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Carolina (5-1-0-) at Colorado (5-0-2)
- When: Oct 23 2025, 9:00 PM
- Where: Ball Arena, Denver, CO, USA
- TV: ALT
Carolina vs Colorado NHL Preview & Pick
Moneyline: Colorado -135
Spread: Colorado -1.5 (+185)
Total: 6.0
Colorado Avalanche Betting Outlook
The Avalanche are honoring their roots this Thursday night, suiting up in throwback Quebec Nordiques jerseys as they face off against the Hurricanes, who will be decked out in Hartford Whalers gear. It’s a nostalgic touch for two franchises that share an old-school rivalry from the 1980s and ’90s, but make no mistake, this one still matters.
Colorado has been sharp to start the season, going 5-0-2 with both losses coming in overtime. The offense is humming, powered by Nathan MacKinnon (six goals, four assists) and defenseman Cale Makar, who continues to dominate from the blue line with eight points. Newly acquired Martin Necas has been the perfect addition to the top line, scoring highlight-reel goals and adding serious offensive depth.
Goaltender Scott Wedgewood has stepped up impressively in the absence of Mackenzie Blackwood, who remains out following offseason surgery. The Avalanche defense has done its job protecting him, ranking among the league’s best in limiting high-danger chances. With Colorado celebrating its 30th season and skating in front of a pumped-up home crowd, expect the energy to be electric.
Player Prop Pick: Nathan MacKinnon Over 3.5 Shots on Goal – MacKinnon’s volume shooting remains elite, averaging over five attempts per game this year. At home, with the crowd behind him, expect plenty of pucks on net.
Carolina Hurricanes Betting Outlook
Carolina comes into Denver after a red-hot start that cooled slightly with a 5-1 loss in Vegas. Still, the Hurricanes remain one of the Eastern Conference’s most balanced teams, blending speed, physicality, and relentless forechecking. Even without star defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere, sidelined with a lower-body injury they continue to generate offense through depth and structure.
Charles-Alexis Legault made his NHL debut Monday and looked poised, though Gostisbehere’s absence leaves a hole on the power play. Coach Rod Brind’Amour’s squad still boasts an aggressive blue line and efficient puck movement, led by Brent Burns and Jaccob Slavin. Up front, Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov drive the attack, while Teuvo Teravainen’s playmaking has added steady production early in the year.
The key for Carolina will be dictating tempo and staying out of the penalty box against Colorado’s lethal power play. The Hurricanes’ strong defensive structure gives them a chance to contain the Avalanche’s speed, but their success hinges on goaltending consistency and their ability to weather the altitude and the home crowd early.
Player Prop Pick: Sebastian Aho Anytime Goal – Aho thrives in big-game environments and has scored in two of his last three meetings with Colorado. His finishing touch and ice vision make him a threat every shift.
NHL Expert Prediction and Final Score
This is a matchup between two heavyweights that know how to push the pace. The Avalanche’s home-ice advantage and offensive depth give them the edge, especially with Carolina missing a key piece on defense. Expect a fast, entertaining game with scoring chances at both ends.
Score Prediction: Avalanche 4, Hurricanes 2
Pick: Colorado (-135)
Total: Over 5.5 Alt Lines (-145)
- NHL Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
