Canucks vs. Avalanche NHL Odds, Picks, Predictions: Who Can Stop Colorado? (March 23)
Michael Martin/NHLI via Getty Images. Pictured: Cale Makar.
- The streaking Avalanche are heavy home favorites tonight against the Canucks.
- Vancouver has struggled of late between the pipes, where Darcy Kuemper has thrived for Colorado.
- Jonny Lazarus breaks down the matchup and makes his betting pick below.
Canucks vs. Avalanche Odds
| Canucks Odds | +200 |
| Avalanche Odds | -250 |
| Over/Under | 6 |
| Time | 9:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN+ |
| Odds via BetMGM. Get up-to-the-minute NHL Odds here. | |
The Vancouver Canucks kick off a four-game road trip with a very tough test on Wednesday night, when they head into Ball Arena on a three-game losing streak.
The Colorado Avalanche, meanwhile, continue to dominate on home ice, defeating the Oilers in their last game 3-2 on an overtime goal from superstar Nathan MacKinnon.
Can the Canucks Make a Playoff Push?
The Canucks have been so hot and cold this season, but they find themselves in a pretty solid position. They're currently four points out of a Wild Card spot with a game in hand on the Vegas Golden Knights, who have struggled lately.
Vancouver has shown us a couple of times this season that it's capable of putting together a strong 10-game stretch, but this road trip will be a massive test. The Canucks have not had the best of luck in their last two games against the Avs this season, being outscored by a combined 11-3.
Thatcher Demko will be the X-factor if the Canucks have any chance of winning. He has carried the Canucks on his back this season, with a 27-19-4 record and a .916 save percentage, along with a 12th-ranked Goals Saved Above Expected rating (GSAx) of +10.0.
Despite his strong play, Demko has lost his last three starts, during which he has allowed eight goals on 93 shots. The Avs are not an opponent that you'd want to face as a goaltender when you're struggling, but Demko has shown he's resilient all season.
Vancouver has had a tough time finding the back of the net, scoring only four goals in its last three contests. The goalscoring struggles might continue tonight in a very difficult atmosphere.
Colorado Is Cruising Right Now
This Avalanche team has been so much fun to watch. They're insanely talented on both ends of the ice, with Darcy Kuemper being rock solid in goal.
The Avs have won four straight games, two of which were of the shutout variety. This group is gearing up for a deep playoff run and you can sense it when you watch them. Colorado's game against the Oilers on Monday night may have come down to the wire, but Colorado was the obvious better team.
Cale Makar and MacKinnon have continued their tear, both registering two points against the Oilers and combining for the overtime winner. The pair has combined for 14 points during this four-game win streak, and you can expect them to produce again in this matchup.
The Avalanche are the second-best offensive team in the league for a reason, and they'll likely show why in this one.
Canucks vs. Avalanche Pick
Betting against Colorado on home ice is never easy, proving almost unbeatable this season at Ball Arena. The Canucks have not had much success against the Avs in recent years, going 1-4 in their last five meetings.
As good as Demko has been for the Canucks, Kuemper has been just as good, if not better. He ranks sixth amongst goalies with a +19.5 GSAx and is showing that he is for real.
The Avs are the much better team offensively and with the Canucks goalscoring struggles as of late, I don't think they will be able to keep up.
I like Colorado to cover the puck line on home ice at even money.
Pick: Colorado Avalanche -1.5 +100
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