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Colorado (35-8-9) at Detroit (32-17-6)
- When: Jan 31 2026, 1:00 PM
- Where: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI, USA
- TV: ABC
Colorado vs Detroit NHL Preview & Pick
Moneyline: Colorado -147
Spread: Colorado -1.5 (+163)
Total: 6.5
Colorado Avalanche Betting Breakdown
Colorado limps into Detroit after a January that went from historic to head scratching. After opening the year with almost no regulation losses, the Avalanche have dropped eight of their last twelve games, and the slide has exposed cracks on both ends of the ice. Shot volume is still elite, but results are not following. Managing only 18 shots in a 5-2 loss to Ottawa and then surrendering seven goals the next night in Montreal tells the story.
Defensively, things look uncharacteristically loose. Colorado owns one of the league’s best goals against averages at 2.48, yet seven goals have crossed the line in three of their last seven games. Offensively, the stars are cooling at the wrong time. Nathan MacKinnon still sits near the top of the league with 88 points and 38 goals, but he has gone five straight games without scoring. Martin Necas has been quieter as well, managing just two assists over his last five outings despite totaling 62 points on the season.
Brock Nelson has provided a short term spark with four goals and one assist in his last three games, but Colorado’s overall rhythm is off. When both scoring and defending dip at once, road games become dangerous.
Detroit Red Wings Betting Breakdown
Detroit has not been flawless either, but the Red Wings feel far more stable than their recent record suggests. They have dropped three of their last four games, yet picked up points in two of those losses and remain within striking distance of the Atlantic Division lead.
The loss to Washington was still a milestone night. Patrick Kane became the all time scoring leader among U.S. born players, now sitting at 1,375 career points. Kane has 32 points this season, but this is no longer just his team. Lucas Raymond leads Detroit with 58 points and 40 assists, Alex DeBrincat has already hit 30 goals with 57 points, and captain Dylan Larkin adds 48 points with a balanced scoring profile.
Detroit’s offense is deep, experienced, and capable of capitalizing when opponents lose structure. Against a Colorado team searching for answers, that matters.
NHL Prediction and Betting Outlook
Colorado remains dangerous, but current form matters. Detroit is at home, motivated, and facing an Avalanche team struggling to score and defend simultaneously. This sets up as a prime upset spot.
Score Prediction: Red Wings 4, Avalanche 3
Pick: Detroit ML (+127)
Total: Over 6.5 (-112)
- NHL Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
