Predators vs. Avalanche Prediction
The Nashville Predators recorded the most points in the NHL this season and won the first two games of their series at home versus the Colorado Avalanche, but a sweep wasn’t in the cards as it was the Avs who dominated Game 3. Will Nashville find its way again to take a 3-1 series lead tonight in Denver?
Game Snapshot
61 Nashville Predators at 62 Colorado Avalanche
Wednesday, April 18, 2018
Pepsi Center at 10PM ET
TV: NBCSN
Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers at YouWager, the Predators are listed as a -170 favorite to win on the moneyline. The Avalanche are a +150 underdog, while the total sits at 6 goals. As of Wednesday morning, 50 percent of public bets have come in on both Nashville and Colorado. Check out our NHL Public Betting Page for the latest information.
MacKinnon guides Avs to victory
Colorado young star Nathan MacKinnon is getting his first taste of the playoffs this year and he’s making the most of the opportunity. He had a goal and two assists in the two losses at Nashville, while he upped his game to another level in Game 3 as the series shifted cities. MacKinnon registered two goals in the 5-3 win, making it a 3-0 game late in the first period and then 4-0 early in the second as the Avalanche controlled the action throughout. The Avalanche has a number of young standouts, but MacKinnon is their true star and it’s not surprising he is playing so well on the national stage.
Jarnkrok remains questionable
Nashville center Calle Jarnkrok (16G, 19A in 68 games) has not played since March 13 due to an upper body injury. He has been questionable each game this series, but has yet to play. I’d imagine he is closer to doubtful for this game too, but he plays an important role for the Preds and whenever they can get him back on the ice with no risk of further damage it will be of great benefit. He’ll have some rust to shake off, but Jarnkrok is a veteran now and should be able to get back to his old self quickly. Keep an eye on his status this afternoon.
NHL Betting Trends
Nashville
The over is 7-1-1 in the last nine meetings in Colorado. The over is 5-0 in the last five Predators games against a team with a winning record.
Colorado
The Avalanche are 1-6 in their last seven home games versus Nashville. The over is 19-6-1 in the last 26 meetings.
Prediction:
Game 3 saw the Avs hit the Preds in the mouth, but I think Nashville will be better prepared to handle that this time. Goalie Pekka Rinne had a down game, but he has been stellar all season for the Predators and I expect him to bounce back with a strong game. I’m going with Nashville even as a heavy road favorite. It is the better team here and will be motivated to not make this series any more interesting than it already is.
NHL DAILY PREDICTION: NASHVILLE PREDATORS -170