In this article, we will formulate a Vancouver Canucks vs Colorado Avalanche prediction for this NHL game on Monday, December 16th at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Vancouver Canucks Betting Preview
The Vancouver Canucks are 15-9-5 this season after they lost to Boston by a score of 5-1 in their last game. Vancouver trailed 5-0 in the third period, but they did score late to avoid the shutout. The Canucks were outshot by a total of 28-20, won 50.8% of the face-offs, and went 0-2 on the power play in the game. Vancouver got their lone goal from Sasson, while Demko stopped 23 out of 28 shots in the loss.
Prior to that game, the Canucks defeated Florida by a score of 4-0 but did lose to St. Louis and Tampa Bay before that. Vancouver has scored 3.21 goals per game and they have allowed 3.14 goals against per game, while also going 23.8% on the power play and 79.5% on the penalty kill this season. Quinn Hughes has led Vancouver with seven goals, 27 assists, and 93 shots on goal, while Thatcher Demko is 0-1-1 with a 4.47 goals against average and an .830 save percentage this year.
Colorado Avalanche Betting Preview
The Colorado Avalanche are 18-14-0 this year after they defeated Nashville by a score of 5-2 in their last game. Colorado saw their lead cut from 3-0 to 3-2 in the third, but they added two empty net goals to pull away with the win. The Avalanche were outshot by a total of 39-34, won 41.3% of the face-offs, and went 0-2 on the power play in the game. Colorado got goals from Colton, Lehkonen (2), and MacKinnon (2), while Blackwood stopped 37 out of 39 shots in the game.
Prior to that win, the Avalanche lost to Utah by a score of 4-1 but did beat Pittsburgh, New Jersey, and Detroit before that. Colorado has scored 3.31 goals per game and they have allowed 3.47 goals against per game, while also going 24% on the power play and 74.7% on the penalty kill this season. Nathan MacKinnon has led Colorado with 13 goals, 37 assists, and 126 shots on goal, while Mackenzie Blackwood is 1-0-0 with a 2.00 goals against average and a .949 save percentage with the Avs this year.
Why the Avalanche will beat the Canucks
- The Avalanche have won each of their last 10 games as road favorites.
- The Canucks have lost four of their last five home games against Central Division opponents.
- The Avalanche have covered the puck line in each of their last four games against the Canucks.
- The Canucks have failed to cover the puck line in four of their last five home games against Central Division opponents.
- The favorites have won the first period in each of the Avalanche’s last four games at Rogers Arena.
Total Goals Facts
- Five of the Canucks’ last six games following a loss have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Five of the Avalanche’s last six road games following a win have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Seven of the last eight Monday night games between two teams from the Western Conference have gone UNDER the total goal line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Canucks’ last six night games at Rogers Arena.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1’ market has hit in seven of the Avalanche’s last eight road games.
Vancouver Canucks Player Prop Facts
- Quinn Hughes has recorded at least one point in each of the Canucks’ last 11 Monday games against Western Conference opponents at Rogers Arena.
- Conor Garland has recorded at least one assist in each of the Canucks’ last five games against Central Division opponents.
- Elias Pettersson has scored a goal in each of the Canucks’ last five home games against Western Conference opponents.
Colorado Avalanche Player Prop Facts
- Nathan MacKinnon has recorded at least one point in each of the Avalanche’s last 12 games as road favorites against Western Conference opponents.
- Cale Makar has recorded at least one assist in each of the Avalanche’s last eight road games against Pacific Division opponents.
- Valeri Nichushkin has scored a goal in each of his last six road appearances against Western Conference opponents.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Vancouver Canucks are one of only two teams to lose a game when leading by 2 or more goals after Period 1 this season.
- The Vancouver Canucks rank T29th in the league in short-handed goals this season (0).
- The Colorado Avalanche rank 29th in the league for goals against per game this season (3.47).
- The Colorado Avalanche rank 8th in the league for goals per game this season (3.31).
Vancouver Canucks vs Colorado Avalanche Prediction
Vancouver comes into this matchup after losing three of their last four games and they have allowed at least four goals in all three of those losses. The Canucks are 5-7-4 at home this year, while the Avalanche are 10-6-0 on the road. Colorado has won four of their last five games and their defense has been much improved in recent weeks. I don’t like how this Vancouver defense is currently playing and I think Colorado is going to have another big offensive day. Take the Avs here.