Colorado (25-15-1) at Minnesota (26-11-4)
- When: Jan 9 2025, 8:00 PM
- Where: Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, MN, USA
- TV: ALT
The Colorado Avalanche are slight moneyline favorites at -140, with the total set at 6.0 goals, as they head to Saint Paul for a Thursday night showdown with the Minnesota Wild. Despite key injuries on both sides, this Central Division clash offers intriguing betting angles.
Game Preview & Betting Analysis
The Wild will be without their star scorer Kirill Kaprizov for the seventh consecutive game due to a lower-body injury. Yet, Minnesota has held strong, going 5-1-0 in his absence with a balanced, team-first approach. Defenseman Zach Bogosian emphasized the team’s resilience: “When adversity hits, you can sink or rise—and we’re choosing to rise.”
Kaprizov leads the Wild with 50 points (23 goals, 27 assists) in just 34 games, while Marco Rossi ranks second with 37 points. Minnesota’s defense will also be tested, as Brock Faber is sidelined with an upper-body injury. Fortunately, Jake Middleton’s return to the blue line bolsters the Wild after scoring a goal in his first game back.
Colorado’s Recent Form and Key Players
The Avalanche are coming off a 3-1 loss to Chicago, snapping their 7-0-1 run over their previous eight games. Despite the setback, Colorado remains dangerous, led by Nathan MacKinnon’s 66 points (14 goals, 52 assists) and Mikko Rantanen’s 58 points. Defenseman Cale Makar is also an offensive force with 49 points on the season.
Head coach Jared Bednar isn’t panicking after the loss, saying, “We didn’t execute well in key defensive moments, and their goalie had a strong night. It happens.”
Goaltender Matchup
Colorado Avalanche (Mackenzie Blackwood): Blackwood is expected to start after resting against Chicago. He boasts a solid 13-10-4 record with a 2.58 goals-against average (GAA) and a .917 save percentage this season. However, he has struggled against Minnesota historically, going 0-3-1 with a 3.69 GAA in four appearances.
Minnesota Wild (Filip Gustavsson or Marc-Andre Fleury): Gustavsson had a rough outing in his last game and was pulled in the second period. On the season, he’s 18-6-3 with an impressive 2.31 GAA and .922 save percentage. However, he’s just 1-5-1 against Colorado with a 3.91 GAA. Fleury could get the nod instead, bringing veteran experience with an 8-3-1 record this season and a career .915 save percentage against the Avalanche.
Key Betting Factors
Minnesota’s Defense Without Kaprizov: The Wild’s defense has stepped up in Kaprizov’s absence, but Faber’s injury could expose gaps, especially against an elite offensive team like Colorado.
Colorado’s Fatigue Factor: Coming off a back-to-back, the Avalanche could show signs of fatigue, making their defensive performance a key point of focus.
Scoring Depth: While MacKinnon and Rantanen headline Colorado’s attack, the Wild will need contributions from role players like Rossi and Middleton to keep pace.
Betting Predictions
Moneyline Pick (-140): Colorado remains the more complete team despite their recent loss. If Blackwood can hold steady, the Avalanche are a good bet to bounce back and secure the win.
Total Pick (6.0): Given the offensive firepower on both sides and some shaky defensive history from the goaltenders, the over is an appealing option. However, if the Wild slow the pace to compensate for Kaprizov’s absence, the under could also be in play for bettors looking for a more defensive outcome.
Prop Bets to Consider:
Mikko Rantanen over 1.5 points: Rantanen has been on fire and should continue to produce against a weakened Wild defense.
Nathan MacKinnon anytime goal: MacKinnon’s playmaking and ability to finish in high-pressure moments make him a strong candidate to light the lamp.
Marco Rossi over 0.5 points: Rossi has stepped up in Kaprizov’s absence and could find the scoresheet again.
Final Score Prediction:
Colorado 4, Minnesota 3. The Avalanche’s offensive depth and ability to rebound after a tough loss should carry them to victory, covering the moneyline while pushing the total just over 6.0 goals.
- NHL Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
