In this article, we will formulate a Predators vs Avalanche Prediction for this NHL game on Saturday, February 22nd at Bridgestone Arena. Let’s take a look at a Nashville Predators vs Colorado Avalanche pick.
The home team has won the last six games played between the two teams. On December 14th, the Avalanche secured the 5-2 victory. The Predators outshot Colorado 39-33 but couldn’t come out on top.
Can Avalanche Continue Momentum?
The Avalanche had picked up some momentum heading into the break and won two games in a row. Two games ago against the Calgary Flames, they won 4-2, and in the last game against the Edmonton Oilers, they picked up the 5-4 win. The defense wasn’t perfect, but the offense made up for it in each game. Cale Makar had a strong game against the Oilers, finishing with two goals and an assist. Mackenzie Blackwood saved 23 of the 27 shots, and a couple of saves late ended up being the difference.
At times, the defense for this team has been inconsistent, but the offense has helped pace them most of the season. The Avalanche are averaging 3.24 goals, while their defense is giving up 3.04 goals per game. They are facing only 26.58 shots per game, which is 5th fewest in the league, so it’s been the goaltending that has let them down when the defense has struggled. Mackenzie Blackwood could end up getting the start in goal here, and he sits with a 20-15-5 record while giving up 2.53 goals per game. The Avalanche have won four of the last five games started by Blackwood. Cale Maker is dealing with an illness and is questionable for this game.
Why the Avalanche Will Beat the Predators
- The Predators have lost six of their last seven games.
- The Avalanche have won 11 of their last 14 games against the Predators.
- The Predators have failed to cover the puck line in seven of their last eight games against Central Division opponents.
- The favorites have covered the puck line in three of the last four games between the Avalanche and Predators.
- The Predators have lost the third period in each of their last four games as underdogs against Western Conference opponents when trailing after the second period.
Can Predators Offense Step Up Again?
The Predators have struggled overall this season, but the offense was good in the last game, and they will look for another strong game here. The Predators faced off against the Buffalo Sabres, and six goals was the difference. The Predators spread it out, scoring two goals in each period. Jonathan Marchessault was a difference maker, scoring a goal and adding two assists. Justus Annunen was in goal, and he saved 25 of the 29 shots that he faced.
What are the Predators good at? Honestly, there is not a lot, and the statistics show a clear picture. The offense averages 2.65 goals, while their defense gives up 3.31 goals per game. The most shocking statistic is that the Predators take the fifth-most shots in the NHL, but their offense is still ranked 29th in the league. Justus Annuen could be in goal for Nashville, but he has a 13-7 record and gives up 3.07 goals per game.
Why the Predators Will Beat the Avalanche
- The home team has won each of the last six games between the Avalanche and Predators.
- The Avalanche have lost three of their last five games as road favorites against Western Conference opponents.
- The Predators have covered the puck line in each of their last seven games as home underdogs following a home win.
- The Avalanche have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last five games at Bridgestone Arena.
- The Avalanche have lost the third period in four of their last five games as road favorites.
Predators vs Avalanche Prediction
Give me the under here. Yes, the Avalanche’s offense has been potent, but Annuen has been decent this season and actually has a winning record. The Avalanche’s defense has been good at limiting shots on goal, and now they get to face off against the Predators, who are averaging only 2.64 goals per game. The under is 6-1 in the Avalanche’s last seven games against a team with a losing record, and that trend will continue to be the norm. Even if the Avalanche scored four goals, the lack of scoring by the Predators will be enough to keep it under. The only thing that hurts us here is if the Avs score six or seven goals, but I don’t see that happening. Back the under.