Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at Last Word on Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out.

The New Jersey Devils face the Edmonton Oilers in an NHL game on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

The Lightning have lost three of their first four games of the season, only beating the Boston Bruins this past Monday, and have just three points thus far. Time: 7 p.m. ET

The unbeaten Dallas Stars (3-0-0) look for a fourth straight victory on Thursday night when they host the Vancouver Canucks (1-2-0), who open a five-game road trip on a two-game losing skid.

Detroit Red Wings rookie Axel Sandin-Pellikka scored his first career goal on Friday night against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

It certainly showed when the Wings traveled to Toronto for a matinee matchup against the Leafs on Monday. Despite being brutally outplayed for the entire game, Mason Appleton’s tally in the final minute of regulation, giving Detroit a 3-2 win.

In 2025, hockey legends Wayne Gretzky and Alex Ovechkin remain prominent figures. Gretzky, retired and considered the greatest all-around player, boasts a $250 million net worth primarily from post-career ventures.

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Brent Burns has joined a historic club, playing in his 1,500th NHL game and earning a shoutout from the NHL.

It's been a slow start for Brandon Hagel and Tampa Bay, but our Lightning vs. Red Wings predictions see that changing vs. Detroit on Friday.

The Edmonton Oilers and Detroit Red Wings hit the ice in NHL action at Little Caesars Arena on Sunday, Oct. 19 at 3 p.m. ET. The matchup airs on ESPN+. Edmonton suffered a 5-3 loss on the road its last time out on Oct.