{"id":484927,"date":"2026-03-08T09:47:58","date_gmt":"2026-03-08T13:47:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=484927"},"modified":"2026-03-08T09:47:58","modified_gmt":"2026-03-08T13:47:58","slug":"nhl-predictions-march-8-minnesota-wild-vs-colorado-avalanche","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/03\/08\/nhl-predictions-march-8-minnesota-wild-vs-colorado-avalanche\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL Predictions: March 8 Minnesota Wild vs Colorado Avalanche"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span>Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at\u00a0<\/span><em>Last Word On Hockey<\/em><span> 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 Minnesota Wild taking on the Colorado Avalanche<\/span><span>. Don\u2019t forget to check out more\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/category\/nhl-predictions\/\" target=\"_self\">NHL Predictions<\/a>, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>NHL Predictions<\/h2>\n<h2>Minnesota Wild vs Colorado Avalanche<\/h2>\n<h3>Head-to-Head: Wild 2-1 Avalanche<\/h3>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/full-guide-for-how-to-stream-and-watch-nhl-hockey-games\/\" target=\"_self\">How to Watch<\/a>:<span>\u00a0<\/span><strong>US TV: TNT; TruTV; HBO Max. Canada TV: Sportsnet+; TVA Sports.<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Time:<\/strong> 2\u00a0p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)<\/p>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.thescore.com\/nhl\/events\/32116\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Our first and featured game<\/a> of NHL predictions is the last regular season battle between the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/03\/06\/the-minnesota-wild-wanted-to-shed-some-salary-and-florida-answered\/\" target=\"_self\">Minnesota Wild<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/03\/06\/calgary-flames-trade-stanley-cup-champion-to-avalanche\/\" target=\"_self\">Colorado Avalanche<\/a>. <span><a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/g\/gustafi01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-03-08_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Filip Gustavsson<\/a> is the expected starter for the Wild but always monitor social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. Minnesota is 8-2 in the previous 10 games, including victories in its last two games. <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/k\/kapriki01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-03-08_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kirill Kaprizov<\/a> is first on the team in assists (40) and points (75).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/blackma01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-03-08_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mackenzie Blackwood<\/a> is the projected starter for Colorado, which is 7-3 in its last 10 games. The Avalanche have taken their last four games in a row, including a shootout win over the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/03\/08\/nhl-predictions-march-8-chicago-blackhawks-vs-dallas-stars\/\" target=\"_self\">Dallas Stars<\/a> on Friday night. <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/mackina01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-03-08_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nathan MacKinnon<\/a> leads the way with 42 goals and 61 assists for 103 points.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Both teams are playing well, and this could be a Stanley Cup Playoff preview. However, the Avs should get the victory.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Avalanche win 4-2.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"yKq_BHGrTVJ6Zg4n6tVlFw\" class=\"gie-single\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/2041453670\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'yKq_BHGrTVJ6Zg4n6tVlFw',sig:'tfbo1kGLBi3srVfNJGEsA_F6h4dblCLYVZVsaSDkzS0=',w:'594px',h:'416px',items:'2041453670',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n<h2>Tampa Bay Lightning vs Buffalo Sabres<\/h2>\n<h3>Head-to-Head: Lightning 1-1 Sabres<\/h3>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/full-guide-for-how-to-stream-and-watch-nhl-hockey-games\/\" target=\"_self\">How to Watch<\/a>:<span>\u00a0<\/span><strong>US TV: The Spot; MSG Buffalo; ESPN+. Canada TV: Sportsnet+.<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Time:<\/strong> 6 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)<\/p>\n<p>We have another big-time matchup in our NHL predictions as the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/03\/06\/veteran-forward-returns-to-the-tampa-bay-lightning\/\" target=\"_self\">Tampa Bay Lightning<\/a> visit the<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/03\/06\/buffalo-sabres-acquire-depth-forward-from-new-york-rangers\/\" target=\"_self\"> Bufalo Sabres<\/a>. <span><a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/search\/search.fcgi?pid=johanjo03,johanjo02&amp;search=Jonas+Johansson&amp;utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-03-08_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jonas Johansson<\/a> is the probable starter for Tampa Bay after playing the night before. The Lightning are 6-4 in their last 10 games but stopped a four-game skid Saturday night against the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/03\/07\/nhl-predictions-tampa-bay-lightning-toronto-maple-leafs-march-7\/\" target=\"_self\">Toronto Maple Leafs<\/a>. <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/k\/kucheni01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-03-08_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nikita Kucherov<\/a> has hit 100 points again with 32 goals and 68 assists for 100 points.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/l\/luukkuk01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-03-08_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen<\/a> is the likely starter for Buffalo and is looking for his fifth straight win in between the pipes. The Sabres have been red-hot with a 7-2-1 record in their previous 10 games, including six consecutive victories. <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/t\/thompta01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-03-08_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tage Thompson<\/a> leads the team in goals (34), assists (32), and points (66).<\/span><\/p>\n<p>This is an unlikely battle for first place in the Atlantic Division. However, Buffalo gets the win in this one.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Sabres win 4-3.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"5p4NsYA1QtB5NYc6OYCTVQ\" class=\"gie-single\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/2253491431\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'5p4NsYA1QtB5NYc6OYCTVQ',sig:'kcj1Caz23vhJqmJLsjd6p4KKezSBvmRK0cmBfMWmnTw=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'2253491431',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n<h2>Edmonton Oilers vs Vegas Golden Knights<\/h2>\n<h3>Head-to-Head: Oilers 1-0 Golden Knights<\/h3>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/full-guide-for-how-to-stream-and-watch-nhl-hockey-games\/\" target=\"_self\">How to Watch<\/a>:<span>\u00a0<\/span><strong>US TV: ESPN; ESPN+. Canada TV: SN West.<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Time:<\/strong> 6 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)<\/p>\n<p>Our final game of this round of NHL predictions is a Pacific Division battle between the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/03\/02\/report-news-edmonton-oilers-chicago-blackhawks-trade-deadline-defenceman\/\" target=\"_self\">Edmonton Oilers<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/03\/05\/vegas-golden-knights-acquire-experienced-centre-from-capitals\/\" target=\"_self\">Vegas Golden Knights.<\/a> Embattled starter <span><a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/j\/jarrytr01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-03-08_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tristan Jarry<\/a> is the expected starter for the Oilers, who are 4-6 in their last 10 games. Edmonton has made some changes at the deadline, so we&#8217;ll see how the team does. <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/mcdavco01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-03-08_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Connor McDavid<\/a> has already hit the 100-point mark and <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/d\/draisle01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-03-08_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Leon Draisaitl<\/a> <\/span>has 11 points in the last 10 games.<\/p>\n<p><a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/hillad01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-03-08_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Adin Hill<\/a> is the probable starter for the Golden Knights, who are 4-6 in their last 10 games. Vegas also made some changes at the trade deadline to bolster its lineup. <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/e\/eicheja01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-03-08_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jack Eichel<\/a> is first on the team in assists (49) and points (70).<\/p>\n<p>Both teams have been inconsistent in this recent stretch. However, Edmonton seems to find a way to beat Vegas.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Oilers win 5-3.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Best Bets<\/h3>\n<p>We close out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. Let&#8217;s go back to our featured game for our preferred props. The over\/under for the Wild versus the Avalanche is 6.5, and we like the under in this game.<\/p>\n<p>As for individual props, go with <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/n\/nelsobr01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-03-08_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Brock Nelson<\/a> to get a goal for Colorado. On the Minnesota side of things, take <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/boldyma01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-03-08_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Matt Boldy<\/a> to get at least a point.<\/p>\n<p><em>Main photo by:\u00a0Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images<\/em><\/p>\n<div class=\"code-block code-block-24\">\n<p><em><strong>Please play responsibly, check for your local rules and age restrictions; some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at\u00a0Last 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 Minnesota Wild taking on the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2352,"featured_media":463366,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4524,28,4547,30,4548],"tags":[6254,6085,6017,6012,6391,6019],"class_list":["post-484927","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nhl-predictions","category-avalanche","category-hockey","category-wild","category-nhl","tag-buffalo-sabres-predictions","tag-colorado-avalanche-predictions","tag-edmonton-oilers-predictions","tag-minnesota-wild-predictions","tag-tampa-bay-lightning-predictions","tag-vegas-golden-knights-predictions"],"modified_by":"Dan Mount, Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/484927","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2352"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=484927"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/484927\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":484928,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/484927\/revisions\/484928"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/463366"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=484927"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=484927"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=484927"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}