In a game between two teams on winning streaks, the New York Rangers and the Colorado Avalanche clash at the Pepsi Center for an East-versus-West tilt. The puck drops at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 20, and you can catch the game live on Altitude Sports & Entertainment.
New York Rangers at Colorado Avalanche Odds
Colorado is 25-19 straight up (SU) and has netted 10.3 units for moneyline bettors this season. That win percentage, the third-best in the Central Division so far in the early season, is a surprising turnaround from what the team managed during the 2016-17 season (22-60). Through 44 regular season outings, 25 of its games have gone over the total, while 18 have gone under and just one has pushed. This year, the team is 17-8 SU at home.
The Avalanche have converted on 21.0 percent of their power play chances this year, a mark that’s good enough for ninth-best in the league. On the other hand, their penalty kill is ranked second overall, and they’ve successfully killed off 85.1 percent of all penalties.
The Avalanche, as a collective unit, have been penalized 4.4 times per game overall this season, and 5.0 per game over their past five matchups. The team’s had to kill penalties for 10.0 minutes per contest over their last five home games.
Averaging 28.5 saves per game with a .912 save percentage, Semyon Varlamov (14-12-2) has been the top goalkeeper for Colorado this year. If Colorado decides to rest him, however, the team might roll with Jonathan Bernier (12-8-8 record, .917 save percentage, 2.69 goals against average).
Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen will each spearhead the attack for the Avalanche. MacKinnon (57 points) has tallied 22 goals and 35 assists and has recorded two or more points 16 times this year. Rantanen has 16 goals and 28 assists to his name and has recorded a point in 27 games.
New York is 24-22 straight up (SU) and has lost 0.8 units for moneyline bettors this year. Through 46 regular season matches, 25 of its games have gone over the total, while 19 have gone under and just two have pushed. The Rangers are 7-11 SU as the away team this season.
The Rangers have converted on 18.9 percent of their power play chances this year, a figure that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked sixth overall and it’s successfully killed off 83.7 percent of all opponent power plays.
New York’s players have been penalized only 3.6 times per game this season, 3.2 per game over their last five games total, and 3.4 per game over their last five games as the visiting team. The team’s had to kill penalties just 6.5 minutes per game over their last 10 outings.
Henrik Lundqvist (.924 save percentage and 2.55 goals against average) has been the primary option in goal for New York. Lundqvist is averaging 29.5 saves per game and owns a 21-18-4 record.
Mats Zuccarello (eight goals, 24 assists) has been one of the most vital offensive facilitators for the visiting Rangers.
New York Rangers vs. Colorado Avalanche Betting Predictions
Predictions: SU Winner – Avalanche, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes
Three of New York’s last ten games have been decided by a shootout. The team is 2-1 in those games and 3-4 overall in shootouts this season.
Colorado has allowed 2.9 goals per game overall this year, but is giving up only 1.6 per contest over its eight-game winning streak.
Four of New York’s last ten games have been decided by two goals or more. The team is 1-3 in those games.
