Three cross-conference games offer a neat November 3 theme: strong records, star power and simulations that see little room between the teams. The marquee test sends the 11-4 Edmonton Oilers to face the 9-5 New Jersey Devils. The records give the matchup an early-season edge, but the model expects a tight finish rather than a runaway.
In 200 simulations, GameSim gives New Jersey a 51% win probability and projects a 3.7-3.5 Devils result. That slim margin puts the spotlight on two of hockey’s most dangerous creators: Edmonton’s Leon Draisaitl is projected for 0.7 goals and 0.9 assists, while Connor McDavid’s line calls for 0.4 goals and 1.1 assists. New Jersey’s Jack Hughes is forecast for 0.5 goals and 1.0 assist, with Jesper Bratt projected to add 1.2 assists. If those playmakers find their rhythm, the game’s modest predicted gap could disappear quickly. See the Oilers-Devils prediction.
Dallas and Washington: a dead-even forecast
The Dallas Stars arrive at 8-6 to meet the 8-5 Washington Capitals, and this one is as close as a projection can get: 3.0 goals apiece. GameSim gives Washington a 50% win probability, making the predicted score a reminder that neither side has a clear statistical cushion in this matchup.
Dallas offers several routes to offense. Jason Robertson and Mikko Rantanen are each projected for 1.1 points, with Robertson’s line featuring 0.5 goals and 0.7 assists. Miro Heiskanen is projected for 1.0 point, while Wyatt Johnston is forecast for 0.5 goals. Washington’s Jakob Chychrun projects for 0.9 points, and Dylan Strome for 0.7. In a game with no projected scoring separation, a contribution from the supporting cast could loom large. Explore the Stars-Capitals prediction.
Toronto faces Utah in another narrow call
The Utah Mammoth (9-6) have the better record, but the 8-8 Toronto Maple Leafs get a slight edge in the model. GameSim projects Toronto to win 4.0-3.7, with a 52% probability across 200 simulations.
Auston Matthews is the top projected point producer in this matchup, at 0.8 goals, 0.9 assists and 1.6 points. William Nylander is forecast for 1.3 points, while Toronto’s Gavin McKenna projects for 0.6 goals. Utah’s Clayton Keller could be central to the response, with 1.1 assists and 1.4 points projected; Logan Cooley is forecast for 1.0 point. The close scoreline makes this a compelling test of whether Toronto’s attacking options can match Utah’s playmaking. View the Mammoth-Maple Leafs prediction.
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