Colorado (25-15-1) at Chicago (13-25-2)
- When: Jan 8 2025, 7:30 PM
- Where: United Center, Chicago, IL, USA
- TV: TNT
The Colorado Avalanche enter Wednesday night’s matchup as heavy favorites at -240 on the moneyline, with the total set at 6.5 goals. They’ll be looking to keep their recent hot streak alive against the struggling Chicago Blackhawks, who continue to search for answers in what has been a frustrating season.
Game Preview & Betting Breakdown
The Avalanche have been red-hot, going 7-0-1 in their last eight games. Their defensemen have played a key role in their offensive success, with Devon Toews leading the charge. Toews has posted five points in his last three games, including two goals and an assist in Monday’s 3-1 win over Florida. Two games prior, Toews had the game-winning goal in a 6-5 overtime thriller against Buffalo, with Cale Makar also chipping in two goals.
Despite the scoring outbursts, Colorado’s blueliners remain focused on their primary job—shutting down opposing offenses. As Toews stated, “We’re defenders first,” but their ability to contribute offensively makes Colorado a multi-dimensional threat.
Chicago’s Struggles
The Blackhawks, on the other hand, have endured a rough stretch, losing six of their last seven while being outscored 35-18. Their lone bright spot was a 4-2 win over Montreal, but that momentum was quickly dashed in a 6-2 blowout loss to the Rangers. Coach Anders Sorensen criticized the team’s puck management and defensive breakdowns, which continue to plague their attempts to stay competitive.
Connor Bedard has been the consistent highlight for Chicago. The reigning Rookie of the Year is riding a seven-game point streak with three goals and six assists. His chemistry with Tyler Bertuzzi has been one of the few reliable aspects of the Blackhawks’ offense.
Key Players and Betting Props
Mikko Rantanen (COL): Rantanen has been unstoppable, with nine goals and 14 assists during his 14-game point streak. Betting on Rantanen to score anytime or hit over 1.5 points is a strong play, especially against Chicago’s weak defense.
Nathan MacKinnon (COL): MacKinnon has tallied 16 points (one goal, 15 assists) over his last eight games. His playmaking makes an assist prop over 0.5 enticing.
Connor Bedard (CHI): Bedard has been on fire during his point streak. A prop bet for him to record a point or assist on a Bertuzzi goal offers solid value.
Previous Meeting and Revenge Spot
Chicago pulled off an upset against Colorado on October 28, winning 5-2 and snapping the Avalanche’s five-game winning streak. Ryan Donato scored twice in that contest, helping the Blackhawks snap a losing skid. However, with Colorado playing at a much higher level now, the Avalanche will be eager to avenge that loss.
Betting Predictions
Moneyline/Spread Pick (-240): Colorado is rightly favored, and while the moneyline is steep, parlaying it with another leg or betting the Avalanche to cover the puck line (-1.5) offers more value.
Total Pick (6.5): The under is appealing, as Colorado’s high-powered offense has scored at least three goals in seven of their last eight games. However, if Chicago can’t generate enough offense beyond Bedard and Bertuzzi, a 4-1 or 4-2 type of game could result in the under cashing.
Prop Bets:
Mikko Rantanen over 1.5 points
Nathan MacKinnon over 0.5 assists
Connor Bedard over 0.5 points
Final Score Prediction: The Avalanche’s scoring depth and defensive prowess should be too much for the Blackhawks to handle, extending Colorado’s dominant run while covering the puck line.
- NHL Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
