The Colorado Avalanches will try and eliminate the St. Louis Blues as the teams square off in Game 6 of the second-round series. It's time to continue our NHL odds series with an Avalanche-Blues prediction and pick.
It was a wild game in Denver as the Blues rallied from a 3-0 deficit to defeat the Avalanche 5-4 in overtime to send the series back to St. Louis. Nathan MacKinnon opened up the scoring in the first with a goal to give the Avs a 1-0 lead. Then, he struck again on a power-play goal as he cut hard to the net to make it 2-0 Avalanche. Gabriel Landeskog added fuel to the fire in the second as he redirected a shot from the point to make it 3-0. However, the Blues finally struck as Vladimir Tarasenko fired a quick release into the net to cut the deficit to 3-1.
The third period came, and Robert Thomas ripped a one-timer off a setup from Pavel Buchnevich. Then, the Blues tied it up on a Jordan Kyrou goal and had all the momentum. MacKinnon struck again as he unleashed his third goal of the game. He completed the hat trick on an unbelievable coast-to-coast that gave the Avs the lead. The Blues struck again with 56 seconds left as Thomas put a rebound into the net, sending it into overtime. Finally, Tyler Bozak fired off the game-winning shot in the extra period to send the series back to St. Louis and keep the Blues alive.
Courtesy of FanDuel, here are the Avalanche-Blues NHL Playoffs odds:
NHL Playoffs Odds: Avalanche-Blues Odds
Avalanche: -1.5 (+140)
Blues: +1.5 (-170)
Over: 6.5 (-118)
Under: 6.5 (-104)
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Why The Avalanche Could Cover The Spread
The Avalanche are undefeated on the road in these playoffs. Plus, they have won each game by two goals or more. They routed the Predators 7-3 and 5-3. Then, they dominated the Blues 5-2 and 6-3. Who has been the main catalyst for all those games? Nazem Kadri is the identity of the man lifting them in those road victories.
Kadri had a goal and an assist in Game 3 against St. Louis and provided a hat trick plus an assist in Game 4. It was no coincidence that the Avalanche lost on the night he struggled to do anything. Yes, Mackinnon is the best player on the Avalanche and always will be as long as he is on that team. However, the Avalanche are unbeaten in games in which Kadri scores a goal or an assist in these playoffs. They seem to thrive off his scoring, and it elevates everyone else. He was nonexistent in Game 5, producing a -3 on the ice. Now, Kadri looks to rebound and help his team send the Blues home.
The Avalanche could stand to be a little more physical. The Blues outhit them 47 to 31 in Game 5. It has to change if the Avalanche wants to snuff out any hope the Blues have. Additionally, Darcy Kuemper needs to play better. He managed 25 saves on 30 shots in Game 5 and was not much better in Game 4 when he made 17 saves on only 20 shots. The Avalanche have a loaded team but they still need their goalie to make stops in the net. Game 3 is the only game in this series in which Kuemper has showcased an ability to dominate.
The Avalanche will cover the spread and head to the next round if Kadri scores and his teammates contribute. Also, if Mackinnon can dominate again, the Avalanche should have no issue putting down the Blues. Kuemper needs to play well in the net.
Why The Blues Could Cover The Spread
The Blues are alive by a string, but they need to bring out their best hockey tonight. They are only 2-3 at home during these playoffs, including 0-2 against the Avalanche. Their 4-2 road record would be amazing if they could win home games. Now, they must win one to avoid elimination. They dominated the Avalanche in hits in Game 5. Also, they won 52 percent of the faceoffs. The Blues certainly had the opportunities to win. However, their defense remained sloppy.
Mackinnon skated from coast-to-coast to score his final goal and the Blues could not stop him from venturing all over the ice. Additionally, it has been the trend throughout the series as the Avs have scored four or more goals for three straight games. Ville Husso has not been great either, as he produced an .882 save percentage in Game 5, and has been shaky throughout. The Blues have to defend better in front of him.
The Blues will cover the spread if they can do the little things and tighten up the edges on defense. Also, they can win if they get better performance in net from Husso. The Blues cannot play from behind again.
Final Avalanche-Blues Prediction & Pick
The Avalanche can end this tonight. The Blues playing at home should motivate them, but it has not worked. These Avs have learned from the past, and a juicy matchup with the Edmonton Oilers is now within reach. Expect the Avalanche to come out and end it, advancing to the Western Conference finals with authority.
Final Avalanche-Blues Prediction & Pick: Avalanche: -1.5 (+140)