The Vancouver Canucks (6-10-3) visit the Colorado Avalanche (11-5-1) at Ball Arena Wednesday. Puck drop is set for 10 p.m. ET (ESPN+).
The Canucks started the season 0-5-2, and while their recent play hasn’t been stellar it’s at least been a step up from that. Vancouver lost 5-4 to the Vegas Golden Knights Monday, ending a mini 2-game win streak. Goaltending continues to be an issue for the Canucks who have allowed 4 or more goals in 8 of their last 10 games.
The Avalanche got off to a shaky start, posting a 4-4-1 record in October. However, the defending Stanley Cup champs have righted the ship by winning 7 of 8 games in November. Colorado is on a 3-game win streak following a 3-2 shootout win at the Dallas Stars Monday.
Canucks at Avalanche odds
- Moneyline (ML): Canucks +170 (bet $100 to win $170) | Avalanche -200 (bet $200 to win $100)
- Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Canucks +1.5 (-140) | Avalanche -1.5 (+120)
- Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: +115 | U: -105)
Canucks at Avalanche projected goalies
Thatcher Demko (2-9-2, 3.87 GAA, .883 SV%) vs Alexandar Georgiev (W-L-T, GAA, SV%)
Demko has been a big factor in why the Canucks rank near the bottom of the league in goals allowed per game (3.95, 30th). The American netminder has allowed 3 or more goals in all but 1 of his 13 starts, including a 5-spot to the Golden Knights Monday.
Georgiev has really settled in to his new surroundings as the season has progressed, posting a 5-1-0 record along with a 1.98 GAA and .940 SV% with 1 shutout in November. The 26-year-old goaltender allowed 2 goals on 24 shots at the Stars Monday.
Canucks at Avalanche picks and predictions
Prediction
Avalanche 5, Canucks 2
Moneyline
The Avalanche (-200) are on their home ice, but the risk here doesn’t justify the reward. This would be an acceptable choice for a parlay, but as a standalone wager it’s a PASS.
Puck line/Against the spread
The Canucks goaltending situation has been absolutely absymal, and this is a fantastic spot for the Avalanche to flex their muscles. Colorado has the edge offensively, defensively, between the pipes and on special teams.
In what may be a deal maker on the puck line the Avalanche sport the league’s best power play (34.5%) and will have their chances against the league’s 2nd worst penalty kill (65.6%).
Five of Colorado’s 7 wins in November have come by margin, and the plus money value is just a bonus on the AVALANCHE -1.5 (+120).
Over/Under
Colorado has scored just 2 regulation-time goals in 3 of its last 4 games, but Wednesday should mark an opportunity to get the red lamp lit again. Despite the recent power outage, the Avs have still averaged 3.88 goals per game in November.
A split wager on OVER 6.5 (-115) and, in case Vancouver doesn’t pull its weight AVALANCHE OVER 3.5 TOTAL GOALS IN REGULATION (-110) is advisable.