The Colorado Avalanche are priced as a sizable 69% road favorite tonight as they visit the Calgary Flames at the Scotiabank Saddledome, with puck drop scheduled for 9 p.m. ET.
My Avalanche vs. Flames prediction is that Colorado will win convincingly.
Read more in my NHL picks for Thursday, Oct. 8.
TOP PICK
Avalanche vs Flames prediction: Avalanche -1.5
Play up to 52%.
The Colorado Avalanche fell 3-2 to Winnipeg on Wednesday, but they still outshot the Jets 39-19 and only lost on a late goal. They now face a winless Calgary Flames team that has been outscored 16-3 through three games.
Colorado ranks second in scoring at 5.33 goals per game, while Calgary sits dead last at just 1.00. Dustin Wolf has also struggled, posting a 6.01 GAA and a .797 SV% in two appearances.
The Avs are on the tail end of a back-to-back, but they went 5-2-2 last season when playing the second night of a road-road back-to-back.
With Colorado’s offensive depth and Calgary’s inability to score or keep the puck out of its net, I like the Avs to create separation.
COVERS INTEL: Colorado owns a 54.6% shot share at 5-on-5 and has outscored opponents 4.93-2.05 per 60 minutes at that strength over three games.
Avalanche vs Flames combo
I expect a high-scoring contest, mostly because of Colorado, and I like Martin Necas to keep generating shot volume.
The Avalanche are producing at an impressive offensive rate, while the Flames have struggled badly both defensively and in front of the net.
Calgary has given up six goals in two of its games and four in another. With Colorado's weapons, I can see the Avs putting four or five away on their own, which means the hosts wouldn't need to contribute much for the Over to cash.
Martin Necas has hit the Over in shots in every appearance this season, averaging 3.66 shots on target per night. The Flames are 21st in shots allowed, and they're allowing an alarming 13 per game to centers.
Avalanche vs Flames combo
- Avalanche moneyline
- Over 6.5
- Martin Necas Over 2.5 shots
Avalanche vs Flames player prop: Cale Makar Over 0.5 assists (59%)
Play up to 62%.
Cale Makar has notched two assists in three games, one primary and one secondary. Makar also owns a 60% individual points percentage, meaning he's recorded a point on 60% of Colorado's goals scored while he's been on the ice.
More importantly, the Avalanche have generated 36 scoring chances and 3.78 expected goals with Makar on the ice, controlling 64.3% of the scoring chances during his minutes. That level of offensive involvement gives him plenty of opportunities to create.
Makar remains a fixture on Colorado's PP1, and against a Calgary team struggling defensively, I like him to set up another goal tonight.
Avalanche vs Flames goal scorer: Nathan MacKinnon anytime goal (48%)
Play up to 55%.
Nathan MacKinnon is off to a fine start, already scoring twice in three outings. He's averaging an impressive 4.33 sog per game, and the superstar leads Colorado with 1.42 individual expected goals.
MacKinnon hasn't had any issues creating quality looks, with a team-best 13 individual scoring chances and 21 unblocked shot attempts through three games.
For what it's worth, MacKinnon has historically dominated Calgary, scoring 20 goals in 33 meetings, and he found the back of the net three times in three matchups last season.
- Top picks: 4-2, +0.89 units
- Combos: 0-6, -6.00 units
Avalanche vs Flames odds
For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.
- Moneyline: Avalanche 69% | Flames 33%
- Over/Under: Over 6.5 (48%) | Under 6.5 (53%)
- Spread: Avalanche -1.5 (47%) | Flames +1.5 (54%)
For the full slate of NHL matchups, check out our NHL odds board!
Avalanche vs Flames trend
The Colorado Avalanche have covered the puck line in 14 of their last 25 away games (+10.95 Units / 43% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends.
How to watch Avalanche vs Flames
| Location | Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary, Alberta |
| Date | Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026 |
| Puck drop | 9 p.m. ET |
| TV | ALT, Sportsnet West |
Avalanche vs Flames latest injuries
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