Avalanche vs Utah Hockey Club Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NHL Game

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While Utah is improving, the Avalanche should still have all of the advantages needed to find separation at Delta Center.

Tony Sartori - Betting Analyst at Covers.com

Dec 27, 2024 • 11:44 ET

• 4 min read

Photo By – Imagn Images.

The Utah Hockey Club hosts the Colorado Avalanche on Friday evening at the Delta Center at 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2.

Colorado has strung together three straight victories, and my Avalanche vs. Utah predictions believe that this trend will continue Friday night. Read on for my NHL picks for Friday, December 27.

Avalanche vs Utah Hockey Club prediction

My best bet
Avalanche -1.5 (+185 at bet365)

My analysis
This line has overadjusted to the market’s increased respect for the Utah Hockey Club. The increased respect is certainly deserved, given Utah’s improvements this season, particularly among its younger players.

Clayton Keller, Dylan Guenther, and Logan Cooley are all developing even stronger than expected, but expectations should be tempered against a clearly superior Colorado Avalanche team. Utah is closing the gap, but not enough to justify this long price tag on the Avs.

Let’s start with the blue line, which is the first of many advantages for the Avalanche on Friday. Their defensemen are stronger offensively while also suppressing high-danger scoring chances at a high level, ranking 11th in xGA/60.

Not only does Colorado outrank Utah in that category, but it also outranks Utah in xGF/60. With the stronger offense and defense, it’s not shocking that the Avs also pace Utah in expected goal differential per 60 minutes.

Colorado is also on the road, but that doesn’t present too much of a concern to me as the Avs are 12-7 on the road while Utah is 5-10 at the Delta Center.

Finally, I project more value in the Avalanche’s puck line at +185 rather than their -140 moneyline, given that each of their past six wins has come by 2+ goals.

Avalanche vs Utah Hockey Club same-game parlay (SGP)

Avalanche -1.5

Mikko Rantanen anytime goalscorer

Nathan MacKinnon 1+ assists

If we’re backing Colorado to win by 2+ goals, it obviously needs to find the back of the net on a few occasions. The best candidate to do so is Mikko Rantanen, who leads the team in both goals and power-play goals.

I specifically mention special teams because that’s a relatively easy way to beat Utah, given it ranks 31st in penalty minutes taken per game and 16th in penalty kill percentage. Additionally, if we’re backing Rantanen to score, then there’s a high probability of Nathan MacKinnon helping him do so.

Not only do they skate together on the first power-play unit, but MacKinnon has also assisted on three of Rantanen’s past four goals.

Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.

Avalanche vs Utah Hockey Club odds

Avalanche vs Utah Hockey Club live odds

Avalanche vs Utah Hockey Club opening odds

  • Puck line: Colorado -1.5 (+175) | Utah +1.5 (-210)
  • Moneyline: Colorado -135 | Utah +115
  • Over/Under: Over 6.5 | Under 6.5

Avalanche vs Utah Hockey Club trend

Colorado has won three straight games by 2+ goals. Find more NHL betting trends for Avalanche vs. Utah Hockey Club.

How to watch Avalanche vs Utah Hockey Club

Location: Delta Center, Salt Lake City, UT
Date: Friday, 12-27-2024
Puck drop: 9:30 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN2

Avalanche vs Utah Hockey Club latest injuries

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Tonight’s NHL game between the Avalanche and Utah Hockey Club is sure to be an exciting matchup. Both teams have been playing well lately and will be looking to secure a win in this important game.

The Avalanche have been on a hot streak recently, winning their last five games in a row. They have been playing solid defense and their offense has been clicking, scoring an average of 3.5 goals per game. With players like Nathan MacKinnon and Gabriel Landeskog leading the charge, the Avalanche will be a tough team to beat.

On the other hand, the Utah Hockey Club has also been playing well, with a record of 4-1-1 in their last six games. They have been getting strong performances from players like Alex Tuch and Mark Stone, who have been contributing both offensively and defensively.

In terms of predictions, the Avalanche seem to have the edge in this matchup. Their recent success and strong play on both ends of the ice make them the favorites to come out on top in tonight’s game. However, the Utah Hockey Club is a talented team and should not be underestimated.

As for picks, betting on the Avalanche to win straight up or on the over for total goals scored could be good options. The odds for tonight’s game may vary, so be sure to check with your sportsbook for the most up-to-date information.

Overall, tonight’s game between the Avalanche and Utah Hockey Club is sure to be a thrilling matchup. Both teams have been playing well and will be looking to secure a crucial win. Stay tuned for what promises to be an exciting game of hockey.

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