche
Time: 9 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
This round of NHL predictions has the Ducks taking on the struggling Avalanche. Anaheim has two wins in the team’s first three games. It’s early, but the Ducks have been a nice surprise this season.
Colorado has gone on the other end of the scale and has lost the first four games. Both the Avs and the Nashville Predators have been off track this campaign. Many thought that one team would be struggling while the other was off to a good start. However, the roles are seemingly reversed.
Let’s take a look at this Western Conference matchup in NHL predictions. It’s our third of three predictions for this light Friday night slate.
The Ducks Story
Anaheim has gotten off to a good start so far this season. Lukas Dostal is the expected starter for the Ducks, but always check social media before locking in a starter. Dostal is 2-0 with a 1.98 goals-against-average and .933 save percentage.
The Ducks have spread it around so far this season. Pavel Mintyukov and Troy Terry each have the team-lead in goals while four others each have two points. It’s early, but it’s nice to see the wealth get shared by this rebuilding team.
The Avalanche Story
While Anaheim has been surprising, Colorado has been disappointing. Many people are pointing the finger at Alexandar Georgiev as one of the main reasons for the team’s struggles. The Bulgarian is the expected starter for the Avalanche in this one.
Cale Makar is leading the way in points with eight while Mikko Rantanen is first in goals with four. The Avalanche have been scoring goals, but have been leaking goals. Colorado has given up 6.25 goals per game. The team needs to figure things out on the back in order to turn things around.
Prediction
Anaheim has played well and got a win over the Utah Hockey Club as one of its two victories. Dostal has been doing fairly well in goal while John Gibson has been out to start the season.
However, Colorado is a talented team and can go on a run if things can get right. The key is for the Avalanche to get better goaltending and defence in order to get their first victory. Colorado should be motivated to finally get into the win column.
Prediction: Avalanche win 5-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
We take a look at a few prop bets to round out this edition of NHL predictions. With Anaheim having so much balance, it’s hard to get a read on who would be a smart play. Trevor Zegras is getting +135 on the over of 2.5 shots on goal at Bet365.
For Colorado, Makar is getting +110 on an over bet of 1.5 points. Makar has been averaging two points per game, so it might be a smart play to go with the standout blueliner. The over/under is set at 6.5 with the over getting -125 and the under at +105.
Main photo by: Yannick Peterhans-Imagn Images
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