Avalanche vs. Flames prediction: Why Colorado is favored to win Thursday's NHL matchup [10/8/2026]

Using innovative machine learning and data analysis, we have re-simulated the result of Thursday's NHL game between the Avalanche and Flames, forming part of our NHL predictions coverage.

Our leading predictive model currently gives the Avalanche a 66.0% chance of defeating the Flames. According to our model, the Flames (+1.5) have a 56.2% chance of covering the puck line, while the 6-goal over/under has a 51.3% chance of staying under.

Latest betting odds

We have sourced the best NHL odds in America for this game, which are listed here:

• Puck Line: Avalanche -1.5 (+107) / Flames +1.5 (-118)
• Moneyline: Avalanche -233, Flames +205
• Total: Over/Under 6 (-127/+107)

All odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.

Model picks and best bet

After matching our predictions against the best available odds, we can reveal our picks for each of the major markets in this matchup. Plus, find our best bet for the game below:

• Puck line: Flames +1.5 @ -118 via BetMGM
• Moneyline: Flames @ +205 via BetRivers
• Total: Under 6 @ +107 via bet365

According to our best NHL bets, the top play to make on this game is Under 6 total goals.

These picks are based on our probabilities matched against the implied probabilities from the current available odds.

Avalanche vs. Flames player props

Who will score a goal in Avalanche vs. Flames?

According to our model, Nathan MacKinnon is most likely to score an anytime goal in Avalanche vs. Flames.

Our projections give MacKinnon a 39.4% chance of scoring a goal at Scotiabank Saddledome, while the star is an 8.2% chance of netting the first goal the game.

Anytime goal scorer predictions

Colorado Avalanche

• Nathan MacKinnon: 39.4% probability
• Martin Necas: 34.4% probability
• Brock Nelson: 30.7% probability
• Artturi Lehkonen: 30.3% probability
• Parker Kelly: 20.9% probability

Calgary Flames

• Matthew Coronato: 26.8% probability
• Morgan Frost: 25.7% probability
• Joel Farabee: 23.2% probability
• Yegor Sharangovich: 22.7% probability
• Mikael Backlund: 19.6% probability

First goal scorer predictions

Colorado Avalanche

• Nathan MacKinnon: 8.2% probability
• Martin Necas: 7.1% probability
• Artturi Lehkonen: 6.1% probability
• Brock Nelson: 5.1% probability
• Nazem Kadri: 4.0% probability

Calgary Flames

• Morgan Frost: 5.2% probability
• Matthew Coronato: 4.8% probability
• Joel Farabee: 4.7% probability
• Yegor Sharangovich: 4.4% probability
• Mikael Backlund: 3.4% probability

Game info & puck drop details

Thursday's game between the Flames and Avalanche at Scotiabank Saddledome is scheduled to start at 9:00 PM ET.

• Who: Colorado Avalanche vs. Calgary Flames
• Date: Thursday, October 8, 2026
• Time: 9:00 PM ET/6:00PM PT
• Venue: Scotiabank Saddledome

Conclusion

We predict the Avalanche, with a 66.0% win probability, will likely beat the Flames in Thursday's NHL matchup.

Additional tools and information for betting safely can be found in our Responsible Gambling hub.

This article's predictions and probabilities are generated by Dimers' proprietary NHL prediction model. Our editorial team reviews the resulting content for accuracy and presentation before publication.