Chicago Blackhawks vs Colorado Avalanche 3/20/2023 Free Picks, Odds and Previews
In a highly anticipated NHL matchup at Ball Arena in Colorado, the Chicago Blackhawks will take on the Colorado Avalanche on Monday, March 20, 2023, at 9:00 PM ET. The Blackhawks have been struggling on offense this season, managing only 2.51 goals per game and scoring just four goals in their previous two outings. This lackluster performance can be attributed to the absence of key players Taylor Raddysh, Andreas Athanasiou, and Philipp Kurashev, who together accounted for an impressive 43 goals and 42 assists.
The team’s offense is further hampered by the fact that only three active players have managed to produce 10 goals or more, making it easier for opponents to shut them down. Unfortunately, the Blackhawks’ defense hasn’t fared any better this season, allowing an average of 3.51 goals per game. Despite the valiant efforts of Connor Murphy and Seth Jones, who combined for 5.3 defensive point shares, the team’s opponents have consistently found open chances on goal. The sole bright spot for the Blackhawks this season has been the impressive performance of goaltender Alex Stalock, who boasts a.919 save percentage, a 2.72 goals-against average, and 8.7 goals saved above average on 594 shots.
- Chicago is 1-5 SU in their last 6 matches with the Avalanche.
- The Chicago Blackhawka are 1-6 SU in their last 7 games on the road.
- The Blackhawks are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Colorado.
Chicago Blackhawks vs Colorado Avalanche 3/20/2023 Free Picks, Odds and Previews
The Colorado Avalanche are having an exceptional season largely due to their high-powered offense, which has been in top form, scoring 3.25 goals per game and a whopping 20 goals in their last four matches. Leading the charge is their dynamic top line, spearheaded by Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen, who have a combined total of 76 goals and 95 assists. However, the team’s other offensive weapons have also been contributing significantly. Defensemen Cale Makar and Devon Toews have added 21 goals and 77 assists from the point, while J.T. Compher, Valeri Nichushkin, and Evan Rodrigues have combined for 42 goals and 72 assists.
The Avalanche’s defense has also been impressive, conceding only 12 goals in their last five games and averaging just 2.76 goals allowed per game, despite the team’s outstanding offensive play. To provide depth on the defensive end, Samuel Girard and Josh Manson have collaborated for 4.0 defensive point shares, while Makar and Toews have racked up 10.0 defensive point shares and an impressive 193 blocked shots. In goal, Alexandar Georgiev has been solid, stopping 20.3 more goals than the average goalie on 1553 shots, and boasting a.918 save percentage and 2.58 goals against average.
- The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Colorado’s last 7 games at home.
- Colorado are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Chicago.
- Colorado are 12-4 SU in their last 16 games against an opponent in the Western Conference.
Chicago Blackhawks vs Colorado Avalanche. The NHL pick for this game is the Colorado Avalanche. The Avalanche, who are on a five-game winning streak, aim to dominate from the start of the game as they face the underdog Blackhawks, who are looking for an upset. Led by top forwards Mikko Rantanen and Nathan MacKinnon, the Avalanche offense will seek to capitalize on their excellent puck movement to create scoring opportunities, averaging 3.25 goals per game compared to the Blackhawks’ 3.51 goals per game. The Avalanche defense, anchored by Cale Makar and Devon Toews, will aim to force turnovers and limit shots on goal, as they have allowed just 2.76 goals per game this season. With goaltender Alexandar Georgiev in fine form, the Avalanche are expected to secure a convincing home victory and continue their unbeaten run of six matches. Predicted score: 4-3.
NHL Starting Time: 9:00 PM ET
Location: Ball Arena, Colorado
Date: Monday, March 20, 2023
TV: Alti
NHL Odds: Chicago Blackhawks +365
NHL Totals: 6
