In this article, we will formulate an Avalanche vs Sharks prediction for this NHL game on Thursday, March 6 at the Ball Arena in Denver, CO. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
San Jose Sharks Betting Preview
The San Jose Sharks (17-37-9, 39-24 ATS) snapped an eight-game losing skid with a pair of victories over the Maple Leafs and Sabres. That was the first time since early January that the Sharks recorded consecutive wins, and what is more encouraging for San Jose, both wins came on the road. They will conclude a seven-game road trip with this clash in Colorado and then will spend the next eight games at home. The Sharks are at the bottom of the Pacific Division Standings with 43 points, 37 behind the leaders Golden Knights.
The Sharks average 2.62 goals per game this year (29th), while they allow 3.65GPG (32nd). William Eklund leads the team with 46 points (13 G and 23 A). Macklin Celebrini contributes 45 points (19 G and 26 A), while Mikael Granlund also has 45 points (15 G and 30 A).
Colorado Avalanche Betting Preview
The Colorado Avalanche (36-24-2, 26-36 ATS) came back to Denver from a five-game road trip on which they lost three and won two games. Back at home, the Avalanche opened a six-game homestay with victories over the Devils, Wild, and Penguins, conceding just four goals in the process. The Avs are 4th in the Central Division Standings with 74 points, two behind the Wild and 14 behind the leaders Jets.
The Avalanche score 3.24 goals per game on average (8th), while they concede 2.94 GPG (16th). This season, Nathan MacKinnon leads the team with 93 points (23 G and 70 A). Cale Makar has 68 points (22 G and 46 A), while Artturi Lehkonen chips in with 37 points (26 G and 11 A).
Mackenzie Blackwood (22-16-5) is expected to start for the Avs at the goal on Thursday against the Sharks. The 28-year-old is allowing 2.49 goals per game this year with a .916 SV% and three shutouts.
Why the Avalanche will beat the Sharks
- The Sharks have lost each of their last 17 games against Western Conference opponents.
- The Avalanche have won each of their last 12 home games against the Sharks.
- The Sharks have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last seven night games at Ball Arena following a road win.
- The Avalanche have covered the puck line in nine of their last 10 games against the Sharks at Ball Arena.
- The Sharks have lost the third period in each of their last 10 games against Central Division opponents.
Total Goals Facts
- Each of the Avalanche’s last four games against opponents on a winning streak has gone OVER the total goals line.
- Seven of the Sharks’ last nine road games following a road win have gone OVER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1’ market has hit in seven of the Avalanche’s last eight home games against Pacific Division opponents.
- The ‘Over 2.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in three of the Sharks’ last four games against Central Division opponents.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Colorado Avalanche rank 8th in the league for goals per game this season (3.24).
- The Colorado Avalanche are one of only two teams to win 10+ games when trailing after Period 1 this season.
- The San Jose Sharks rank 32nd in the league for goals against per game this season (3.65).
- The San Jose Sharks rank 29th in the league for goals per game this season (2.62).
Avalanche vs Sharks Prediction
I know the Sharks will be encouraged and excited following two consecutive road victories, but the Avs are a way better team and in a positive run of their own. Colorado won each of the previous ten H2H encounters, while the Avs won each of the last 12 H2Hs at home! With the current streak of five home wins, I am pretty sure the Avalanche will have no problems defeating the weakest team in the NHL. With low odds on Moneyline, I am backing the hosts to cover the spread and win by at least two goals.