The Colorado Avalanche and Anaheim Ducks are both playing the second night of a back-to-back.
This game might not mean a whole lot to the Ducks, but the Avalanche have a lot to play for as they're seeking to capture first place in the Central Division.
The Avs have won four straight games and are 8-2-0 in their last 10 overall. Pavel Francouz will be in the blue paint as the Avs are seeking their fifth straight win in Anaheim.
Find out my best bet in our free NHL betting picks and predictions for Ducks vs. Avalanche on April 9.
Avalanche vs Ducks best odds
Avalanche vs Ducks picks and predictions
Realistically speaking, this game has no business being close as the Colorado Avalanche are clearly the better team in this matchup.
That being said, the last time these two teams met back in January, the Anaheim Ducks ended up defeating the Avs in Colorado 5-3.
However, that was a different Avalanche team. This version of the Avalanche is starting to look like the Stanley Cup Champion squad we saw last year.
Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen are on an absolute tear right now. In their last 10 games, they've combined for a total of 31 points. MacKinnon has tallied seven goals with nine assists in that span and Rantanen has added six goals along with nine assists.
The Avalanche are buzzing offensively right now and they're going up against the worst defensive team in the NHL. The Ducks are currently allowing 4.08 goals per game while also allowing 39.1 shots on goal against, the highest mark in the NHL.
Colorado should be able to control this game from start to finish.
My best bet: Avalanche -1.5 (-125 at BetMGM)
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Avalanche vs Ducks moneyline analysis
The Ducks have been out of the playoff race for quite a while and they're seriously struggling as of late, going 0-9-1 in their last 10.
Let’s face facts, this is not a good hockey team right now and the Avalanche need to take it to them as they need all the points they can get in that tight battle for first place.
Colorado is coming off of a huge win in L.A. last night, defeating the Kings 4-3, and they're hoping to ride that momentum into tonight’s contest.
Pavel Francouz is one of the better backup goaltenders in the league. He's done everything the Avalanche have needed from him this season with a 7-7 record, 2.53 GAA, and .919 SV%.
I have no doubt that the Avalanche will win this game.
Avalanche vs Ducks Over/Under analysis
The Avalanche are one of the most elusive offensive teams in the league and they've been scoring goals at a rapid pace lately.
Considering the fact that they’re playing a much weaker opponent tonight, I believe that they'll once again have their talent on display.
The Ducks certainly have some guys that can score goals as well. They have four 20-goal scorers in Trevor Zegras, Troy Terry, Adam Henrique, and Frank Vatrano so it’s not as though they're incapable of offensive production.
Both teams appear to be starting their backup netminders so this won’t be the best goaltending battle. I think we're bound to see a ton of scoring in this affair.
Avalanche vs Ducks betting trend to know
The Avalanche are 4-0 in their last four games in Anaheim. Find more NHL betting trends for Avalanche vs. Ducks.
Avalanche vs Ducks game info
| Location: | Honda Center, Anaheim, CA |
| Date: | Sunday, April 9, 2023 |
| Puck drop: | 8:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | TNT |
