Tuesday night in the NHL brings us an interconference showdown between the Colorado Avalanche and New Jersey Devils.
This is the first of two meetings this season, as Nathan MacKinnon and Jack Hughes look to lead their respective teams to a victory.
While both teams are viewed very differently in terms of strength and potential, they've performed at a similar level and find themselves in the middle of their divisions.
This will be a tight matchup and must-watch NHL action. To get you set for what is to come, here is our expert Avalanche vs. Devils prediction and analysis.
Colorado Avalanche vs. New Jersey Devils betting picks and predictions
Over 6.5 (+105)
This matchup brings plenty of firepower that will keep the game entertaining and explosive.
MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Hughes, and Jesper Bratt scratch the surface of the talent on ice, which should generate a ton of offense.
Colorado enters this one as the league's second-highest-scoring team, potting 4.22 goals per game. New Jersey has done respectable work as well, averaging 3.13 goals. Their power play has been okay, each hovering near the 20% mark, but a weak Devils penalty kill (69.6%) could certainly add offense.
In net, both leave much to be desired. Neither tandem has been all-world this season, with Colorado posting a team save percentage of .892 and New Jersey posting .869. Whichever two start in the crease, the door is wide open for each offensive group.
Both the Devils and Avalanche each take a ton of shots, averaging over 30 per game, showing their focus on offense.
When all is said and done, expect both teams to chip in in what should be a high-offense affair.
Colorado Avalanche money line (-110)
Colorado is playing in their second game in as many nights, but they should be well off and able to win this one.
The season is early, they only needed short travel overnight, and they are a well-built team that can handle some light fatigue.
Colorado will come into this matchup with a fire lit under them, after suffering a 3-2 regulation loss to the struggling Philadelphia Flyers on Monday. That is not a loss a Stanley Cup contender would like to see, so they will be urgent to return to the win column. This win is imperative in a tight Central Division, where the majority are playing well.
New Jersey has made some noise this season with some good games, but their inconsistency remains an issue. In the last 17 days of gameplay, New Jersey has suffered a 6-0 loss to a middling New York Islanders team, but earned a 7-1 win against a surging New York Rangers team. It is hard to say which version we will get tonight, but Colorado will have a chip on their shoulder.
Nathan MacKinnon to score (+115)
As per usual, MacKinnon is dominating the league. He is currently tied for third in points (16) and fourth in goals scored (6). He is clearly the biggest offensive catalyst on the Avalanche, and has been for years.
Colorado is second in goals scored per game (4.22) largely in part due to MacKinnon. Facing a Devils team that has struggled to keep the puck out of their net (3.38 goals against average) and to kill penalties (69.6%) will be a great chance for MacKinnon to add to his totals. He has scored 426 goals in his career, and is a massive threat on a nightly basis.
MacKinnon is third in the league in shots on net (39) and averages over 21 minutes on the ice each game.
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Colorado Avalanche vs. New Jersey Devils odds
Colorado Avalanche | -110 |
New Jersey Devils | -110 |
Puck Line | COL Avalanche -1.5 |
Total | O/U 6.5 |
Colorado Avalanche vs. New Jersey Devils player props
Anytime goalscorer
Nathan MacKinnon | +115 |
Jack Hughes | +190 |
Martin Necas | +195 |
Artturi Lehkonen | +205 |
Nico Hischier | +210 |
Jesper Bratt | +290 |
Timo Meier | +290 |
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
