Chicago vs Colorado NHL Lines, Picks and Game Preview

The Chicago Blackhawks head to Colorado to take on the Avalanche in yet another terrific NHL matchup on Friday, Dec. 21. The Blackhawks hope to make some headway in the deep Central Division. At 12-19-5, Chicago languishes in last place in the Central. Can they make up a game in the deep division with a win over the Avalanche? Or, will Colorado add another loss as the big favorite?

Chicago vs Colorado NHL Lines, Pick & Game Preview

TGIGameday! The #Blackhawks conclude their two-game road trip in Denver tonight.#CHIvsCOL Preview: https://t.co/kGIY7GRmSK pic.twitter.com/N4AH8rqPoj
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) December 21, 2018

When: Friday, Dec. 21 at 9:00 pm ET
Where: Prudential Center, Newark, NJ
TV: ESPN+
Over/Under Total Odds: 6
Puck Line Odds: Colorado -1 ½ +110

Why Chicago Blackhawks are a good bet +175?

The Blackhawks might have the worst record in the Central, but they’ve shown signs in their last couple of matches that they can turn things around. The Blackhawks beat Nashville 2-1 on Dec. 18. A couple of days later on Dec. 20, they took down the Dallas Stars 5-2.

Both victories were against a couple of good hockey teams. Nashville’s a contender to win the Stanley Cup. So, beating the Predators is a big deal.

Team Statistics

Offense:

Goals For: 2.8
Shots For: 32
Power Plays: 12%
Face-Offs: 50%

Defense:

Goals Against: 3.8
Shots Against: 34.2
Penalty Kills: 72.4%
Shutouts: 1

Why Colorado Avalanche are a good bet -215?

Are the Avalanche a safe bet for Friday night vs the Blackhawks?

Like the Blackhawks, Colorado might also be turning the corner. The only difference is that the Avalanche could be turning the corner after ending a losing streak. Colorado’s still 9 games above .500 even though they lost 3 in a row from 12/8 to 12/14.

Bouncing back after the 3-game losing streak, the Avalanche have beaten Dallas 6-4 and Montreal 2-1 in 2 of their last 3. Colorado should be ready to handle the Blackhawks on Friday night.

Team Statistics

Offense:

Goals For: 3.5
Shots For: 31.7
Power Plays: 28.5%
Face-Offs: 47.8%

Defense:

Goals Against: 3.0
Shots Against: 32.1
Penalty Kills: 77.2%
Shutouts: 1

NHL Betting Trends for Chicago vs Colorado

Chicago is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 games
Chicago is 3-10 SU in the last 13 games
The total went OVER in 5 of Chicago’s last 6 games
Colorado is 1-5 ATS in the last 6 games
Colorado is 2-4 SU in the last 6 games
The total went OVER in 6 of Colorado’s last 8 games

Chicago vs Colorado Final NHL Betting Analysis

The odds on Colorado have steadily fallen since the line was set at Avalanche -190. That’s a sign that Colorado should beat the Blackhawks. Although the last match between these two was in March, Colorado dominated 5-0.

There’s not a lot to go on that implies a score like that won’t happen again. Backing Colorado at over -200’s not the way to go, though. The Avalanche should win by at least 2 goals. The puck line looks like the most solid play.

NHL Free Pick: Colorado Avalanche -1 ½ +110