The'Colorado Avalanche (50-24-7) take their shot at the Central Division title against the Nashville Predators (42-31-8) Friday at Bridgestone Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Avalanche vs. Predators odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
The Avs grinded out a 4-2 win — as large -301 home favorites — over Winnipeg Thursday to remain 1 point behind Dallas for the Central Division crown. Colorado holds the tiebreaker and will need at least 1 point in this game to win the division. There is plenty of motivation to do so because they would avoid a tough 1st-round opponent in Minnesota. Colorado is playing without D Cale Makar (lower body), who has been out since April 1. He has been skating and is questionable for this one.
Nashville has won 4 of the last 5 games — 3 as an underdog — but only 1 of them was in regulation. The Predators are a gritty team that battles in front of the net looking for redirects and rebounds. The Avs had a tough game at home vs. the Jets Thursday night and had to catch a late flight to Nashville. If the Avs want the Central, they’re going to have to earn it.
Avalanche at Predators odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:52 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Avalanche -225 (bet $225 to win $100) | Predators +180 (bet $100 to win $180)
- Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Avalanche -1.5 (+115) | Predators +1.5 (-140)
- Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: +100 | U: -120)