Colorado Avalanche at Nashville Predators odds, picks and predictions
The Colorado Avalanche (50-24-7) take their shot at the Central Division title against the Nashville Predators (42-31-8) Friday at Bridgestone Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's lines around the Avalanche vs. Predators odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
The Avs grinded out a 4-2 win - as large -301 home favorites - over Winnipeg Thursday to remain 1 point behind Dallas for the Central Division crown. Colorado holds the tiebreaker and will need at least 1 point in this game to win the division. There is plenty of motivation to do so because they would avoid a tough 1st-round opponent in Minnesota. Colorado is playing without D Cale Makar (lower body), who has been out since April 1. He has been skating and is questionable for this one.
Nashville has won 4 of the last 5 games - 3 as an underdog - but only 1 of them was in regulation. The Predators are a gritty team that battles in front of the net looking for redirects and rebounds. The Avs had a tough game at home vs. the Jets Thursday night and had to catch a late flight to Nashville. If the Avs want the Central, they're going to have to earn it.
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