This 2025-26 NHL Regular Season has just begun, and expectations are already sky high. Regarding the predictions, several teams are likelier to win the Stanley Cup 2026. For instance, the Florida Panthers have such confidence in their roster. After submitting to the Tampa Bay Lightning a few years back, the Panthers have refined their squad. Their iconic offense’s failure was the main reason for such changes. Since then, they appeared more often in the finals. However, there is always room for other teams, too. The Hurricanes, Oilers, and the Stars were several other teams that have shown their worth in the previous season. Currently, the Avalanche, Golden Knights, Hurricanes, and the Devils hint at a Stanley Cup likelihood. However, the NHL preseason had already shown us the reality. Nevertheless, this NHL regular season will differ from the preseason. Take a look at our detailed NHL predictions and game analysis below.
Previous NHL Matches Recap – A Quick Highlights Summary
The New Jersey Devils just defeated the Minnesota Wild 4-1. It was a commanding win for the Devils indeed. The Devils contained the Wild throughout the three periods while still scoring. Dawson Mercer shone that day, saving a match for the Devils this season. Similarly, the Buffalo Sabres defeated the Red Wings by 4-2. After a scoreless first period, both teams scored twice in the second 20 minutes. However, the Sabres dominated the third period and contained the Red Wings. Eventually, they scored another two goals while defending the Red Wings, securing a decisive win. The Blue Jackets buried the Stars in another match with a threatening victory. With a 5-1, the Blue Jackets had redemption. The Dallas Stars struggled to break the Blue Jackets’ defensive shield throughout the three periods. These were some of the most recent games that intensified the regular season. Get Bettingpremier’s latest sports updates.
NHL Predictions for the Upcoming Games
We have provided a detailed NHL preview with a statistical team breakdown and comparison. If you want more ice hockey predictions like this, follow BettingPremier.
Lightning vs Blackhawks
Prepare to witness the Tampa Bay Lightning vs the Chicago Blackhawks game on October 23, 2025. The game will be held at the Benchmark International Arena at 06:45 p.m. ET.
Tampa Bay Lightning
The game between the Lightning and the Blackhawks presents an intriguing set of team statistics. Currently, the Tampa Bay Lightning is ranked 28th in the league with an underwhelming goals per game. They have scored only 16 goals in their first six games, averaging 2.7 goals per game. In addition, their defense is weak, as they allow 3.5 goals per game. This creates an overall vulnerable spot for the team.
Chicago Blackhawks
Conversely, the Blackhawks have a better and stronger offensive side. They currently rank 10th in the league with 22 goals. The Chicago Blackhawks also have a better defensive form, allowing only 3.2 goals per game. Their overall defense ranks 10th in the league. Moreover, they also show a solid goal differential. It indicates their rounded form to both score and restrict.
Prediction
The Lightning has a higher conversion rate, and they get a home advantage. However, the Blackhawks’ overall form and superior stats will enable them to win despite playing on the road.
Bruins vs Ducks
The Boston Bruins will meet the Anaheim Ducks in the NHL Regular Season on October 23, 2025. This matchup will take place at the TD Garden at 07:00 p.m. ET.
Boston Bruins
The Boston team has accumulated a fair number of scores this season. Their 3-5-0 record shows their offensive potential in the eight matches. With a fourth spot in the league overall, their offense intimidates the Anaheim Ducks. They have a 3.0 goals per game average, which is decent enough to face the Ducks. Notably, David Pastrnak leads the team with 10 points in 8 games. It highlights his pivotal role in scoring. But their defensive struggles are evident. Their defense currently ranks in lower positions in the league.
Anaheim Ducks
On the other hand, the Anaheim Ducks have a fairly average league position with a 3-2-1 record this season. Leo Carlsson is their key player, contributing 7 points in 6 games. The Ducks have a better defense than the Bruins. As far as they scored, the Ducks have allowed fewer goals than they scored. Yet, this match will be a close contest given the Bruins’ home advantage. If they balance out their defensive vulnerabilities, they can sustain the Ducks unless it is a close contest.
Prediction
The Anaheim Ducks have the winning chance after a hard-fought battle in this NHL game.
Islanders vs Red Wings
The New York Islanders will welcome the Detroit Red Wings in the upcoming NHL matchup on October 23, 2025. This NHL game will begin at 07:00 p.m. ET at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York.
New York Islanders
Both the New York Islanders and the Detroit Red Wings arrive at this clash with varying strengths. The Islanders are ranked lower in goals scored than the Red Wings. They have scored 20 goals this season until now. Their defense is weak, as they have allowed many goals per game. They are ranked 20th in goals allowed with a poor goal differential.
Detroit Red Wings
In contrast, the Red Wings have balanced team dynamics. Their performance has been consistent throughout this season, with an average of 3.1 goals per game. Detroit is also defensively stronger, allowing fewer goals than the Islanders. Moreover, they have a positive goal differential of +4. In addition, key players like Dylan Larkin are an added strength. However, playing away, the Detroit Red Wings might need to go the extra mile.
Prediction
The Islanders solely rely on their home advantage this time. However, the Detroit Red Wings have a better squad quality than the Islanders. Hence, the Red Wings have the edge to win.
Panthers vs Penguins
Get ready to enjoy the NHL game between the Florida Panthers and the Pittsburgh Penguins. It will start at 07:00 p.m. ET at Amerant Bank Arena on October 23, 2025.
Florida Panthers
The Florida Panthers are not on good terms with their offensive side. They have a poor league ranking with only 2.4 goals per game. Despite notable efforts from Brad Marchand and Anton Lundell, the team’s scoring suffers from inconsistency. It will be heightened when facing the Penguins. The Panthers also show defensive weakness, given the number of goals allowed. Pittsburgh can clearly exploit these defensive vulnerabilities.
Pittsburgh Penguins
On the other hand, the Pittsburgh Penguins enter with a strong scoring side. Their average scores per match rank 8th among different teams in the league. They have excellent offensive players like Evgeni Malkin and Justin Brazeau on the roster. In terms of defense, the Penguins have decent stats. Concisely, they have an overall edge in both offense and defense. But still, this NHL game will be a tight contest given Florida’s home advantage.
Prediction
The Pittsburgh Pirates will wear down the Florida Panthers in this upcoming NHL match.
Predators vs Canucks
The Nashville Predators host the upcoming NHL matchup on October 23, 2025, facing the Vancouver Canucks. This game will begin at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, at 08:00 p.m. ET.
Nashville Predators
Currently, the Nashville Predators are struggling offensively. This may limit their attacking potential, as evident in their poor scoring average. They are also struggling with a low conversion rate, which indicates challenges in capitalizing on opportunities. The Nashville Predators also struggle on the defensive side. They have one of the league’s highest scores allowed per game. With a negative goal differential, they show vulnerabilities on both sides. Roman Josi is their only offensive hope, which creates a reliance on a single player.
Vancouver Canucks
If we looked at the Canucks, they show an average yet better offensive profile. They have also shown defensive struggles as they allow more goals per game. Players like Conor Garland bring scoring reliability. Regarding the power play, they have an effective unit providing more scoring chances. Concisely, this match may linger on each team’s scoring effectiveness, suggesting a close contest.
Prediction
The Vancouver Canucks have the better winning chance due to their better offensive side.
Jets vs Kraken
The Winnipeg Jets and the Seattle Kraken will face each other in the upcoming NHL match on October 23, 2025. This clash occurs at Canada Life Centre at 08:00 p.m. ET.
Winnipeg Jets
The Winnipeg Jets are currently on the above-average offensive spectrum, with an average of 3.8 goals per match. Notably, players like Mark Scheifele remain crucial to the team’s offensive solidity. Regarding their defense, the team has a solid and unshakable shield. They have allowed only 2.2 goals per game, which is lower than the number of goals they score. Their 10+ goal differential indicates their exceptional defensive side.
Seattle Kraken
In contrast, the Seattle Kraken has been having offensive difficulties lately. With a substantially lower scoring average than the Jets, the Kraken has room for offensive improvement. The team also has visible defensive struggles. They allow more goals than they actually score. This establishes a clear advantage for the Jets to exploit the Kraken’s weakness. Additionally, the Kraken has a lower conversion rate compared to the Jets. As a result, the Jets have a clear edge and a home advantage.
Prediction
Given both teams’ current forms, the Jets’ superior offensive factors will yield a victory for the Jets.
Blues vs Mammoth
Prepare for the St. Louis Blues vs. Utah Mammoth NHL clash at the Enterprise Center on October 23, 2025. The game will start at 08:00 p.m. ET.
St. Louis Blues
The St. Louis Blues enter with a contrasting performance against the Utah Mammoth this season. They have struggled throughout this season with a lower offensive league rank. The Blues have averaged only 2.7 goals in their season matches so far. This is even more concerning when combined with their negative goal differential. Their current form clearly indicates difficulties in both scoring and defending. The Blues’ overall season performance still needs to be refined.
Utah Mammoth
Unlike the Blues, the Utah Mammoth has a better offensive position comparatively. They have shown a more stable and consistent potent offense. Their attacking side finds ways to capitalize on opponents’ defensive weaknesses and often becomes proactive in the later phases. Utah’s defense is also superior to the Blues. They have shown a solid defensive performance throughout this season. However, the Blues might use their home advantage to turn things around.
Prediction
We can expect a close contest between these teams. But still, the Utah Mammoth will conquer this NHL match given its superior form.
Oilers vs Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens will visit the Edmonton Oilers on October 23, 2025. This clash will be held at the Oilers’ home, Rogers Place, at 09:00 p.m. ET.
Edmonton Oilers
Despite being an elite team in the league, the Oilers have shown offensive difficulties in recent matches. Their average goals per game are not satisfying enough for a team with an impressive past record. However, their power play will be crucial given their conversion rate. Connor McDavid’s presence will bring more opportunities, but the team shows an average capability to convert them. They are somewhat okay at defense. But they occasionally lose their defensive grip, allowing their opponents to break in. Hence, the Oilers are defensively vulnerable unless they eradicate their errors.
Montreal Canadiens
The Canadiens have a potent offense, scoring more goals per game than the Oilers. Cole Caufield and Nicholas Suzuki’s balanced attack is a constant threat. Both teams show defensive vulnerabilities, but the Canadiens have a slightly better defense. Montreal Candiens tend to exploit the Oilers’ defensive lapses. Although the Oilers have home advantage, the Canadiens’ tactical offense gives them an edge.
Prediction
The Montreal Canadiens will easily take down the Oilers in this NHL meeting.
Avalanche vs Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes will play the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena, the Avalanche’s home venue, in Denver. This NHL game is scheduled on October 23, 2025, at 09:00 p.m. ET.
Colorado Avalanche
The Avalanche has a great positive goal differential, showing its ability to outscore opponents. They demonstrated a superior offensive side, making them one of the league’s top-scoring NHL teams. The Avalanche also shows a strong defensive side. Moreover, their offensive depth could easily exploit gaps in the Hurricanes’ defense.
Carolina Hurricane
In contrast, the Hurricanes have intimidating offensive potential. On average, they score four goals per game. This places them among the elite offenses. Defensively, they have allowed only 2.5 goals per game. It reflects a solid defensive strategy. Additionally, Seth Jarvis and Sebastian Aho bring a significant attacking threat. Seeing both sides, this NHL clash will be a close contest with a slight edge for the Avalanche.
Prediction
The Colorado Avalanche and the Colorado Hurricanes have similar stats, indicating a tight contest. However, the Avalanche’s home advantage gives them an edge in this NHL game.
Stars vs Kings
The Dallas Stars and the Los Angeles Kings will play each other in the upcoming NHL game. This clash will happen on October 23, 2025, at 09:00 p.m. ET at American Airlines Center in Dallas.
Dallas Stars
The Dallas Stars are in average attacking form, scoring only 3.2 goals per game this season. They also show defensive struggles, allowing more goals per game than they have scored. However, their power play efficiency is notable. They have a substantial conversion rate, which is higher than the Kings. Overall, the Dallas Stars show a solid attacking side that could benefit from their home advantage.
Los Angeles Kings
In contrast, the Los Angeles Kings are having offensive hurdles. Their scoring-to-scores allowed ratio shows a poor form that is offensively and defensively weak. Although both teams have seen a high-scoring trend early in the season, the Stars have a slight edge. They have an offensive advantage compared with the Kings’ poor attacking side.
Prediction
Considering both sides, the Los Angeles Kings’ overall form is weaker than the Dallas Stars’. Hence, the Stars will win this NHL game.