Anaheim Ducks (10-14-0) vs. Colorado Avalanche (15-7-2)
Anaheim Ducks vs. Colorado Avalanche 12/5/23 – The struggling Anaheim Ducks face off against the strong Colorado Avalanche in an NHL regular season matchup on Tuesday night. The Ducks sit towards the bottom of the Western Conference standings while the Avs are competing for one of the top spots early on. Our NHL free predictions today dive into the analysis before making our betting picks.
The Anaheim Ducks offense has depended heavily on wingers Frank Vatrano and Mason McTavish to generate most of their scoring chances. Vatrano leads Anaheim with 14 goals while McTavish has chipped in 10. However, Anaheim lacks depth beyond their top line which could spell trouble against Colorado’s stingy defense.
The Colorado Avalanche boast one of the league’s premier blue line groups led by Cale Makar. Makar is in the early Norris Trophy conversation once again with 7 goals and 27 assists. His two-way play helps shut down opponents as Colorado allows just 2.7 goals against per game. Forwards Mikko Rantanen and Nathan MacKinnon pace a dangerous Avs offense that averages 3.5 goals per game.
Anaheim Ducks vs. Colorado Avalanche 12/5/23 Game Info
| When: | Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at 9:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Ball Arena |
| TV: | |
| Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender John Gibson vs Goaltender Alexandar Georgiev
John Gibson has faced a barrage of shots this season behind a porous Anaheim defense. He has managed just 5 wins in 17 starts while posting a mediocre .907 save percentage and 2.8 goals against average. The heavy workload may be wearing on Gibson, especially his high danger save percentage which has plummeted to .771 (from .854 last season). He will need to return to form or this match could get out of hand quickly against Colorado’s scoring attack.
Alexandar Georgiev has provided stability in net for the Avalanche after they let longtime stalwart Philipp Grubauer depart. In 20 games played he has gathered 13 wins with a respectable .920 save percentage and 2.9 goals against average. While not carrying the same elite numbers as his predecessor, Georgiev has been consistent and won with the help from a structured team in front of him limiting opportunities to keeps scoring chances low and shots from the perimeter. He should continue to thrive against Anaheim’s tepid attack.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: Colorado Avalanche -286, Total Odds: 6.5
The odds heavily favor the Colorado Avalanche, reflecting their superior record and strong home performance. The total set at 6.5 points suggests expectations of a high-scoring game, aligning with both teams’ recent trends.
Anaheim Ducks Betting Trends
Anaheim is just 1-8 in their last 9 games straight up, demonstrating their difficulty playing a complete 60 minute effort. The Over has also hit in 5 of the Ducks’ past 6 matchups indicating high-scoring affairs. However, Avalanche games have seen higher scoring as of late when matched up with the Ducks. Especially in Denver, there have been at least 6 goals scored in 6 of the past 7 games between these Northwest division rivals. Anaheim specifically allows over 6.5 total goals on the road against Colorado more often than not.
Colorado Avalanche Betting Trends
The Avalanche shows some mixed results, but mostly advantages for the home side Tuesday night. Colorado has played more punishing defense of late, giving up 3 goals or more just twice in its last 10 games. The offense has stepped up on home ice all season, posting an 8-2 record at Ball Arena over their past 10. They seem to let loose when hosting the Ducks, as those contests have eclipsed the 6 goals line in 6 of the previous 7 in Denver. Overall, the Avalanche have been a good bet against the Pacific division this year with a 4-2 mark straight up.
Anaheim Ducks vs. Colorado Avalanche 12/5/23 Betting Picks
Considering the teams’ current forms, historical performances, and betting trends, the Avalanche appear to be the clear favorites in this matchup. Their offensive firepower and solid home record make them a strong pick. However, the Ducks have the potential to surprise, particularly if Gibson has a standout game in goal. For bettors looking for value, exploring prop bets or the over/under might be intriguing, given the expected high-scoring nature of the game.
For those seeking insights from a multi-handicapper website, this game offers a fascinating dynamic, with the potential for both predictable and unexpected outcomes.
Free Pick and Prediction: Colorado Avalanche 5, Anaheim Ducks 2.