Puck drop is set for 12:00 pm AEDT on Thursday, 29 Oct at Ball Arena as the Colorado Avalanche play host to the New Jersey Devils. Colorado sits 16th on the overall ladder with a 6-5-1 record, averaging 4.08 goals for per game across the season. Meanwhile, New Jersey comes into this clash ranked 13th with a 7-4-0 record and a dominant 60.6 corsiPct. If you are following our nhl predictions, this inter-conference matchup shapes up as a cracker.
The numbers say both squads possess major firepower up front. Nathan MacKinnon leads the way for Colorado with 7 goals and 14 assists, supported by Martin Nečas (6G, 10A) and Artturi Lehkonen (10G, 4A). For the Devils, Jack Hughes has racked up 3 goals and 9 assists alongside Jesper Bratt (2G, 8A) and Arseny Gritsyuk (6G, 3A). New Jersey also boasts a 20.59 powerPlayPct compared to Colorado's 17.95, giving the visitors a subtle edge on special teams.
Who Will Win the Contest?
Colorado enters this home fixture looking to bounce back from their most recent result on Monday, 26 Oct, where they dropped a 6–2 decision against the Nashville Predators on the road. Across their last 5 overall games, the Avs hold a 2–3 record, averaging 3.6 goals for and 3.6 goals against per game. However, their home form tells a stronger story: Colorado has recorded two victories from two home games in their recent sample, defeating Pittsburgh 5–2 and Tampa Bay 6–3 at Ball Arena.
New Jersey jumps off the page with serious momentum, coming off a 3–1 win against the Los Angeles Kings on Sunday, 25 Oct. That victory sealed a three-game winning run after earlier triumphs over Anaheim (4–1) and Colorado (4–3). Across their past five overall starts, the Devils have posted four wins, averaging 4 goals for while holding opponents to just 2 goals against. Their strong defensive record is backed by an impressive 60.6 corsiPct, demonstrating how effectively they control puck possession.
Looking at the recent head-to-head history, New Jersey holds recent bragging rights after claiming a 4–3 win against Colorado on Wednesday, 21 Oct. Colorado is installed as the 1.65 favourite in the head-to-head market, while New Jersey offers value at 2.25. Given the Devils' four wins from their last five outings and their previous victory over the Avs just last week, New Jersey rates a real chance to deliver as underdog value. That gives the away side a big tick on the board.
Tipped at $2.25 · . Opinion, not a guarantee. Gamble responsibly — 18+.
Head-to-head context
Season and last-five scoring — context for the match-winner market.
Leading scorers
Season goals and assists.
Colorado Avalanche
| Player | G-A |
|---|---|
| Nathan MacKinnonC | 10G 20A |
| Martin NečasC | 10G 14A |
| Cale MakarD | 5G 18A |
New Jersey Devils
| Player | G-A |
|---|---|
| Jack HughesC | 10G 17A |
| Jesper BrattW | 4G 16A |
| Arseny GritsyukRW | 8G 8A |