The Carolina Hurricanes (3-2-0) and Colorado Avalanche (4-0-0) meet Saturday at Ball Arena in Denver. Puck drop is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET (ESPN+/Hulu). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Hurricanes vs. Avalanche odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
The Hurricanes are reeling after a 7-3 loss Thursday against the Seattle Kraken, a team that previously had scored just 3 total goals in the first 4 games. Carolina is averaging 4.8 goals per game (GPG) through 5 games, while allowing 4.8 GPG. It’s no surprise the Over is a perfect 5-0 so far.
The Avalanche are coming off a 4-0 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks Thursday, and they’re a perfect 4-0, while allowing a total of just 4 goals to date. The Under has cashed in 3 in a row.
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Hurricanes at Avalanche odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:35 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Hurricanes +120 (bet $100 to win $120) | Avalanche -145 (bet $145 to win $100)
- Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Hurricanes +1.5 (-200) | Avalanche -1.5 (+165)
- Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: -120 | U: +100)
Hurricanes at Avalanche projected goalies
Frederik Andersen (2-0-0, 4.14 GAA, .855 SV%) vs. Alexandar Georgiev (4-0-0, 0.98 GAA, .965 SV%, 1 SO)
Andersen exited Tuesday’s game in San Jose after taking a shot to the face mask, and he missed Thursday’s contest. He might be able to return, but if he is still dealing with cobwebs, it will again be Antti Raanta (1-1-0, 4.41 GAA, .818 SV%).
Georgiev is coming off his 1st shutout of the season and the 13th of his NHL career in 183 starts. The 27-year-old Bulgarian-born netminder didn’t face the Hurricanes last season.
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Hurricanes at Avalanche picks and predictions
Prediction
Avalanche 5, Hurricanes 2
The AVALANCHE (-145) are a decent play at this number. The Hurricanes (+120) limp into town for their 5th contest of a 6-game road trip, and they looked awfully tired in Seattle Thursday night.
The Hurricanes are 1-4 in the past 5 meetings overall, while going just 3-12 in the past 15 trips to Denver, too. The home team has won 16 of the past 23 meetings in the series.
Puck line/Against the spread
The AVALANCHE -1.5 (+170) is worth a roll of the dice. As a favorite, Colorado has cashed on the puck line in 3 of its 4 victories so far this season, with the lone exception a 2-1 shootout win in San Jose on Oct. 14.
This is the first time the Hurricanes +1.5 (-200) have been an underdog this season.
Over/Under
The OVER 6 (-120) is worth a look in this one, despite the fact the Avalanche have completely shut everyone down to date. Colorado’s Georgiev has allowed just 4 goals in 4 games, but the Carolina offense is averaging 4.8 GPG. Something’s gotta give, and it’s likely it’s the Hurricanes allowing plenty, while getting at least 2 off of the Avs goalie.
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