Avalanche vs. Blackhawks Player Props, Picks and Predictions – Tuesday, Dec. 19

Oct 17, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Colorado Avalanche right wing Valeri Nichushkin (13) during the game against the Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena.
Image Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

We have your Colorado Avalanche vs. Chicago Blackhawks prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Colorado Avalanche hit the road to face the Chicago Blackhawks.

The Colorado Avalanche (19-10-2) are set to face off against the Chicago Blackhawks (9-20-1) in a matchup that pits a high-flying offense against a struggling defense. With the Avalanche looking to climb higher in the Western Conference standings and the Blackhawks aiming to find some form of consistency, this game could be a defining moment for both teams.

Colorado Avalanche vs. Chicago Blackhawks Odds Info

Moneyline: Colorado Avalanche -250 (BetMGM) / Chicago Blackhawks +215 (BetRivers)

Puck Line: +1.5 – Colorado Avalanche -105 (BetMGM) / Chicago Blackhawks -114 (FanDuel)

Total: 6.5 – -110 (Bet365) / -110 (Bet365)

Game Info

Date: Tuesday, Dec. 19

Time: 08:30 PM

Location: United Center – Chicago, IL

TV: ESPN+

Colorado Avalanche Betting Trends

  • On the road this season, the Colorado Avalanche have 7 wins and 8 losses.
  • As the favorite this season, the Colorado Avalanche have 18 wins and 11 losses.
  • This season, the Colorado Avalanche have hit 18 overs and 13 unders.

Chicago Blackhawks Betting Trends

  • At home this season, the Chicago Blackhawks have 5 wins and 9 losses.
  • As the underdog this season, the Chicago Blackhawks have 9 wins and 21 losses.
  • This season, the Chicago Blackhawks have hit 13 overs and 17 unders.

Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis

Over the course of the last two seasons, the Chicago Blackhawks and Colorado Avalanche have faced off four times, with the Avalanche emerging victorious in three of those encounters while the Blackhawks claimed one win. These matchups have consistently favored the home team, which has won all four games. When it comes to betting statistics, the Avalanche have covered the spread in three games, whereas the Blackhawks have done so in just one. In terms of the over/under bets, the under has hit three times, with only one game going over the set point total. The Avalanche have shown a strong offensive presence, particularly in power play situations, as evidenced by their performance in the game on October 12, 2022, where they scored four power play goals. The Blackhawks, on the other hand, have struggled to keep up, with their goaltending facing a high number of shots against and their offense failing to capitalize on power play opportunities.

The most recent game between these two teams took place on October 19, 2023, and saw the Colorado Avalanche secure a decisive 4-0 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. The Avalanche dominated the game with a total of 41 shots on goal compared to the Blackhawks’ 18, and they capitalized on their power play chances with a success rate of 33.3%. The Avalanche’s Logan O’Connor, Ryan Johansen, Devon Toews, and Nathan MacKinnon each contributed a goal, with Mikko Rantanen assisting on two of them. The Blackhawks, despite having three days of rest prior to the game, were unable to find the back of the net, and their goaltender Petr Mrazek faced a barrage of shots, saving 37 out of 41. The Avalanche’s goaltender, Alexandar Georgiev, achieved a shutout, stopping all 18 shots he faced. This game further solidified the Avalanche’s dominance in recent matchups, as they also won the faceoff battle with a 52.8% success rate, underscoring their strong possession game.

Colorado Avalanche vs. Chicago Blackhawks Predictions

The Colorado Avalanche head into the game with a potent offense, ranking third in the league in goals per game, led by star center Nathan MacKinnon, who has been on a tear with a 15-game point streak. Mikko Rantanen also continues to be a key offensive piece, contributing significantly to the team’s success. The Avalanche’s recent form has been solid, with a mix of high-scoring games and strong defensive performances, although they have faced some challenges with injuries to key players.

On the other side, the Chicago Blackhawks are enduring a tough season, sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference. The bright spot for the Blackhawks has been the play of rookie sensation Connor Bedard, who leads the team in goals, assists, and points. However, Chicago’s defense has been porous, ranking 30th in the league in goals against per game, which could spell trouble against the Avalanche’s high-octane attack. Goaltending has also been an issue, with the Blackhawks’ netminders facing a high volume of shots and struggling to keep the puck out of the net.

This game will likely come down to whether the Blackhawks’ defense can contain the Avalanche’s offensive firepower. Key matchups to watch include Bedard’s line against the Avalanche’s top defensive pairing, as well as MacKinnon’s continued dominance in the faceoff circle and offensive zone. With both teams looking to make a statement before the holiday break, expect an intense battle at the United Center.

Colorado Avalanche vs. Chicago Blackhawks Pick

Given the current form and head-to-head history, the smart pick for this game is the Colorado Avalanche moneyline bet. The Avalanche’s offensive prowess, led by Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen, has been consistently strong, and they are facing a Blackhawks defense that has been one of the weakest in the league. Despite the Blackhawks having the advantage of playing at home, where they have historically performed better against the Avalanche, the sheer difference in goal-scoring ability and defensive solidity makes Colorado the clear favorite. Additionally, the Avalanche’s recent victory over the Blackhawks, where they shut them out 4-0, demonstrates their ability to dominate Chicago, and there’s little to suggest a different outcome in this matchup.

While Connor Bedard’s exceptional rookie season for the Blackhawks is noteworthy, one player’s performance is unlikely to overturn the trend of the Avalanche’s recent dominance in this fixture. The Avalanche have covered the spread in three out of the last four games against the Blackhawks, and with Chicago’s current four-game losing streak, it’s hard to justify betting against Colorado. The Avalanche’s strong possession game and success rate on the power play further tilt the odds in their favor, making the Colorado Avalanche moneyline bet the more compelling and statistically supported choice for this game.

The Pick: Colorado Avalanche -250 (BetMGM)

Colorado Avalanche vs. Chicago Blackhawks Player Prop Picks

Here are the players who have hit over their current prop line in at least 7 of their last 10 games.

Colorado Avalanche

Player Name Prop Line Over Rate Over Odds Under Odds Last 10 Average Projection
Nathan MacKinnon Assists 0.5 8/10 -238 +180 1.2 1.2

Chicago Blackhawks

Player Name Prop Line Over Rate Over Odds Under Odds Last 10 Average Projection
Connor Bedard Shots On Goal 2.5 8/10 -166 +130 3.6 3.52
Taylor Raddysh Shots On Goal 1.5 7/10 -160 +124 2.1 2.10