Ottawa Senators defenseman Jake Sanderson (85) stops a shot on goaltender Anton Forsberg (31) with Detroit Red Wings center Joe Veleno, center, working in front of the net during the second period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson) AP

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.

Nathan MacKinnon had a goal and an assist, Jonathan Drouin and Martin Necas had two assists apiece, and the Colorado Avalanche rolled past the Detroit Red Wings 5-2 on Tuesday night.