Avalanche vs. Predators Predictions, Picks & Odds: Can Colorado Claim Regular-Season Finale?

The defending Stanley Cup Champion Colorado Avalanche close out the regular season against the disappointing Nashville Predators. Read on for our Avalanche vs. Predators prediction based on the best NHL odds.

Bolstered by a scorching 8-1-1 run down the stretch, the Avalanche are blazing into the postseason playing some of their best hockey of the season. Marred by injuries and occasional inconsistency earlier in the campaign, Colorado is looking more like the juggernaut that hoisted Lord Stanley’s Mug in 2021-22. On top of that, they can leapfrog the Dallas Stars into the No. 1 spot in the Central Division (and a first round date with the Seattle Kraken) with a win Friday night.

The Preds, on the other hand, find themselves on the outside looking in. Leaning too heavily on their defense and stellar goaltending, Nashville could never consistently find the back of the net this season, and will finish one point out of the final Western Conference Wild Card spot should they emerge victorious Friday. They’re missing the postseason for the first time since 2013-14.

With that in mind, here is our best Avalanche vs. Predators NHL prediction (odds via FanDuel Sportsbook; pick confidence based on a 1-to-5-star scale).

Avalanche vs. Predators prediction

Artturi Lehkonen anytime scorer (+260 via FanDuel) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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A key cog in Colorado’s march to the Stanley Cup last spring, Lehkonen returned from a broken finger against the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday night, notching a goal and an assist in a 4-2 Avalanche victory. He was fourth on the team with a 55% Corsi for percentage, and third with 0.66 expected goals for (five-on-five).

Although he’s not known as a sniper, Lehkonen has posted a career-high 21 goals this season despite missing 18 games. He’s also firmly entrenched in the Avalanche’s explosive top-six, and will likely see some time on their second power play unit. Prior to his injury, Lehkonen had scored three goals in four games, and he’ll have plenty of opportunity to add to his career-high totals on Friday night.

With the Avalanche looking to vault themselves into first place in the Central, Lehkonen, who averages more than 20 minutes of ice time a game, will likely log 15-20 minutes playing an important second line role.

Avalanche vs. Predators best odds

FanDuel (+260)

With Lehkonen making his return last night, this bet isn’t available on every sportsbook. As such, if you’re expecting him to light the lamp, there’s tremendous value in backing him at FanDuel (+260) compared to our other best sportsbooks.

Avalanche vs. Predators odds

Colorado opened as a -190 favorite and that line has moved up to around -230 depending on the sportsbook. If you’re looking to glean any value out of an Avalanche win, you can bet the -1.5 spread as high as +125 (theScoreBet).

The goal total is different depending on the sportsbook. DraftKings has the total set at 6, with the Over paying out at +105, while the Under will net you -125. Most sportsbooks, like theScoreBet, have the goal total listed at 5.5, with the Under paying out at +100, and the Over paying out at -130.

Avalanche vs. Predators game info

• Date: April 14, 2023, 8 p.m. ET
• TV: BSSO, ALT
• Location: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN

Avalanche-Predators pick made 04/14/2023 at Noon ET.

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