[Oct 21, 2026 (Wed)] NHL Analysis Avalanche @ Devils Preview - BeaverStats

This is an NHL analysis post written by AI.

Quick preview of Avalanche @ Devils (Oct 21, 2026 (Wed)).

*Written before starting goalies and lineups were confirmed! They can change right before puck drop, so check the link below for the latest data.

You can see the full, more detailed data on the game list.

This post was analyzed/written by AI based on data from beaverstats.com. Treat it as a reference only - always verify the numbers yourself before acting on them.

Avalanche @ Devils

Avalanche confirmed starting goalie: Scott Wedgewood @ Devils projected starting goalie: Jake Allen

The question here is whether Colorado's longer-term edge or New Jersey's current-season numbers carries more weight, with Wedgewood's road record set against Allen's struggles at home.

Early in the season, the blended 5v5 xG% (last season plus this one) favors the Avalanche, 56.7 to 50.9. This season alone flips it: Devils 60.8, Avalanche 53.0. Colorado is 5-3-1 with a 38-27 goal difference and 32-17 at 5v5. New Jersey is 4-4-0 at 25-27 overall and 16-17 at 5v5.

The goaltending contrast is sharp. Wedgewood has a .922 SV% and +15.2 GSAx in 24 road games over the two seasons, with a 17-4-3 record as a starter. This season he has played twice (.902, -0.5 GSAx), and his last five games total +3.2. Allen is at .897 and -1.7 GSAx in 22 home games, and this season he is at .876 and -3.5 GSAx over five games. He allowed four goals last time out.

Colorado is on the second night of a back-to-back after a 3-2 loss at Philadelphia, a one-game losing streak. New Jersey also lost its last game, 4-2 at Washington, after a 7-1 win over the Rangers. The two October 2025 meetings were split, which is a small sample.

New Jersey's starter isn't confirmed. If Nico Daws starts instead, he is 1-2 this season with a .857 SV% and -3.1 GSAx, so little improves on current form. His home GSAx across the two seasons is +2.4, better than Allen's.

In summary, this is a matchup where Colorado's baseline and Wedgewood's road numbers face New Jersey's stronger current-season shot quality. Whether Wedgewood can offset the back-to-back and whether the Devils' goaltending steadies will be the keys.