Three NHL matchups on October 28 offer distinct kinds of intrigue: a Pacific Division meeting with an established gap in the standings, a high-powered cross-conference test in Denver, and a near coin flip in Seattle. The numbers point to close hockey in all three, but the player projections suggest plenty of offensive firepower.
Calgary visits Edmonton in a Pacific Division test
The Calgary Flames arrive with a 5-6 record to face the 8-4 Edmonton Oilers, making this a meaningful early-season divisional check-in. The model expects a tight one: Edmonton by 4.2-3.8, with the Oilers winning 53% of 200 simulations. That projected margin is slim, even as the records give Edmonton the stronger start.
Connor McDavid is projected for 2.6 points, including 2.2 assists, while Leon Draisaitl’s forecast pairs 0.9 goals with 1.0 assist. Calgary has its own playmaking spark in Matthew Coronato, projected for 1.3 assists and 1.7 points; Joel Farabee is forecast for 1.4 points. The central question is whether the Flames can turn those attacking contributions into enough pressure to keep pace with an Oilers side led by its star duo. See the Calgary-Edmonton prediction.
Devils bring an 8-4 start to Colorado
The New Jersey Devils have the better record at 8-4, but the model gives the 6-6 Colorado Avalanche a 56% win probability and a 5.1-4.2 projected edge. It’s a forecast built for a lively night: both teams are projected to clear four goals.
Nathan MacKinnon headlines the projections with 2.2 points, while Cale Makar and Martin Necas each land at 1.4. New Jersey’s Jack Hughes is forecast for 1.6 points, with Jesper Bratt at 1.1. If Hughes and Bratt can keep the Devils in the offensive conversation, the pressure shifts to Colorado’s defense to contain a strong start from the visitors. Explore the Devils-Avalanche prediction.
Seattle gets a narrow home opportunity
The Toronto Maple Leafs (7-7) and Seattle Kraken (7-5) are separated by little in the simulation: Seattle is projected to win 3.6-3.4, with a 51% probability. That’s a razor-thin lean, not a comfortable cushion, in a cross-conference matchup.
Auston Matthews is projected for 0.9 goals and 1.2 points, while William Nylander is forecast for 1.0 point. Toronto’s Kirill Marchenko leads the listed projections at 1.4 points; Seattle’s Chandler Stephenson is projected for 1.0. The Kraken have a chance to make home ice count, but the model sees a game that could turn on a single finish. View the Toronto-Seattle prediction.
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