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Philadelphia (23-17-9) at Colorado (34-5-9)
- When: Jan 23 2026, 9:00 PM
- Where: Ball Arena, Denver, CO, USA
- TV: Alt2
Flyers vs Avalanche: One Team Slipping, One Team Hunting Blood
Odds check: Colorado is a heavy moneyline favorite at minus 290 and the total sits at 6.5
Translation: Vegas expects altitude sickness, defensive chaos, and at least one Flyers meltdown.
Philadelphia Flyers: From January Joy to February Therapy
Philadelphia opened January looking competent, confident, and mildly terrifying. Then reality showed up like a surprise tax bill. Since January 6, the Flyers have managed one lonely win while collecting losses like souvenir pucks.
The latest heartbreak came in Utah, where Philly built a cozy 3 to 0 lead, then added a fourth goal for emotional insurance, then promptly set that insurance on fire. Leading late, losing in overtime, and staring at the bench like someone just unplugged the PlayStation mid game.
Coach Rick Tocchet was not amused. Translation of his comments: pressure moments separate contenders from teams that sweat through their gloves. Too many Flyers chose the sinking ship option.
Defensively, it has been a mess. Over the last seven losses, Philadelphia has allowed 36 goals, which is not ideal unless your goalie is a brick wall made of magic. Unfortunately, Samuel Ersson has not been a brick wall. His numbers are sliding, his confidence is wobbling, and now the Flyers are leaning heavily on an offense that must score early, often, and loudly.
Trevor Zegras remains the engine, with Travis Konecny and Christian Dvorak providing secondary sparks. The problem is that offense alone does not save you when the defensive zone resembles open skating hour.
Colorado Avalanche: Angry, Elite, and Slightly Offended
Colorado does not lose at home. They occasionally allow drama, maybe a shootout, but full regulation losses are rare sightings in Denver.
Yes, they dropped a shootout to Anaheim. Yes, Lukas Dostal turned into a human highlight reel. And yes, Nathan MacKinnon was kept off the scoresheet. That last part is the real concern for Philadelphia.
An annoyed MacKinnon is hockey’s version of a boss fight. He leads the league in goals, flirts with MVP conversations daily, and tends to respond to quiet nights by creating loud ones next time out.
Add Martin Necas, Cale Makar, and a defense that activates like a stampede, and suddenly the Flyers defensive issues feel magnified by altitude, speed, and crowd noise.
Colorado knows this is a bounce back spot. They smell blood, they own home ice, and they rarely miss chances like this twice.
Betting Breakdown and Prediction
Colorado is simply in a different weight class right now. Philadelphia struggles to close games, Colorado thrives in them. Add altitude, depth, and a motivated superstar, and this one leans heavily toward the home side.
That lands comfortably under control early, then snowballs late, pushing the total over 6.5 as the Flyers chase offense and Colorado finishes them off.
If the Flyers hang around early, enjoy it. Once Colorado hits second gear, it tends to get ugly fast.
Score Prediction: Avalanche 5, Flyers 2
Pick: Colorado -1.5 (-105)
Total: Over 6.5 (+100)
- NHL Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
