Colorado, which has eclipsed the 100-point mark in each of the past four seasons, won three of its first four contests, and its lone blemish was a shootout loss to the Dallas Stars. The Avalanche entered Week 2 with an NHL-high seven points, one more than the two-time reigning Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers and Boston Bruins.

The NHL suspended a player for the first time this season on Friday, handing him a one-game ban for cross-checking an opponent.

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.

Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky has reached agreement on a multi-year contract extension to remain as an NHL analyst with Turner Sports.

Detroit ultimately capitalized on a late mistake when Morgan Rielly iced the puck with 45 seconds remaining. Off the ensuing faceoff, the Red Wings’ Mason Appleton scored the game-winner, sealing a 3–2 victory and spoiling Easton Cowan’s debut.

EA Sports has conducted a full season sim for the 2025-2026 NHL Season using NHL 26, and it seems the Vegas Golden Knights will be hoisting the Stanley Cup in June.

The Toronto Maple Leafs host the Detroit Red Wings at Scotiabank Arena on Monday, Oct. 13 at 2 p.m. ET. The matchup airs on ESPN+. Toronto fell in a 6-3 loss on the road its last time out on Oct. 11 against the Detroit Red Wings.