New Jersey Devils at Colorado Avalanche odds, picks and predictions
The New Jersey Devils (7-3-1) take on the Colorado Avalanche (7-3-0) Tuesday at Ball Arena. Puck drop is set for 10 p.m. ET (TNT). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Devils vs. Avalanche odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
The Devils shut down the Chicago Blackhawks, 4-2 on Sunday and they have won 4 of the last 5 games. C Dawson Mercer scored his 1st goal of the season. C Jack Hughes missed that contest and won’t play in this one either, after he sustained a shoulder injury Nov. 3 against St. Louis.
The Avs have been stewing over a 7-0 beatdown from the Vegas Golden Knights Saturday. It was the 3rd time in 4 games they were shut out. The Avalanche return home for a 3-game homestand after playing 4 of 5 on the road. It’ll be a time to regroup and refocus after having some humble pie served.
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Devils at Avalanche odds
BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:26 a.m. ET.
Devils at Avalanche projected goalies
Vitek Vanecek (6-2-0, 3.05 GAA, .900 SV%) vs. Alexandar Georgiev (6-3-0, 2.92 GAA, .899 SV%, 1 SO)
Vanecek stopped 32 of 34 shots he saw against the Blackhawks Sunday. He bends but hasn’t really broken yet. He had a couple of 4-goal games, but he has allowed at least 2 in each start. He went 2-0-0 with a 2.96 GAA and an .884 SV% against the Avs last year.
Georgiev is having issues. He allowed 7 Saturday, but he has allowed 4 or more goals in 4 of 5 games. He was brilliant early on, which is why he still has a sub-3 GAA. He didn’t face the Devils last season.
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Devils at Avalanche picks and predictions
Prediction
Avalanche 5, Devils 3
I feel like this will be a statement game for Colorado against a talented team that is missing its best player. I don’t like the price on the ML, though, considering Colorado’s recent struggles – and I prefer to roll with the puck line.
PASS.
The Avalanche are 3-0 at home and 3-0 on the puck line. New Jersey won both games, including 1 at Ball Arena last year, but it’s a completely different look without Hughes.
Take the AVALANCHE -1.5 (+135).
The game in Colorado was a 7-5 victory for the high-flying Devils, and I project another high-scoring affair. The Avs have been shut out 4 times recently and are still 17th in the league with 3.1 goals and 4th with 34.6 shots per game. The Devils are 3rd with 3.9 goals per game and boast the league’s top power play at 42.9%. Both goalies have had some leaks as well.
