Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the NHL match.
Both clubs are expected to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs this season, but will they secure their spots directly, or will they need to go through a wild card? That's a pressing question given the challenges both teams face. Let's take a closer look.
Vegas Golden Knights
Last season, the Golden Knights kicked off with 11 wins in 12 games, commanding the lead in the Western Conference. They even outperformed the surprise team of that championship, the Vancouver Canucks. However, they later slipped to the second wild card spot. This season, they've seen the departure of forwards Jonathan Marchessault and Chandler Stephenson, who signed lucrative contracts with other teams. Their goaltending has undergone changes, not necessarily for the better. While Adin Hill remains, Logan Thompson has moved to the Washington Capitals. The Golden Knights brought in Akira Schmid and Ilya Samsonov, but they haven't necessarily strengthened their roster. In preseason games, they've maintained an even record of 3:3.
Colorado Avalanche
Nathan MacKinnon is in top form, which is crucial. The current Hart Trophy winner is almost certain to exceed the 100-point mark again. No major players have left, and losing Valeri Nichushkin is not a significant issue for the regular season. In preseason, the Avalanche lost five out of six games, with their only victory coming against the Golden Knights (3:1). While the Avalanche didn't always concede a lot, sometimes just two goals, their own scoring was inconsistent—they scored just one goal in half of their friendlies. This might prove problematic.
Vegas Golden Knights vs Colorado Avalanche Prediction
Last season, the Golden Knights won both head-to-head matches in Las Vegas—4:3 OT and 7:0. They are unlikely to lose in regulation time at least, in this season opener, especially given their unofficial preseason results showing some promise.
