The Colorado Avalanche took full control of Game 3 against the Nashville Predators and now carry a 3-0 series lead. As the series heads to Game 4, the Avalanche are looking to pull off the sweep on the road while the Predators try to avoid embarrassment.
All along, the Avalanche were expected to win this series handily, but they have truly impressed thus far. Game 3 was relatively close through the end of the second period when the Avalanche went on a 5-2 run to close it.
The Avs received goals from a whopping six different skaters including two from Gabriel Landeskog, who also had two assists in the game. The main issue for the Avs in Game 3, though, was that their top goalie Darcy Kuemper left the game early after being struck in the eye with a stick. It is unclear if he will play in Game 4 at this juncture.
All NHL gameday odds are courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook and current as of Monday, May 9 at 11 a.m. ET.
Avalanche vs Predators Game 4 Odds
- Moneyline: Avalanche (-250) / Predators (+200)
- Puck Line: Avalanche -1.5 (+100) / Predators +1.5 (-120)
- Over/Under: Over 6.5 (-115) / Under 6.5 (-105)
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Avalanche vs Predators Game 4 Prediction
With the Avalanche looking to clinch the series in Game 4, I do not see them turning in a lackluster performance here. The rest they can receive for their next series by winning Game 4 is critical and could lead them to continue their excellent play through this series’ first three games.
I have the Avalanche ending this series with ease in Game 4 in another high-scoring effort from them. The Predators have simply not stacked up well against them, and I do not expect that to change now.
Avalanche vs Predators Game 4 Pick
Avalanche 5, Predators 3
Avalanche vs Predators Game 4 Best Bets
Avalanche -1.5 Puck Line (+100)
WAGER: 1 Unit
Through the first three games of this series, the Avalanche have covered the 1.5 puckline by multiple goals on two occasions. They failed to do so in Game 2 in what wound up being a 2-1 overtime victory for the Avs.
The Avalanche are going to do everything in their power to end the series in a sweep and I fully expect them to succeed in their mission via a win by multiple goals.
OVER 6.5 Goals (-115)
WAGER: 1 Unit
Two of the games in this series have gone over by a wide margin and on average through three games, the Avs and Preds have combined for 7.3 goals per game. Game 2 featured just a three-goal game in total, but Game 1 featured nine goals and Game 3 featured 10 scored.
I have consistently backed the Over in this series and that is not stopping here as the Avs look to close out this series in four.
Avalanche vs Predators Game 4 Best Parlay
Avalanche-Predators Parlay (+450) at DraftKings Sportsbook
- Avalanche -1.5
- Over 6.5 Goals
- Avalanche to Score First
- Avalanche to Score Last
WAGER: 1 Unit
This parlay is all about the Avalanche who I have identified as being capable of a huge win given their track record. All of these parlay pieces fit in line with that narrative.
Backing the Avalanche -1.5 is simply a result of their recent play and the fact that they have been holistically better than the Predators by a mile.
The Over 6.5 is a must given the results of Game 1 and Game 3. The Avs to score first and last is an interesting pick, but because they have maintained control over every game to this point, both represent solid parlay picks in an SGP.
The Avs maintaining control would have them score the first goal, but would also see them score the final goal of the game given the empty-net strategy of teams late in games.
PREVIOUSLY: Predators vs Avalanche Game 3 Predictions
The series between the Colorado Avalanche and Nashville Predators will head to Tennessee for Game 3 as the Avs hold a strong 2-0 lead. Game 1 was a blowout as the Avalanche took a 7-2 game, but Game 2 was a lot closer as the Predators battled into overtime, falling by a score of 2-1.
In Game 2, Predators goalie Connor Ingram put together an admirable performance, notching 49 saves on 51 chances, good for a .961 save percentage. To nobody’s surprise, the Avalanche received their two goals from Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar.
Game 3 is pivotal as the Predators get to head home and try to get back into this series. The Avalanche are one of the best teams in the NHL so the Preds will certainly have their hands full.
All NHL gameday odds are courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook and current as of Friday, May 6 at 11 a.m. ET.
Avalanche vs Predators Game 3 Odds
- Moneyline: Avalanche (-225) / Predators (+185)
- Puck Line: Avalanche -1.5 (+110) / Predators +1.5 (-135)
- Over/Under: Over 6.5 (-115) / Under 6.5 (-105)
Avalanche vs Predators Game 3 Prediction
Despite the Predators playing this one at home, they are still massive underdogs here. Their performance in Game 2 showed a ton of fight after a demoralizing Game 1 loss and they should be given a tad more credit.
Overall, however, the Avalanche are simply too tough for the Predators to tackle. While any game can be stolen by Nashville, I do not see it happening in Game 3.
Avalanche vs Predators Game 3 Pick
Avalanche 4, Predators 3
The Avalanche are averaging 3.6 goals over their past five games, allowing just 2.8. The Predators are only scoring 3.0 goals per game over that same span while allowing an average of 4.4.
The Avalanche should win this game too, especially after the momentum they were able to leave home with via an overtime goal from Makar.
Avalanche vs Predators Game 3 Best Bets
Predators +1.5 Puck Line (-135)
WAGER: 1 Unit
Despite my belief that the Predators lose this game, I believe there is a ton of value to be had by betting them on the Puck Line. Given that it is a home game for them, I do not see them getting blown out on their home ice and if they do lose, it should be within reach.
A one-goal game makes a lot of sense here, similar to the way it played out in Game 2 where the Puck Line was 2.5 goals.
There is an outside chance the Preds can win this game outright too, presenting even more value.
Over 6.5 Goals (-115)
WAGER: 0.5 Units
All three games in this series have had a betting total of 6.5 and it is quite hard to gauge what direction Game 3 will head in. Game 1 went well Over with nine goals scored, but Game 2 went well Under with just three goals scored.
Predators goalie Connor Ingram’s work in the place of injured starter Juuse Saros has been outstanding and if Saros is unable to return for Game 3, this certainly plays a role.
The Avs are too good to be limited to two goals in Game 3 and backing the Over for a small half-unit wager is an ideal spot.
Avalanche vs Predators Game 3 Best Parlay
Avalanche-Predators Parlay (+400) at DraftKings Sportsbook
- OVER 5.5 Goals
- Avalanche Moneyline
- Avalanche to Score First Goal
- Under 2.5 Goals in First Period
For our Game 3 same-game parlay, we will be backing the road favorite Colorado Avalanche Moneyline, an alternate total Over, the Avalanche to score the game’s first goal, and the Under 2.5 goals in the first period.
The Avs are heavy favorites on the road for good reason as they are holistically the better team in this matchup. Game 1 shot over by a wide margin and I envision a similar scoring bout once again in Game 3.
Colorado should be scoring early and often, and I believe they notch the first goal of the game. Outside of the Avalanche pouring on five goals in the first period of Game 1, no other period in the series has had over one goal so far.
PREVIOUSLY: Avalanche vs Predators Game 2 Prediction
The Colorado Avalanche and Nashville Predators head into Game 2 in the first round of their Stanley Cup Playoffs matchup with the Avalanche coming off a commanding 7-2 victory. This was already widely considered to be one of the most lopsided series in the playoffs this season, and the Avalanche confirmed that through their manhandling of the Predators in Game 1.
The Avs came into the series with the best odds to win the Stanley Cup in the NHL, while the Predators are tied for the second-longest odds. This will likely continue to hold as the Avalanche are expected to sweep this series by many evaluators.
Game 1 was all Avs as they notched five goals in the first period. Star Nathan MacKinnon had two goals and an assist and Cale Makar had one goal and two assists. Colorado also received goals from Gabriel Landeskog, Andrew Cogliano, Artturi Lehkonen, and Devon Toews. Both goals by the Preds came from Matt Duchene.
All NHL gameday odds are current as of Thursday, May 5 at 1 p.m. ET, and are courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook.
Avalanche vs Predators Game 2 Odds
- Moneyline: Avalanche (-350) / Predators (+280)
- Puck Line: Avalanche -2.5 (+120) / Predators +2.5 (-145)
- Over/Under: Over 6.5 (-130) / Under 6.5 (+105)
Avalanche vs Predators Game 2 Prediction
As the odds indicate, this is supposed to be another blowout in favor of the Avalanche. Not often do oddsmakers extend -2.5 puck lines to teams, especially with just (+120) odds.
The Avs were able to score nine goals with five coming in the first period and the Predators simply were forced to play catch up. I envision this game being quite similar, given just how good this Colorado team is in comparison to the Preds. This could be a letdown spot, but the Avs should still win this game handily. The puck line might be a different story though.
Avalanche vs Predators Game 2 Pick
Avalanche 4, Predators 3
The Avalanche will not stop their reign in Game 2 with the likelihood that they move on to sweep the Predators in this series. While I do not see the odds on the Predators accurately reflecting the final score, the Avs have no excuse to lose this game outright.
Avalanche vs Predators Game 2 Best Bets
Predators +2.5 Puck Line (-145)
WAGER: 2 Units
The puck line for this game is borderline disrespectful. While the Predators are one of the bottom-tier teams in the playoffs, they are still a solid enough team to cover by 2.5 goals in Game 2.
They were largely embarrassed in Game 1 after giving up five quick goals in the first twenty minutes of the matchup, and I expect them to use this to fuel their fire. Back the Preds to cover the puck line for two units.
Over 6.5 Goals (-130)
WAGER: 2 Units
Nine goals were scored in Game 1, hitting the Over by a mile. In fact, the Over hit with time remaining in the second period. We backed it on Tuesday, and we will be doing so again.
The Avs have their steadfast goalie Darcy Kuemper (23 saves in Game 1) in the net. However, on the other side, the Predators have a rotation at this point. Starting goalie Juuse Saros (leg) missed Game 1 and is also expected to miss Game 2 of this series.
David Rittich was Saros’s backup for most of the season, but he was the goalie who surrendered five goals on just 13 opportunities in the first period. The team quickly moved to Connor Ingram (30 saves).
This goalie situation could help lead this game well over. Back the Over for a two-unit play.
Avalanche vs Predators Game 2 Best Parlay
Avalanche-Predators Parlay (+475) at DraftKings Sportsbook
- Predators +2.5 Puck Line
- Over 6.5 Goals
- Avalanche to Score First Goal
For our same game parlay in Game 2, we are backing both selections we took as straight bets in addition to a prop bet that sees the Avalanche score the first goal.
The Avs scored the first five goals in Game 1 and expecting them to get off to another hot start is a good play. The +475 odds here represent solid value on this single game parlay, as we follow the trends of the series.
PREVIOUSLY: Avalanche vs Predators Game 1 Prediction
The Colorado Avalanche and Nashville Predators are set to face off in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs in what appears to be one of the most lopsided matchups on paper.
The Avalanche currently have the best odds to win the Stanley Cup this year after posting a 56-19-7 record (119 points) in the regular season, good for the best in the Western Conference. The Predators limped into the playoffs, but are still a solid team in their own right, finishing fifth in the Central Division.
During the regular season, the Avalanche averaged the second-most goals per game (3.8) in the NHL, while allowing the eighth-fewest goals per game (2.68). Meanwhile, Nashville ranked 13th during the regular season in goals scored (3.2 per game), finishing behind some non-playoff teams. They also ranked in the middle of the pack in goals allowed (2.84) per contest.
Avalanche vs Predators Game 1 Odds
- Moneyline: Avalanche (-300) / Predators (+240)
- Puck Line: Avalanche -1.5 (-120) / Predators +1.5 (+100)
- Over/Under: Over 6.5 (-130) / Under 6.5 (+105)
Avalanche vs Predators Game 1 Prediction
The Avalanche are arguably the best team in the NHL with a plethora of top-flight talent. Mikko Rantanen (92 points), Nathan MacKinnon (88 points), Nazem Kadri (87 points), and Cale Makar (86 points) all finished the regular season in the top 20 in points this season. If this production continues into the playoffs, they should have no issue fending off the rest of the Western Conference.
The Predators have a solid trio of their own with Roman Josi (96 points), Matt Duchene (86 points), and Filip Forsberg (84 points) leading the pack.
The goaltending battle between these two teams would be even if both starters were healthy, as Colorado’s Darcy Kuemper (2.54 goals-against average) and Nashville’s Juuse Saros (2.64 goals-against average) both ranked in the middle of the pack during the regular season. However, Saros is set to miss the first two games of the series with a lower-body injury, so David Rittich or Connor Ingram will be between the pipes for the Predators.
With that being said, the Avalanche have a significant edge in this series and Game 1, in particular.
Avalanche vs Predators Game 1 Pick
Avalanche 5, Predators 4
The Avs are the better team in this game without a doubt. They are coming into this series on a bit of a cold spell, having lost six of their last seven games in the regular season, but the Predators are simply a worse team in every facet.
Colorado should be able to take Game 1 on home ice and despite the close score prediction, I see this as a game where the Avalanche have full control throughout the game.
This should also be a quite high-scoring game given the nature of each team’s roster construction. Both teams can score at will, and with Saaros out, the overall goaltending level will drop significantly. Nashville’s games have hit the Over in seven of their last eight, with one of those contests being a 5-4 shootout win over the Avalanche last week.
Avalanche vs Predators Game 1 Best Bets
OVER 6.5 Goals (-130) at BetMGM
WAGER: 2 Units
The Avalanche are one of the most gifted offensive teams in the NHL. Their combination of superstar goal scorers is unmatched and something the Predators won’t be able to handle throughout the series.
Nashville can certainly do their fair share of scoring and should contribute, leading us to back the Over 6.5 here as our biggest play in Game 1.
Predators +1.5 Puck Line (+105) at BetMGM
WAGER: 0.5 Units
It is not often that oddsmakers are willing to give out plus-money or even odds on the puck line for an underdog playoff team, but they are doing it here for the Predators.
The odds do make sense, but there is too much value to be had here by taking a goal with the Preds.
Avalanche vs Predators Game 1 Best Parlay
Avalanche-Predators Parlay (+425) at BetMGM
- Avalanche Moneyline (-300)
- Over 6.5 Goals (-130)
- Predators +2.5 Puck Line (-165)
For our same-game parlay, we will be backing the heavily juiced Avalanche Moneyline, the same Over 6.5 goals pick that we are taking straight up, and the Predators +2.5.
The odds on this parlay are excellent, all things considered, especially given our analysis of all three legs across this writing.
Avalanche vs Predators Odds To Win Series
- Avalanche (-700)
- Predators (+475)
Avalanche vs Predators Series Prediction
The series between the Avalanche and Predators is arguably the most lopsided in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Avalanche currently have the best odds (+325) to win the Stanley Cup, while the Predators are tied for the second-longest odds (+4000) amongst all playoff teams.
While both teams are excellent on the offensive end, the Avalanche are the far more balanced team as they have one of the league’s best defenses.
In all likelihood, the Avalanche will have their way with the Predators to start a potential Stanley Cup-winning run.
Avalanche vs Predators Series Pick
Avalanche in 4 Games
Avalanche vs Predators Series Best Bets
Avalanche to Win Series 4-0 (+375) at BetMGM
WAGER: 1 Unit
The Avs rank amongst the best teams in the NHL and are more than capable of pulling off a sweep against the Predators. This will require them taking multiple games on the road, which is quite possible considering Colorado had a comparable road record during the regular season to the Predators’ home record.
Since Saros will miss at least two games, backing the Avs to pull off the sweep seems like good value at this price.
Avalanche to Win Series 4-1 (+225) at BetMGM
WAGER: 1 Unit
For all of the hyping up of the Avalanche that we have been doing, it is unfair to the Predators to disregard their body of work. However, the best outcome for Nashville in my eyes is that they can steal one away from Colorado at home. That is the consensus, as the Avalanche to win the series in five games carries the lowest odds of any series price.
By taking both of our recommended props, you are taking a two-unit risk if neither hit. However, if the sweep happens, you’d profit +2.75 units and if the Predators are able to take one game, you’d get paid out +1.25 units. These are excellent opportunities considering Colorado’s overall might.
