In this article we will formulate a Panthers vs Avalanche prediction for this NHL game on Sunday, January 4th at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Florida Panthers Betting Preview
The Florida Panthers are 21-16-3 this year after they lost to the Rangers by a score of 5-1 in their last game. Florida cut the deficit to 3-1 early in the third period, but they allowed the last two goals to seal the loss. The Panthers out shot New York by a total of 37-20, won 42.6% of the face-offs, and went 1-6 on the power play in the game. Florida got their lone goal from Reinhart, while Bobrovsky stopped 15 out of 19 shots, which was a .789 save percentage.
Prior to that game, Florida lost to the Canadiens by a score of 3-2, but did beat the Capitals by a score of 5-3 before that. The Panthers have lost three of their last four games and they are currently fifth in the Atlantic standings with 45 points. Florida has scored 3.13 goals per game and they have allowed 3.20 goals against per game, while also going 18.4% on the power play and 81.8% on the penalty kill this season. Brad Marchand has led Florida with 23 goals and 23 assists, while Sam Reinhart has added 23 goals and 21 assists. The projected starting goalie for Florida is Sergei Bobrovsky, who is 17-10-1 with a 2.84 goals against average and an .885 save percentage this year.
Colorado Avalanche Betting Preview
The Colorado Avalanche are 31-2-7 this season after they defeated Carolina by a score of 5-3 in their last game. Colorado trailed 3-1 after the second period, but they scored the last four goals to escape with the win. The Avalanche out shot Carolina by a total of 34-28, won 62.9% of the face-offs, and went 2-5 on the power play in the game. Colorado got goals from Drury, Landeskog, MacKinnon, and Nelson (2), while Wedgewood stopped 25 out of 28 shots, which was an .893 save percentage.
Prior to that game, Colorado defeated the Blues by a score of 6-1 and the Kings by a score of 5-2. The Avalanche have won 10 games in a row and they are currently first in the Central standings with 69 points. Colorado has scored 4.05 goals per game and they have allowed 2.15 goals against per game, while also going 15.9% on the power play and 85.7% on the penalty kill this season. Nathan MacKinnon has led Colorado with 35 goals and 39 assists, while Martin Necas has added 19 goals and 34 assists. The projected starting goalie for Colorado is Trent Miner, who is 0-0-2 with a 2.12 goals against average and a .909 save percentage this season.
Why the Colorado Avalanche will win
- The Avalanche have won each of their last 10 games.
- The Panthers have lost four of their last five home games.
- The Panthers have failed to cover the puck line in seven of their last eight home games against Central Division opponents.
- The road team has covered the puck line in five of the Panthers’ last six games.
- The Avalanche have won the third period in 10 of their last 11 games when trailing after the second period.
Total Goals Facts
- Each of the Avalanche’s last four games have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Each of the Panthers’ last four games as underdogs against opponents who are on the second leg of a back-to-back have gone OVER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1’ market has hit in each of the Avalanche’s last 10 games against Atlantic Division opponents.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Panthers’ last seven home games against the Avalanche.
Florida Panthers Player Prop Facts
- Sam Reinhart has scored at least one goal in five of the Panthers’ last six home games.
- Sam Bennett has recorded an assist in each of the Panthers’ last six home games.
- Carter Verhaeghe has scored the first goal in four of the Panthers’ last five games against the Avalanche.
Colorado Avalanche Player Prop Facts
- Nathan MacKinnon has scored at least one goal in each of the Avalanche’s last four games.
- Cale Makar has recorded at least one assist in seven of his last eight appearances after playing the previous day.
- Nathan MacKinnon has scored the last goal in three of the Avalanche’s last four road games.
Panthers vs Avalanche Prediction
Colorado comes into this matchup looking to extend their 10 game winning streak, but they did play last night, so they will be on a back to back here. The Avalanche are 14-2-5 on the road this year, while the Panthers are 13-9-3 at home. Florida has lost three of their last four games and they have scored two goals or fewer in all three of those losses. This Colorado streak will eventually come to an end and this could be the game with it being a back to back, but they are playing at an elite level right now and we are getting them at a decent price. Take Colorado to win here.