Winnipeg Jets vs Colorado Avalanche: match prediction on 8 October 2026

Colorado Avalanche to win against Winnipeg Jets.

The Jets' starting goalkeeper has been suspended since 17 September for missing training camp after requesting a trade, and there is no indication he will return for this fixture. Colorado's attack has been prolific — 20 goals in their last five matches, averaging 4 per game — and they face a Jets defence without its most reliable shot-stopper.

Winnipeg's recent form offers little comfort. They have lost three of their last four matches, scoring only 12 goals while conceding 15. Their last home game against Boston ended 3:4, and the pattern repeats here: they create chances but lack defensive solidity. Colorado, meanwhile, sit fourth after four matches with two wins and two losses. Their offensive output has been strong, particularly at home where they beat St. Louis 6:1 and Los Angeles 8:4 in consecutive matches.

In their last meeting on 26 September, Colorado won 5:2 at home. Before that, Winnipeg took a 3:1 victory at their own arena on 22 September. The model expects 2.5 goals for Winnipeg and 3.3 for Colorado, with an 89% probability that both teams score and 93% that there are three or more goals in the match.

The most likely scoreline is 2:3 to Colorado at 6%, followed by 2:2 and 3:3 draws, each at 5%. A draw suits the visitors less than a loss would — Colorado need points to maintain their position, and Winnipeg's weakened state gives them the edge they require.

Winnipeg's four-match record shows one win and three defeats, placing them sixth. Colorado's four matches yield two wins and two losses, putting them fourth. The goal difference tells the story: Winnipeg have scored 12 and conceded 15, while Colorado have netted 20 and let in 12.

The Hellebuyck situation remains unresolved. There is no team news suggesting otherwise. Colorado's head coach Jared Bednar has a contract through 2031, providing stability that Winnipeg currently lack.

The expected goals figures point toward Colorado's superiority. At 3.3 expected goals, they are projected to score more than Winnipeg's 2.5. The 17% draw probability is consistent with the low likelihood of an even contest when one side is missing its primary goalkeeper.

Both teams to score comes in at 89%, suggesting Winnipeg's attack remains dangerous despite their defensive frailties. Three or more goals appear in 93% of model simulations, consistent with both sides' recent scoring patterns.

The three most probable outcomes cluster around narrow margins: 2:3, 2:2, and 3:3.