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

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

Our independent predictive model gives the Avalanche a 66.0% chance of beating the Flames. According to our model, the Flames (+1.5) have a 56.0% chance of covering the puck line, while the 6.5-goal over/under has a 55.6% 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 (+105) / Flames +1.5 (-117)
• Moneyline: Avalanche -235, Flames +215
• Total: Over/Under 6.5 (+110/-125)

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 @ -117 via BetRivers
• Moneyline: Flames @ +215 via BetRivers
• Total: Under 6.5 @ -125 via BetRivers

According to our NHL best bets, the top play to make on this game is Flames to win.

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 39.5% chance of scoring a goal at Scotiabank Saddledome, while the star is an 8.5% chance of netting the first goal the game.

Anytime goal scorer predictions

Colorado Avalanche

• Nathan MacKinnon: 39.5% probability
• Martin Necas: 33.5% probability
• Artturi Lehkonen: 31.1% probability
• Brock Nelson: 30.5% probability
• Gabriel Landeskog: 20.3% probability

Calgary Flames

• Matthew Coronato: 26.4% probability
• Morgan Frost: 26.2% probability
• Yegor Sharangovich: 22.9% probability
• Joel Farabee: 22.5% probability
• Mikael Backlund: 20.7% probability

First goal scorer predictions

Colorado Avalanche

• Nathan MacKinnon: 8.5% probability
• Martin Necas: 7.1% probability
• Artturi Lehkonen: 6.2% probability
• Brock Nelson: 5.9% probability
• Parker Kelly: 4.2% probability

Calgary Flames

• Matthew Coronato: 5.3% probability
• Morgan Frost: 4.5% probability
• Joel Farabee: 4.2% probability
• Yegor Sharangovich: 4.0% probability
• Mikael Backlund: 3.9% probability

Game info & puck drop details

Thursday's action between the Flames and Avalanche at Scotiabank Saddledome is scheduled to commence 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.