This western conference series will continue in Nashville with a matinee game three as the Predators play host to the Colorado Avalanche. The Predators will look to finally get on the board after losing game one 7-2 and then getting dominated in overtime for a game two final score of 2-1. Can the Predators finally steal a win at home today? It’s time to continue our NHL odds series with an Avalanche-Predators prediction and pick.

Here are the Avalanche-Predators NHL Odds, Courtesy of FanDuel

NHL Odds: Avalanche-Predators Odds

Colorado Avalanche: -1.5 (+110) (-230 ML)

Nashville Predators: +1.5 (-132) (+188 ML)

Over: 6.5 (-110)

Under: 6.5 (-110)

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Why The Avalanche Can Cover The Spread/Win

The Colorado Avalanche have played better at home all season long, so it's no surprise that they win the first two games, regardless of how they did it. Game one was a blowout from the beginning, getting on the board early and often, overwhelming the Predators into rolling over by the end of the first period. Game two was a different story, although starting in the same fashion. The Avs got on the board early in the first period and fans thought “here we go again.” But then let up a soft goal to the Preds, tying the game by the end of the first period. After that, no more scoring until the Avs eventually put them away in overtime (in dominating fashion, I might add).

Goaltender Darcy Kuemper has been playing amazingly, almost looking bored in the net sometimes as the Avalanche have incredible puck possession skills. If they were to lose a game in this series, it would likely be this one, as Nashville's home-ice advantage is at a different level in the playoffs, and the Preds will likely feed off of the energy.

Why The Predators Can Cover The Spread/Win

This game is a must-win game for the Nashville Predators as being down 3-0 to the best team in the western conference is basically a death sentence. With that said, they've been able to keep pace with the Avalanche, especially in game two where they had many opportunities to take a late lead. With that said, star goaltender Juuse Saros will not be making his return tonight, so the Predators will have to start Connor Ingram, who has been playing pretty well for a goalie who has had four career starts throughout his young career. He now gets to play in front of an incredible Nashville crowd who undoubtedly rocks the entire building in playoffs.

Final Avalanche-Predators Prediction & Pick

Ultimately, I think it's pretty clear that the Avalanche are going to win this series. However, the Preds looked really good in game two, keeping the offensive and defensive pace with the Avs – which is certainly not an easy task. The difference between these two teams is that the Avs love to play at a much higher speed than the Preds, who like to take their time and look for those open opportunities. The Avs are much less effective on the road, and I think the Preds will thrive off of their home crowd today. Unless the crowd gets taken out of it early, I think this is the game where the Predators steal a game out of the series.

Final Avalanche-Predators Prediction and Pick: Nashville Moneyline (+188)