NHL Avalanche vs Utah HC Picks and Odds, December 27, 2024

For the 3rd time this season, the Colorado Avalanche and the Utah Hockey Club will face off. Colorado has been finding themselves and Utah has been making a name for themselves. They split the 1st two game they played this season. The Avalanche vs Utah HC picks I have for you are going to get you excited, but let’s get some background.

The Avalanche are 21-15-0 so far and are 3rd in the Central Division after a slow start to the season. They are currently on a 3-game winning streak and are 7-3-0 in their last 10 games. This team plays well decent on the road with a 12-7-0 record but are 3-5-0 in divisional matchups.

Nathan Mackinnon has picked up where he left off from his Hart Trophy season. He has 14 goals and 43 assists, which leads his team and the league. His 57 points also lead the league, which he is ahead of by 5 points.

Colorado’s offense has found itself, now averaging 3.33 goals and 29.2 shots on goal per game. Their shooting percentage and power play both rank in the top 10 of the league as well.

On defense, it’s a different story. They’re extremely leaky, allowing 3.33 goals per game. Colorado has clamped down on how many shots on goal they’re allowing, but their defense is still allowing goals. Goalie Mackenzie Blackwood is expected in net tonight. He has a 2.65 GAA and a .917 save percentage.

Utah looks to end 2-game losing streak tonight at home

Utah Hockey Club captain Clayton Keller goes to the faceoff circle.

This Utah team has some spunk to them. They have a 16-12-6 record and are 5th in the Central Division. Utah comes into this game on a 2-game skid but are 6-2-2 in their last 10 games. They’ll look to get their 2nd win vs the Avalanche this season.

At home this season, the team is 5-6-4 and are 4-5-1 in divisional games. Everything, including their home, is new to all the players on this team, so settling in takes time. They’re much more comfortable on the road with a 11-6-2 record.

Clayton Keller was named captain before the season started and has been leading this team. He as 13 goals and 23 assists so far this season. Dylan Guenther has stepped into a big role this season and leads the team with 16 goals.

On defense, they aren’t terrible. Utah ranks 12th in goals allowed and 15th in shots on goal allowed per game. They also have a decent penalty kill that ranks 16th in the league. Goalie Karel Vejmelka is expected in net tonight. He has a 8-8-2 record with a 2.33 GAA and a .917 save percentage,

Colorado Avalanche vs Utah Hockey Club Betting Odds and Game Information

Avalanche vs Utah HC Betting Odds

Puck Line

Colorado Avalanche -1.5 (+170)
Utah Hockey Club +1.5 (-215)

Moneyline

Colorado Avalanche -135
Utah Hockey Club +115

Totals

Over 6.5 (+100)
Under 6.5 (-120)

Odds courtesy of BetOnline – Get 50% up to $1000 on your first deposit

Avalanche vs Utah HC Game Information

Venue: Delta Center, Salt Lake City, UT
Date: Friday December 27, 2024
Puck Drop: 9:30pm EST
TV: ESPN2

Colorado Avalanche vs Utah Hockey Club Prediction and Picks

Colorado players Ross Colton and Cale Makar go to celebrate a goal.

Avalanche vs Utah HC Picks and Predictions: Colorado Avalanche Moneyline (-135) Get 50% up to $1000 Deposit on BetOnline for this pick

I think Colorado has finally found themselves. They have played good on the road this season, so it shouldn’t be a problem tonight in Utah. The 2 states are close enough that they may even see some fans in the crowd.

Utah also smoked the Avs in the last game they played 2 weeks ago. This is a great bounce back spot for the Avs against Utah and to get 4 in a row. I kind of lean the over in this game as well based on the expected starters, although both of the 1st games they played went under.

I like for Nathan Mackinnon to record 2+ points in this game. It’s valued at +104 and he has hit it in his last 3 games and last 4 out of 5 games. Mackinnon only had 1 point in each of the last 2 games they played, but I think he breaks the mark today. His goal is +140 and he scored last game vs Utah.

For a pairing because the odds are so juiced is Cale Makar and Clayton Keller to each record 1 point for +114. Each guy is on a tear with a point in each of their last 5 games. They both record a point vs each other so far this season.