The Arizona Coyotes will take on the Colorado Avalanche inside the Pepsi Center for just the second time this season, following a Covid related postponement earlier in the year.
The Coyotes currently trail their season series against the Avalanche 2-1, with the road team picking up the victory in all three contests.
Coyotes (12-10-3) vs Avalanche (13-8-2) Betting Odds and Time
Start Time: 9:00 p.m. ET
Moneyline: PHO: +175 | COL: -210 Spread: PHO: +1.5 (-150) | COL: -1.5 (-130) Total: 5.5 – Over: (+105) | Under: (-125)
Season Series in Review
That stat is likely to change tonight as Colorado will be out for vengeance after losing just two nights ago in what I would consider embarrassing fashion.
The Coyotes managed just four measley shots in the first period, yet somehow, when the horn blew following the initial 20, they were leading the game 2-0.
They went on to register just 14 shots all game, and leaned on a duel effort from their goaltenders as Antti Raanta entered the game late and played savior after starting goaltender Darcy Kuemper left with an undisclosed injury.
Despite playing less than a period, Raanta made 16 saves, to go along with Kuemper’s 17, and allowed the Coyotes to win by a score of 3-2, in spite of being outshot 35 – 14.
Coyotes vs Avalanche Game Preview
It was an unlikely win for the Coyotes their last time out, and I’m sure it left a bitter feeling with the Avalanche. Especially goaltender Philipp Grubauer, who is most definitely in the conversation as a potential Vezina Trophy candidate, but had a very underwhelming and costly performance allowing three goals on just 14 shots (.786sv%)
I expect this game to play out much differently, but also much the same. The Avalanche will come out shooting the puck even more often. They are going to want to break Raanta early after his perfect performance on Monday.
Expect Grubauer to be much better this game. The Avalanche feed off the strength of their goaltender, peppering opposing tenders at the third highest rate in the league, while allowing the fewest shots in the entire NHL at 25.7 SOG.
Arizona on the other hand scores at a rate that is in the bottom 20% of the league, and is dead last in putting SOG. They also allow the 22nd most opposing SOG.
Coyotes at Avalanche Prediction and Best Bet
All this to say – payback is inevitable for the Colorado Avalanche, and they are going to win this game. I haven’t loved betting on this team without Cale Makar on the ice, or really any time they aren’t fully healthy, but this spot is hard to avoid.
I will be putting Avalanche ML into some parlays, and may even bite the bullet and lay the (-210) before it gets any steeper, but I encourage you to consider this game in regulation. It is a much better payout at (-129) and I don’t think you’ll have to sweat it.
Bonus Pick
For all the reasons established above, I think the Coyotes might have a tough time scoring tonight. The odds are not very enticing at (-145) but Coyotes team total is set at 2.5 and I just may throw something on the under.
The Picks
Best Bet – Colorado Avalanche in regulation (-129)
Bonus – Arizona Coyotes TT u2.5 (-145)
