Colorado Avalanche vs. New York Rangers Prediction, NHL Odds
The Rangers return from the NHL All-Star break with just four wins in their past 12 games, but still maintain a two-point lead atop the Metropolitan Division standings. The Avalanche arrive on Broadway riding a three-game win streak during which they have outscored opponents by a combined 18-7 margin, and remain perched atop the Central Division standings, one point up on Dallas.
Monday night’s matchup is pegged as a virtual pick ‘em on the NHL odds, with both these clubs sporting -110 NHL moneyline odds. The total is listed at 6.5, with -115 odds narrowly favouring the UNDER.
Avalanche vs. Rangers NHL Betting Odds
After enduring a streaky start to the season, the Avalanche found their groove at Christmas time, recording wins in 13 of 17 contests since December 19. However, producing consistent results on the road remains a challenge. The Avalanche have alternated between wins and losses over their past four away dates, and a brief three-game win streak over the New Year marks the only time this club has recorded consecutive wins during a 5-5-3 run on the road since the end of November.
The Rangers have faced consistency issues of their own while recording consecutive wins just once over their past 16 games. New York has also wilted when hosting top-flight opponents, losing each of their past five home dates with teams currently in the NHL playoff picture. The Blueshirts also have work to do to overcome their recent dismal performance when facing the Avs, taking the loss in seven of 10 head-to-head meetings including their past two clashes at MSG.
Colorado Avalanche
The Avalanche offence found a higher gear during their pre-All-Star resurgence. Avs shooters have scored at least five times in five of the club’s past seven games, and have also averaged an impressive 4.83 goals per game while winning four of six road dates. Logan O’Connor has played some of the best hockey of his career since New Year’s Day, picking up eight goals and 13 points in 12 games including five goals over the past three games. Nathan MacKinnon has also been in vintage form, racking up 12 goals and 16 assists during a 13-game point streak including seven goals and 11 points over the past three games, and should not be overlooked as a +115 bet on the NHL player props to extend his goal-scoring streak to five games on Monday night.
New York Rangers
The Rangers hoped to have solved their recent scoring woes with a decisive 7-2 victory in Ottawa just before the All-Star break. However, goals have come at a particular premium on home ice, where the club has mustered two or fewer goals in three of six appearances, and have seen each of their three defeats over that stretch come by multi-goal margins. Artemi Panarin enjoyed a big night in Ottawa, scoring once and adding a pair of helpers in his first multi-point performance in 10 games. However, Panarin has remained steadily productive, racking up 23 points while making it onto the scoresheet in 15 of 18 appearances. Things have not gone so well for Monday’s expected goalie Igor Shesterkin, who has compiled a dismal .845 save percentage while facing an average of just 21 shots per game during a four-game winless streak.
COL
NYR