The New York Rangers, spearheaded by Mika Zibanejad and Kevin Hayes, are preparing to take the ice against Mikko Rantanen, Nathan MacKinnon, and the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center in an East-West tilt. Altitude Sports & Entertainment will broadcast the matchup, and the opening face-off takes place at 9 p.m. ET on Friday, January 4.
New York Rangers vs. Colorado Avalanche Odds
Oddsmakers have not yet posted moneyline or Over/Under odds for this matchup.
Producing -9.1 units for moneyline bettors, Colorado is 19-22 straight up (SU) overall this year. That early-season winning percentage is a regression from the 43-39 record that the team managed during last year’s regular season campaign. Among its 41 games this season, 21 have gone over the total, while 20 have gone under and none have pushed. This season, the team is 8-11 SU at home.
The Avalanche have connected on 26.5 percent of their power play opportunities this season, a figure that places them in the top-10 among NHL teams. On the other hand, their penalty kill is rated 24th overall, and they’ve successfully killed off 76.9 percent of all penalties.
With a .912 save percentage and 27.7 saves per game, Semyon Varlamov (11-14-5) has been the most dependable goalkeeper for Colorado this season. If Colorado chooses to rest him, however, the team could turn to Philipp Grubauer (8-10-10 record, .899 save percentage, 3.26 goals against average).
New York has lost 0.3 units for moneyline bettors this year and is currently 17-22 straight up (SU). A total of 20 of its matches have gone over the total, while 19 have gone under the total and none have pushed. The Rangers are 6-12 SU as the away team this season.
The Rangers have converted on 20.5 percent of their power play opportunities this season, a mark that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked 28th overall and it’s successfully defended 76.4 percent of all penalties.
Henrik Lundqvist (.911 save percentage and 2.94 goals against average) has been the primary option in goal for New York. Lundqvist is averaging 30.1 saves per game and has 12 wins, 18 losses, and seven OT losses to his credit.
New York Rangers vs. Colorado Avalanche Betting Predictions
Free NHL Pick: SU Winner – Avalanche, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
- The Rangers (5-2 in shootouts) has more shootout experience coming into this one. The Avalanche fell short in its one shootout this season.
- The under has hit in three of Colorado’s last five outings.
- New York has managed 25.0 shot attempts per game over its last five road games while Colorado is averaging 30.6 shots per game over its last five home outings.
- Over New York’s last ten games, four of them have been decided by two or more goals (the team is 1-3 in those games).
- New York skaters have dished out the sixth-most hits in the league (25.9 per game), but the team’s averaged just 23.4 hits over their last five away games.
