The Montreal Canadiens have surged up the standings in recent weeks on the back of a high-flying offense.
My Canadiens vs. Avalanche predictions expect the goals to continue to flow in bunches Saturday night in Colorado.
Let’s take a closer look with my NHL picks for January 4.
Canadiens vs Avalanche prediction
My Canadiens pick
Over 6.5 (-115 at BET99)
My Canadiens analysis
The Montreal Canadiens have hit another gear offensively. They’ve scored four or more in six of their past eight games and at least three goals seven times in that span. They are consistently filling the net.
With the reassembling of the Juraj Slafkovsky, Nick Suzuki, and Cole Caufield on the top line coupled with the return of Patrik Laine, they are suddenly a much more prolific offensive team.
At 5v5, the Canadiens rank fourth in shots, fourth in expected goals, and first in goals over the last 10 games. This comes while playing at the league’s highest pace.
The Colorado Avalanche are another team that flourishes playing fast. They rank eighth in 5v5 pace the past 10 games and have generated shots at a Top-10 clip.
With the recent returns of Jonathan Drouin, Ross Colton, and Arturri Lehkonen, among others, the Avalanche now have legitimate depth to provide reliable scoring beyond the team’s superstars.
Naturally, this has led to a big spike in scoring for them as well. Colorado has found the back of the net at least four times in six consecutive games. The Avalanche have also scored five or more in three of the past four. They are unstoppable.
With two of the league’s hottest offenses — and fastest paced teams — set to square off, there is certainly reason to expect fireworks.
Canadiens vs Avalanche same-game parlay (SGP)
Over 6.5
Cole Caufield Over 0.5 points
Jonathan Drouin Over 0.5 points
Caufield is one of the hottest players in the league. He has picked up a point in 15 of the past 20 games, putting up as many multi-point performances (five) as zeros during that stretch.
He has not slowed down one bit against high-end competition, finding ways to produce against Winnipeg, Florida, and Vegas — three of the NHL’s Top-7 seeds — in recent games.
Caufield has also recorded a point in 14 of 19 road games (74%), showing the ability to produce even when opposing teams can get their top personnel on the ice against him.
Drouin has hit the ground running since being reinserted back into Colorado’s lineup. He has piled up four points over just two games, recording multiple in each game.
In what should be a high-scoring affair against his former team, I like Drouin’s chances of making his presence felt offensively.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Canadiens vs Avalanche odds
Canadiens vs Avalanche live odds
Canadiens vs Avalanche opening odds
- Puck line: Montreal +1.5 (-101) | Colorado -1.5 (-114)
- Moneyline: Montreal +246 | Colorado -291
- Over/Under: Over 6.5 (-113) | Under 6.5 (-101)
Odds courtesy of BET99
Canadiens vs Avalanche trend
Cole Caufield has recorded a point in nine of his past 10 road games. Find more NHL betting trends for Canadiens vs. Avalanche.
How to watch Canadiens vs Avalanche
| Location: | Ball Arena, Denver, CO |
| Date: | Saturday, 1-4-2025 |
| Puck drop: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | CITY |
Canadiens vs Avalanche latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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