Colorado Avalanche vs Nashville Predators series prediction: Predators won't be able to contain Denver's attack

Nashville has conceded 33 pucks (4.71 average per game) in their last seven games against Colorado. Will John Hines' men be able to contain their opponent's playoff attack? We predict that the Avalanche will score again!

Colorado is making another attempt to reach the Stanley Cup. In the middle of the last decade, the Avalanche struggled to make it to the playoffs, but they gradually built a team that could handle serious challenges. For the third year in a row, the team from Denver is one of the leading contenders for the trophy, but every time something goes wrong in the second round of the playoffs.

Such a frustrating setback does not discourage Colorado. The Avalanche looked very powerful, although numerous injuries occasionally plagued them. When Jared Bednar's men were already guaranteed first place in the Western Conference standings, they suddenly suffered a severe setback, allowing six losses in their last seven meetings.

In recent years, Nashville has steadily made the playoffs, but after their loss in the Stanley Cup final series in 2016/17, the Predators have somehow become rusty. They continued to perform exceptionally well, but they looked worse and worse each time. Nevertheless, last year they made the playoffs against Carolina. Although they lost in the first round (2:4), they showed very bright and entertaining hockey.

This season Nashville was much more lively and cheerful, which allowed them to stay in the playoff zone almost the whole regular season. It was interesting to follow the Predators' games, as they began to play impressively and productively. They slowed down a bit at the end, but that didn't stop them from finishing in eighth place in the Western Conference standings and gaining a second wild-card spot, which will allow them to chase the Stanley Cup.

The Predators have beaten the Denver team in their last three head-to-head meetings 5:2, 5:4, and 5:4. Moreover, the only playoff series in the history of the groups also went to the Tennessee representatives. Jared Bednar's team approached the play-offs in poor condition, having lost six of the last seven games. Therefore, we suggest betting on Nashville's victory with a handicap (+1.5).

In the last seven head-to-head encounters, the Avalanche scored 33 times (4.71 average per game). Jared Bednar's men also looked good on offense, averaging 308 goals (3.76 goals per game). The optimum option for our prediction is an individual Colorado total over 21.5 pucks in the series.

The Avalanche managed 24% of their attempts in the last regular season, while the Predators were even better at 24.4%. Those solid statistical results are no coincidence since both teams have the best players on the roster: Ryan Johansen, Nathan MacKinnon, Roman Josi, Kyle Makar, Matt Duchene, and Mikko Rantanen. These players know how to use their chances, so we suggest betting on a power-play total over 8.5 pucks in the series.

TelecomAsia Sport is looking for a Qatar-based video blogger to work during the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Contact jobs@telecomasia.net for more information.