Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, and the Chicago Blackhawks will face off against Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen, and the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center in a Central Division showdown. The action gets underway at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 23, and it’s being televised live on NBC Sports Chicago.
Chicago Blackhawks at Colorado Avalanche Odds
Moneyline and Over/Under (O/U) odds have not yet been posted for this matchup.
Colorado is 33-41 straight up (SU) and has lost 15.6 units for moneyline bettors this year. That early-season winning percentage is a slide from what the team managed during last year’s regular season (43-39). Of the team’s 74 games this season, 37 have gone over the total, while 36 have gone under and just one has pushed. Thus far, the team’s 16-20 SU at home.
The Avalanche have converted on 21.8 percent of their power play opportunities this season, a mark that places them in the top-10 among NHL teams. On the other hand, their penalty kill is ranked 27th overall, and they’ve successfully killed off 77.6 percent of all penalties.
Boasting a .910 save percentage and 27.8 saves per game, Semyon Varlamov (19-28-9) has been the top goalkeeper for Colorado this season. If Colorado decides to give him a breather, however, head coach Jared Bednar may roll with Philipp Grubauer (14-17-17 record, .911 save percentage, 2.77 goals against average).
Chicago has lost 3.1 units for moneyline bettors thus far and is currently 32-41 straight up (SU). 47 of its matches have gone over the total, while 22 have gone under the total and just four have pushed. The Blackhawks are 16-20 SU as a road team this season.
The Blackhawks have converted on 20.5 percent of their power play chances this season, a figure that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked 31st overall and it’s successfully killed off 73.6 percent of all opponent power plays.
Corey Crawford (28.3 saves per game) has been the primary option in goal for Chicago. Crawford has 12 wins, 20 losses, and three overtime losses to his credit, while registering a .908 save percentage and 3.03 goals against average this year.
Chicago Blackhawks at Colorado Avalanche Betting Predictions
Free Pick: SU Winner – Avalanche, O/U – Under
Betting Notes
- The Blackhawks are 2-1 in games decided by a shootout this season while the Avalanche are 1-1 in shootouts.
- Chicago has managed 32.8 shot attempts per game over its last five road games while Colorado is averaging 38.6 shots per game over its last five at home.
- Chicago skaters recorded 16.8 hits per game last season, while the Avs logged 20.4 hits per matchup.
