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Predators vs. Avalanche Prediction and Odds (Back Underdog With Something Left to Gain)

By Iain MacMillan

The Predators and Avalanche will face-off in Thursday night NHL action.
The Predators and Avalanche will face-off in Thursday night NHL action. / Frederick Breedon/GettyImages
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The Nashville Predators have their playoff spot locked up, but they can still improve their standing before the end of the regular season. They currently sit one point back from the Stars for the first wild card seed, with two games in hand. If they finish the year on a 2-0 run, they'll face the Flames in the first round. If they remain in the second wild card spot, they'll play the Stanley Cup favorites, the Colorado Avalanche, in the opening round.

What a coincidence, they're set to play the Avs tonight in what could be a playoff preview. Colorado has nothing to play for at this point. The Avs have the number one seed in the West locked up, but can use this game as an opportunity to size up their potential first round opponent.

Let's take a look at the odds via WynnBET for tonight's Central Division showdown.

Predators vs. Avalanche Odds and Total

Moneyline:

  • Predators +210
  • Avalanche -250

Puck line:

  • Predators +1.5 (-130)
  • Avalanche -1.5 (+110)

Total:

  • 6.5 (Over +100/Under -120)

Predators vs. Avalanche Betting Trends

  • The OVER is 5-1 in the Predators' last six games.
  • Predators are 1-4 in their last five games.
  • The OVER is 12-2 in the Predators' last 14 road games.
  • Avalanche are 1-4 in their last five games.
  • Avalanche are 7-1 in their last eight home games.

Predators vs. Avalanche Prediction and Pick

The Avalanche have nothing left to achieve this season, and it's shown in recent games. They're 1-4 in their last five outings, and don't deserve to be -250 favorites to a team that still has something to gain. I'm not a big "motivation factor" guy, but I think it makes sense in this specific situation.

It's not so much that the Avalanche aren't trying to win these games, but they're much more likely to play their third and fourth lines and give their top guns a bit of rest before entering the playoffs.

It's proven by the fact that the Avalanche rank 11th in CORSI percentage over their last 10 games.

If you're going to bet on this game, take the underdog with something to play for.

Lean: Predators +210

You can track Iain's bets on Betstamp here.

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