Avalanche vs. Predators Prediction
The Nashville Predators pulled away in the third period in Game 1 of their Western Conference quarterfinals opener versus the Colorado Avalanche. Will Nashville push its series lead to 2-0 with another victory this afternoon?
Game Snapshot
59 Colorado Avalanche at 60 Nashville Predators
Saturday, April 14, 2018
Bridgestone Arena at 7PM ET
TV: NBC
Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers at YouWager, the Predators are listed as a -340 favorite to win on the moneyline. The Avalanche are a +260 underdog, while the over-under is set at 5.5 goals. Nashville is -115 on the -1.5 puckline, while Colorado is -105 on the +1.5 puckline. As of Saturday morning, 71 percent of public bets are pouring in on the host Predators. Check out our NHL Public Betting Page for up-to-date information.
Varlamov’s absence proving to be massive
When it was announced that Colorado veteran starting goaltender Semyon Varlamov would miss the entirety of the first round series with Nashville, the thought was that it would severely hurt any chances the Avs had at pulling off the upset over the top=seeded Predators. After backup Jonathan Bernier allowed four goals on 30 shots in an uninspiring Game 1 performance, it highlighted the importance of Varlamov. While not an elite goalie, Varlamov was solid all season with a 2.68 goals-against average and a .920 save percentage in 52 games (47 starts). Bernier was a decent enough second option, with a 2.85 GAA and .913 save percentage in 37 games (34 starts) in the regular season. But as he showed Thursday night, he is no Varlamov and unless he stands on his head the rest of this series Colorado probably won’t last long.
Forsberg stellar in Game 1
Casual hockey fans around America might not know about Filip Forsberg, but he is forcing viewers to pay attention. With two goals in the 5-2 victory in Game 1, he now has five goals in his last two games after recording a hat trick in the regular season finale. He completed the year with 26 goals and 38 assists in 67 games played. He also missed a month with an injury. At only 23 years old, Forsberg has his best hockey ahead of him but his present is pretty darn good too. There aren’t that many point-per-game players in the NHL and considering Nashville finished the season with the most points in the league, Forsberg had a considerable amount to do with his team’s success. If Forsberg can stay red-hot in the playoffs, the Predators just might be the team to beat.
NHL Betting Trends
Colorado
The over is 14-3-1 in the last 18 meetings in Nashville. The Avalanche are 7-1 in their last eight games when the opponent has scored five or more goals in their last game. The under is 6-0-1 in their last seven games following a loss by three or more goals.
Nashville
The Predators are 21-7 in their last 28 meetings versus Colorado in Nashville. The over is 20-8-2 in the last 30 meetings. The over is 4-0 in the last four Predators home games.
Prediction:
This line is a bit too much to stomach placing money on the favorite considering the payoff would hardly be worth the risk. But the puckline on the other hand, that’s a bet worth considering. Nashville already won a game by three goals against the Avs, are at home again and Bernier appears to be rattled. The Predators aren’t a team that messes around or takes an opponent lightly. Expect Nashville to go for the jugular here. Bet on the Nashville puckline.
MLB DAILY PREDICTION: NASHVILLE PREDATORS PL -115