In this article, we will formulate a Colorado Avalanche vs Nashville Predators prediction for this NHL game on Saturday, December 14th at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Colorado Avalanche Betting Preview
The Colorado Avalanche are 17-14-0 this year after they lost to Utah by a score of 4-1 in their last game. Colorado cut the deficit to 3-1 in the third period, but couldn’t get any closer in the loss. The Avalanche outshot Utah by a total of 24-23, won 56.6% of the face-offs, and went 0-3 on the power play in the game. Colorado got their lone goal from MacKinnon, while Wedgewood stopped 19 out of 22 shots in the loss.
Prior to that game, the Avalanche won three in a row against Pittsburgh, New Jersey, and Detroit. Colorado has scored 3.26 goals per game and they have allowed 3.52 goals against per game, while also going 24.5% on the power play and 74.4% on the penalty kill this season. Nathan MacKinnon has led Colorado with 11 goals, 36 assists, and 123 shots on goal, while Mackenzie Blackwood is expected to start in net.
Nashville Predators Betting Preview
The Nashville Predators are 8-16-6 this season after they defeated Dallas by a score of 4-1 in their last game. Nashville led 3-0 heading into the third period and they were able to add an empty net goal late in the third to put the game away. The Predators were outshot by a total of 36-26, won 38.6% of the face-offs, and went 0-1 on the power play in the game. Nashville got goals from L’Heureux, Novak, and O’Reilly (2), while Annunen stopped 35 out of 36 shots in the game.
Prior to that win, the Predators lost eight games in a row and scored two goals or fewer in seven of them. Nashville has scored 2.27 goals per game and they have allowed 3.10 goals against per game, while also going 18.2% on the power play and 87.2% on the penalty kill this season. Roman Josi has led Nashville with seven goals, 16 assists, and 86 shots on goal, while Juuse Saros is 6-13-5 with a 2.72 goals-against average and a .908 save percentage this year.
Why the Avalanche will beat the Predators
- The Predators have lost each of their last six games at Ball Arena.
- The Avalanche have won eight of their last nine home games against the Predators.
- The home team has covered the puck line in eight of the last nine games between the Predators and Avalanche.
- The Predators have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last four night games following a road win.
- The Predators have lost the second period in each of their last four games at Ball Arena.
Why the Predators will beat the Avalanche
- The Avalanche have lost five of their last six games as home favorites against Central Division opponents.
- The underdogs have won three of the Predators’ last four games.
- The Avalanche have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last eight games following a home loss.
- The Predators have covered the puck line in each of their last six games against Central Division opponents.
- The Avalanche have lost the first period in each of their last five home games following a home loss.
Total Goals Facts
- Nine of the Predators’ last 10 road games against Western Conference opponents have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Five of the Avalanche’s last six games against the Predators following a loss have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Five of the last six night games between two teams from the Central Division have gone UNDER the total goal line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3’ market has hit in each of the Avalanche’s last 11 games following a home loss.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2′ market has hit in 14 of the Predators’ last 15 games at Ball Arena.
Colorado Avalanche Player Prop Facts
- Nathan MacKinnon has recorded at least one point in each of his last 11 appearances against the Predators.
- Valeri Nichushkin has scored at least one goal in eight of his last 10 appearances against Central Division opponents.
- Mikko Rantanen has recorded at least one assist in each of the Avalanche’s last four games.
Nashville Predators Player Prop Facts
- Roman Josi has recorded at least one point in each of his last six appearances with the Predators as underdogs against Western Conference opponents.
- Ryan O’Reilly has scored at least one goal in four of the Predators’ last five games as underdogs against Central Division opponents.
- Roman Josi has recorded at least one assist in seven of his last eight appearances with the Predators as underdogs against Central Division opponents.
Colorado Avalanche vs Nashville Predators Prediction
Nashville comes into this matchup after snapping their losing streak in their last game, but they have played very poorly this season. The Predators are just 3-9-4 on the road this year, while the Avalanche are 7-8-0 at home. Colorado has won three of their last four games and while their defense has had some issues, I don’t think Nashville can take advantage. The Predators are only scoring 2.27 goals per game this year and they just haven’t been able to figure things out. Take the under in this game.