The Colorado Avalanche (20-16-3) are on the road to face the Chicago Blackhawks (10-25-4) at United Center on Thursday. Colorado is coming off a high-scoring 5-4 loss against the Panthers on Tuesday. The Avalanche committed five penalties in the game, conceding two power play goals.
Four players found the net for the Avalanche. Alexandar Georgiev saved only 32 of 37 shots against (.864%) in the loss. Chicago beat the Flames 4-3 (OT) on Sunday. Four players found the net for the Blackhawks. Lukas Reichel scored and provided two assists to lead the team in scoring. Alex Stalock was impressive in the win, making 44 saves (.936%).
HEAD TO HEAD
The Avalanche won the first meeting between the teams this season, a 5-2 victory in October, their fifth straight win against Chicago. Mikko Rantanen led Colorado with four points (0G 4A). Max Domi and Jonathan Toews were on the scoresheet for Chicago. Georgiev got the win despite allowing two goals on 17 shots (.882%).
FACING OFF
Colorado is averaging 2.90 goals per game for the season, 25th in the NHL, and they are taking on a Blackhawks team that is allowing 3.64 goals a game (26th). Meanwhile, Chicago has found the net 2.21 times a game on average, 32nd in the league, and the Avalanche are allowing opponents to score 2.90 goals per game (12th).
Chicago averages fewer shots per game (26.5) than any other team in the league, while the team’s 8.3% shooting percentage is 31st. With an average of 33.2 attempts, Colorado ranks sixth.
The Avalanche’s 23.70% power play percentage ranks 14th in the league, while the Blackhawks are 23rd with a conversion rate of 19.51%. Chicago has been less impressive at penalty killing, as the hosts own the league’s fifth-lowest PK% at 72.50%. Colorado’s 74.02% ranks 23rd in the NHL.
TOP PERFORMERS:
With 50 points this season, Rantanen is the top skater for the Avalanche. He is among the league leaders with 27 goals (7th) and has added 23 assists. In the net, Georgiev (16-10-3) is Colorado’s top goaltender by goals against average. He has a 2.67 GAA and a .916% save percentage.
Domi and Patrick Kane lead the Blackhawks in scoring with 28 and 27 points, respectively. Domi has 12 goals and 16 assists, while Kane has seven goals and 20 assists. Arvid Soderblom (2-10-2) has the best goals against average for Chicago at 3.45. He has a save percentage of .894%.
HOME AND AWAY
Colorado is 11-8-0 on the road this season. Chicago is 7-14-2 at home this season.
SportsTips’ NHL Pick:
Colorado Avalanche -1.5 (-125)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
