The Stanley Cup betting favorite Colorado Avalanche are looking to complete a four-game sweep over the Nashville Predators on Monday. They looked like they were ready to advance on Saturday when they clobbered the Predators, 7-3.
Nashville will try to hold off elimination at home, though it is a heavy underdog to pull off the upset.
Can Colorado be the first team to advance to the second round or will the Preds be able to force a Game 5? Find out in our free NHL betting picks and predictions for Avalanche vs. Predators on Monday.
Avalanche vs Predators odds
This odds widget represents the best odds available for each betting market from regulated sportsbooks.
The Avalanche are again heavy moneyline favorites coming into Monday’s Game 4 with the Predators. The line opened at -233 and quickly went up to -250 at most sportsbooks, with the Predators at +210. The total of 6.5 has not moved and the Over is -110, while the Under is -105.
Use the live odds widget above to track any future line movements right until puck drop and be sure to check out the full NHL odds before betting to ensure you get the best number.
Avalanche vs Predators predictions
Predictions made on 5/9/2022 at 2:00 p.m. ET.
Click on each prediction to jump to the full analysis.
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Avalanche vs Predators game info
• Location: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN
• Date: Monday, May 9, 2022
• Puck drop: 9:30 p.m. ET
• TV: ESPN
Avalanche vs Predators series odds (COL leads 3-0)
Avalanche: -20,000
Predators: +7,500
Avalanche vs Predators betting preview
Key injuries
Avalanche: Andrew Cogliano F (Questionable), Darcy Kuemper G (Questionable), Ryan Murray D (Out).
Predators: Juuse Saros G (Out), Mark Borowiecki D (Questionable).
Find our latest NHL injury reports.
Avalanche vs Predators head-to-head record
Avalanche: 8-4 SU, 54 goals for.
Predators: 4-8 SU, 40 goals for.
Betting trend to know
The Over is 6-1 in the last seven meetings between these teams. Find more NHL betting trends for Avalanche vs. Predators.
Avalanche vs Predators picks and predictions
Our side and total predictions are based upon our analysis of the line and total in this game. Our best bet is our favorite pick across all markets.
Puck line analysis
The Colorado Avalanche have an opportunity to be the first team to advance out of the quarterfinals if they can defeat the Nashville Predators for the fourth straight time, which they are heavily favored to do.
There is no value in taking them on the moneyline as the odds are -250, but the puck line of -1.5 is very attractive. In two of the three games in this series, the Avalanche have defeated the Predators by four and five goals.
One bit of concern, however, is the status of starting goaltender Darcy Kuemper. He took a stick in the eye on Saturday in the first period, leaving the game and being replaced by Pavel Francouz.
It appears Kuemper escaped what could have been a serious eye injury. There is swelling around the eye but he is expected to be available for Monday’s game.
If he doesn’t start, Francouz played well in his place. The backup netminder faced 20 shots on Saturday, stopping 18 of them in the team’s 7-3 victory.
Even if there is a drop off in the goaltending, the offense should be able to make up for it. The Avs are first in the playoffs in goals for, averaging 5.33 per game.
The Predators, who were 12th in scoring during the regular season with 3.20, have been stymied against Colorado. They are averaging only 2.00 goals for, second-worst in the playoffs.
Monday’s loss extended the Preds losing streak in the playoffs to five. Expect to see their sixth loss tonight.
Prediction: Avalanche -1.5 (+102 at BetRivers)
Over/Under analysis
The Over has come through twice so far in this series and there is no reason to believe it won’t hit again on Monday.
The Avalanche have outscored the Predators 16-6 this postseason, and the Over is 6-1 in the last seven meetings between these two sides.
The Over trends for Colorado are pretty convincing, going 5-1 in its last six conference quarterfinals games, and 4-1 as a favorite.
The Avs are led by their top line of Nathan MacKinnon, Gabriel Landeskog, and Mikko Rantanen, with the trio combining for seven goals and nine assists up to this point. The power play has been equally as devastating. The Avalanche have six of the 16 goals in this series with the man advantage and are converting at a league-best 42.9%.
The only thing that could derail the Over is Colorado’s defense. It has allowed just six goals in the three games but has also sparked the offense. Defenseman Cale Makar is tops on his team with points at seven, which is also the second-most by any player in the playoffs.
If Francouz does get the start in net that will help the Over. He is a capable backup, but might let in a couple of goals that Kuemper would not.
Prediction: Over 6.5 (-118 at BetRivers)
Best bet
Cale Makar has been the leader of the Avalanche offense as the defenseman has two goals and five assists in three games.
Makar, who is the leading candidate to win the Norris Trophy as the best defenseman, was second on the team during the regular season in assists with 58. Being on the first defensive unit also helps him feed the top line of MacKinnon, Landeskog, and Rantanen, who have combined for seven goals.
Another reason Makar should hit the Over on assists is he is the quarterback on the first unit of the power play for the Avalanche, who have been on fire on the man advantage.
Expect another productive night from Makar, who should easily get an assist in Monday’s game.
Pick: Cale Makar Over 0.5 assists (-130)
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