Nashville Predators vs Colorado Avalanche (5/5/22) Betting Odds, Prediction, Line Combination, Starting Goalies
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Predictably, the Avalanche rolled the Predators in Game 1, with the unstoppable offense scoring seven times in a 7-2 victory.
And predictably, the Avalanche are massive favorites to win Game 2. At the time of this writing, the Avalanche are laying close to -300 on the ML.
One has to wonder if Nashville has the horses to run this race? The Predators look totally outmatched on every inch of the ice.
What’s the best betting odds angle for Game 2?
Nashville Predators vs Colorado Avalanche Betting Odds
Nothing to really say about this one. Money Puck had the Game 1 post-win expectancy at over 72%, which aligns close enough with these odds.
The total is also rather high at 6.5. But with that Colorado offense, it’s easy to see why.
With a favorite this high, you’ll have to get creative to bet on Colorado.
Nashville Predators Analysis
Nashville snuck into the playoffs on the strength of their 5-on-5 defense, which finished eighth in the NHL in Expected Goals Allowed.
However, outside of that, Nashville was quite average. The Predators allowed 252 goals and managed a measly +14 goal differential.
But the Predators massively overachieved this season, as their Expected Goal Differential of -7.92 placed them 20th in the NHL. The Predators were a really average hockey team.
An average hockey team with an above-average goalie (Connor Ingram, ninth in Goals Saved Above Expected) and two 40-goal scorers (Matt Duchene, Filip Forsberg). The Predators have some talent, but can’t seem to put it all together.
Nashville was particularly effective on the Power Play. Their 53.77 Expected Goals Scored in 5-on-4 situations ranked second in the NHL this season.
Colorado Avalanche Analysis
Colorado just scores goals.
The Avalanche’s 312 goals scored this season trailed only Florida and Toronto. It led them to a whopping +78 goal differential.
Similar to Nashville, the Avalanche cruised on the Power Play. They trailed just three teams in the NHL in Power Play goals and finished sixth in Expected Goals Scored in those situations.
As usual, Nathan McKinnon led the charge with 32 goals and 56 assists, although Mikko Rantanen led the team by scoring 36 goals. But seven Avalanche players scored at least 20 goals this season.
Oh, and did I forget to mention that Colorado led the Central division in goals allowed (234). In terms of Expected Goals Allowed, Colorado was up there as well, finishing sixth in the NHL (157.07).
The goalie duo of Darcy Kuemper and Pavel Francouz were fine in replacing Philipp Grubauer and Jonas Johannson. Kuemper was more effective, finishing as a top 10 goalie in Goals Saved Above Expected.
Nashville Predators vs Colorado Avalanche Picks & Prediction
My pick: Over 6.5 (-120 at Caesars)
The over has hit in the last five games between these two. Moreover, these two teams are 9-1 to the over in their last 10 games combined.
These are two dominant offenses with too many playmakers. The goalies are good, but not good enough to stop so many opportunities that are skating so fast.
I’d play the over up to 7 (-110).
Nashville Predators vs Colorado Avalanche Starting Goalies & Line Combination
