Prediction published on 12/27/25, 5:02 PM
 by
Taavi Pailk
in
NHL Picks
Two division leaders go head-to-head in the NHL on Saturday night as the Vegas Golden Knights host the Colorado Avalanche at the T-Mobile Arena.
Vegas tops the Pacific Division with 44 points, while Colorado is first in the Central Division with 61 points. Jared Bednar’s side also leads the entire league, having been dominant on both ends of the ice.
With nearly half of the regular season played, the Avalanche pace the NHL with a 3.94 goal-for average, and they have also had the best defense in the league, allowing only 2.11 goals per game. The top five spots on the league’s plus/minus leaderboard are all filled by Avalanche players, further showcasing the team’s dominant form.
On Saturday, Bednar’s men will seek their second victory over Vegas this season. The sides met at the T-Mobile Arena on Oct. 30, with the Avalanche winning 4-2. Martin Necas had a big night with a goal and two assists.
Since losing to the Avalanche, Vegas has struggled for consistency, but the team will be in a buoyant mood after heading into Christmas on the back of a 7-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks. Even with Jack Eichel missing a fourth consecutive game due to illness, the Golden Knights erupted for five first-period goals.