The Chicago Blackhawks host the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday evening at the United Center. Oddsmakers list Colorado as a -355 favorite, with the total set at 6.5 goals.
Chicago has lost nine of its past 10 games, with all nine defeats coming by at least a two-goal margin. That trend is likely to continue Wednesday, as I explain in my Avalanche vs. Blackhawks predictions below.
Read on for my NHL picks for Wednesday, April 2.
Avalanche vs Blackhawks prediction
My best bet: Avalanche -1.5 (-130 at DraftKings)
My analysis
The Chicago Blackhawks are once again spiraling toward last place, dropping nine of their past 10 games. The first of those losses came against the Colorado Avalanche, a 3-0 shutout win for Colorado.
A similar result could be in store Wednesday, as Colorado holds a decisive edge in every major category. The Avalanche have been one of the league’s best teams over the past two months, ranking third in expected goals for percentage (xGF%).
A key reason for their success has been their stellar defensive play. Over that same stretch, Colorado ranks third in expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60).
This strong defensive effort could pose significant problems for a Chicago offense that struggles to generate high-danger scoring chances. The Blackhawks rank last, by a wide margin, in expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60) over the past two months.
The Avalanche also hold the goaltending advantage, with Mackenzie Blackwood expected to start in net. Blackwood is 7-2-1 over his past 10 starts with a .915 save percentage and 2.08 goals-against average.
Avalanche vs Blackhawks same-game parlay (SGP)
Avalanche -1.5
Nathan MacKinnon to score
Valeri Nichushkin to score
Two prime candidates to target for the Avs are Nathan MacKinnon and Valeri Nichushkin, both of whom skate on the top power-play unit.
They should have ample opportunities to convert with the man advantage, as Chicago ranks 23rd in penalty minutes taken per game. Both MacKinnon and Nichushkin scored in the Avalanche’s recent win over the Detroit Red Wings, a game Colorado won by three goals.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Avalanche vs Blackhawks odds
Avalanche vs Blackhawks live odds
Avalanche vs Blackhawks opening odds
- Puck line: Colorado -298 | Chicago +240
- Moneyline: Colorado -298 | Chicago +240
- Over/Under: Over 6.5 | Under 6.5
Avalanche vs Blackhawks trend
Chicago has lost nine of its past 10 games, with all nine of those losses coming by at least a two-goal margin. Find more NHL betting trends for Avalanche vs. Blackhawks.
How to watch Avalanche vs Blackhawks
| Location | United Center, Chicago, IL |
| Date | Wednesday, 4-2-2025 |
| Puck drop | 9:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | TNT |
Avalanche vs Blackhawks latest injuries
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