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Hurricanes vs. Avalanche Prediction and Odds (Back Avalanche Behind Crazy Home Trend)

By Matt De Saro

Colorado Avalanche v Pittsburgh Penguins
Colorado Avalanche v Pittsburgh Penguins / Emilee Chinn/GettyImages
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Two of the best teams in the NHL face off on Saturday night when the Colorado Avalanche host the Carolina Hurricanes in a possible Stanley Cup Final preview. The Avs are listed as slight home favorites and currently lead the NHL in points with 114. They have already secured a spot in the playoffs and have a huge 16-point lead in the Central Division. 

The Hurricanes also lead their division with 104 points. But, the New York Rangers have 102 in what is shaping up to be a very tight Metropolitan Division race down the stretch. 

While both teams are already guaranteed playoff spots, the Hurricanes at least have to keep winning to hang onto the Metropolitan Division lead. The Avs might be less motivated to go all out for a victory tonight. 

Here are the odds for tonight’s matchup, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.

Hurricanes vs. Avalanche Odds and Total

Moneyline:

  • Hurricanes +115
  • Avalanche -135

Puck line:

  • Hurricanes +1.5 (-220)
  • Avalanche -1.5 (+180)

Total:

  • 6 (Over -110/Under -110)

Hurricanes vs. Avalanche Prediction and Pick

No matter their level of motivation, the Avalanche are one of the best two or three in the NHL right now. They are surging at the right time and don’t show any real signs of fatigue this late in the season. Colorado has won eight games in a row including a massive 9-3 win over the LA Kings on Wednesday. They have scored five or more goals in three of their last five games overall. 

The Hurricanes were able to beat them back in early March, so maybe the Avs do have some added motivation here after all. Furthermore, the Avalanche have been outstanding on their home ice with a 30-4-3 record at Ball Arena. 

One reason for the Avs’ success in the second half of the season has been their defense. Colorado is averaging a mere 2.72 goals against per game. Darcy Kuemper is having a great season in the net with a .926 save percentage and a 2.38 GAA. 

The Avs are too good on both ends of the ice and too dominant at home to fade in this spot. Especially at favorable ML odds. 

Pick: Avalanche -135 to win

Follow all of Matt De Saro’s betting picks HERE

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