We're likely to see a lot of one-way traffic with the high-flying Colorado Avalanche (68%) taking on a struggling Chicago Blackhawks team.
Brock Nelson has one of the best matchups on the board, and I'm backing him for two shots with my Avalanche vs. Blackhawks prediction.
Let's dive deeper into my NHL picks for Tuesday, Nov. 2.
Avalanche vs Blackhawks prediction: Over 6.5
Playable to 52%.
The Colorado Avalanche have an electric offense, tied for first in goals, fourth in shots, and fourth in finishing rate. They beat you with quality and quantity.
The Chicago Blackhawks are 30th in expected goals against per 60 and have bled goals against quality offenses, giving up 4.3 per game over seven matchups with Top-10 scoring offenses.
Luckily for them, the Avalanche have conceded 3.5 goals per game on the road and at least three in five of six away from Ball Arena.
Chicago chipping in two or three should push this one Over the total.
COVERS INTEL: The Blackhawks are allowing the third-most shots per game to opposing centers.
Avalanche vs Blackhawks combo
This should be a great breeding ground for offense, so I’m combining the Over with Cale Makar to pick up a point and Brock Nelson to generate at least shots on goal.
Makar is an all-world offensive talent who chews up a ton of minutes and is always up in the play. He ranks third among defensemen with a +4.47 Goal Creation score, according to HockeyStats.
Nelson has registered multiple shots in seven of his past 10 games, and two of the three Unders came against Top-7 shot suppression teams. Chicago sits 30th.
Avalanche vs Blackhawks combo
- Over 6.5
- Cale Makar Over 0.5 points
- Brock Nelson Over 1.5 shots
TOP PICK
Avalanche vs Blackhawks player prop: Brock Nelson Over 1.5 shots
I like Nelson for two or more shots to 63%.
Nelson quietly ranks second among Avalanche forwards in shot attempts, trailing only Nathan MacKinnon.
He is a willing shooter who generates high volume from high-danger areas. This is a perfect matchup for him as the Blackhawks rank 25th in slot shots allowed.
Isolating Bottom-12 shot-suppression teams, Nelson averaged 2.5 shots and recorded multiple in 74% of his games following one day of rest.
He’s two for two to start this year, combining for six shots on 11 attempts. Expect him to build on those outputs in Chicago.
Avalanche vs Blackhawks goal scorer: Cale Makar
Makar is playable for a goal to 28%.
He started the year with three goals over his first four games but has since come up empty in nine straight. It’s certainly not for a lack of opportunity.
Makar has piled up 56 shot attempts, 27 shots on target, and 2.0 expected goals during the drought, all of which comfortably rank him Top-10 among defensemen.
A date with the Blackhawks could be just what the doctor ordered. They rank 29th in xG share, 31st in goals against per 60, and have given up four goals to Makar over the last four meetings.
- Top picks: 17-20, -6.38 units
- Combos: 5-31, -12.62 units
Avalanche vs Blackhawks odds
For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.
- Moneyline: Avalanche 68% | Blackhawks 33%
- Over/Under: Over 6.5 (48%) | Under 6.5 (53%)
- Spread: Avalanche -1.5 (47%) | Blackhawks +1.5 (54%)
For the full slate of NHL matchups, check out our NHL odds board!
Avalanche vs Blackhawks trend
Colorado has hit the game total Over in 17 of the last 25 away games (+9.20 units, 35% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends.
How to watch Avalanche vs Blackhawks
| Location | United Center, Chicago |
| Date | Monday, Nov. 2, 2026 |
| Puck drop | 8 p.m. ET |
| TV | SN+, ESPN+ |
Avalanche vs Blackhawks latest injuries
Check out our NHL injuries page for updates on every team.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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