The Colorado Avalanche head back to Nashville to continue their series with the Predators but will be doing so without starting goalie Jonathan Bernier. Bernier suffered a lower-body injury in Game 4, which is forcing the Avalanche to turn to backup Andrew Hammond in nets with their season on the line Friday.
Hammond has started just one game this season, a 2-1 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers on March 28. The netminder has faced a combined 41 shots during the regular season and postseason – allowing two goals in just under 76 minutes of play. If the Avalanche want to extend their season, getting some better support from their injured defense corps will be important, as the Predators are averaging four goals and 32.5 shots per game in this series.
History may also be working against the Avalanche in this one, as the Predators are 15-2 SU in their last 17 home playoff games – including victories in Game 1 and Game 2 of this series. In addition, the Avs have lost their last six games on the road while being outscored 25-13.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
If you're going with the Nashville Predators in this one, they were listed as moneyline favorites of -345 on most NHL hockey betting menus (such as Sportsbook) early today for Friday's contest. The OVER/UNDER total was at 6 earlier at Sportsbook.
OddsShark score prediction models pick a 3.7-2.1 result in favor of the Predators today. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NHL matchups here.
Colorado Avalanche vs Nashville Predators Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
Nashville will face the 44-33-9 Avalanche. In totals betting, the Predators are 44-41-1 in OVER/UNDER betting so far this season while the Colorado Avalanche are 45-33-8. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Nashville vs Colorado injuries news.
The Predators sit at No. 14 in the current NHL power poll here at OddsShark, while the Avalanche sit at No. 4 on the same chart.
Statistical Matchup
The game also pits Nashville's No. 6-ranked offense, averaging 3.29 goals per game, against a Colorado defense that ranks No. 15 at 2.94 goals allowed. The Predators power play is averaging 21.25% while the Avalanche defense kills off 82.98% of their penalties.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Next Betting Matchups
Colorado home to Nashville, Sunday, April 22