NHL Odds, Pick & Preview: Avalanche vs. Coyotes (March 3)
Norm Hall/NHLI via Getty Images. Pictured: Arizona Coyotes goaltender Scott Wedgewood.
- The Arizona Coyotes welcomes the mighty Colorado Avalanche in Thursday's NHL showdown.
- Colorado is a heavy favorite in the desert, but that hasn't stopped Tony Sartori from jumping on the underdog.
- Check out below why he expects Arizona to cover the number.
Avalanche vs. Coyotes Odds
| Avalanche Odds | -380 |
| Coyotes Odds | +290 |
| Over/Under | 6.5 (+100 / -120) |
| Time | 9 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN+ |
| Odds via DraftKings. Get up-to-the-minute NHL Odds here. | |
We have a Central Division tilt on Thursday when first-place Colorado travels to the desert to take on Arizona.
It will be the fourth meeting between these teams this season, with the Avalanche winning two of the first three contests.
So, will Colorado continue to prove its elite status or can Arizona upset their foes once again? Let's take a look.
Colorado Avalanche
The Avalanche enter the game riding a four-game win streak following Tuesday night's 5-3 home win against the New York Islanders. Colorado is undoubtedly one of the best NHL teams and continues to show its dominance against anyone in its way.
However, Colorado does sometimes have its hiccups when playing on the road. While the team still has a great road record, nine of its 14 total losses this season have been when traveling away from Ball Arena.
The projected starter in goal for the Avalanche is Darcy Kuemper. While Kuemper has been winning games, he hasn't been covering the Puck Line as much as one would think, as he's just 5-6 against the spread in his last 11 starts.
Kuemper lost his last outing against the Coyotes, so we know Arizona can score on him. Colorado must also be careful not to fall into a look ahead trap as its next game is against an elite team in Calgary.
Arizona Coyotes
The Coyotes enter the contest on three days' rest and look to beat the Avalanche for a second time. Arizona has had two big upsets at home recently as they've beaten both Vegas and Dallas as a +200 or longer underdog.
The main reason for the big upsets has been the outstanding play of projected starting goaltender Scott Wedgewood. He has been on fire of late, allowing two or fewer goals in four of his last six starts.
Over those six outings, Wedgewood has a remarkable 0.942 save percentage and is 5-1 against the spread. One of those covers in that span is when he beat Colorado on the road at the beginning of February.
As a team, Arizona has found more success at home recently. Over their last six home games, the Coyotes are 4-2 against the spread.
Avalanche vs. Coyotes Pick
No one will argue Colorado is by far the superior team. That being said, a home underdog with a hot goaltender catching plus money on the Puck Line is too much value to pass up.
Arizona is 2-1 against the spread when facing Colorado and I think they can cover again. You must have a strong stomach for this play, because while I think Arizona will cover and I like the value on the number we are getting on the Puck Line, I also would not be shocked if Colorado wins 6-1 in a rout.
Pick: Arizona +1.5 (+125 | Play down to +115)
How would you rate this article?
Follow Us On Social
