Blackhawks vs Avalanche Odds, Picks, and Predictions Tonight: Tight Between the Pipes

The Colorado Avalanche put their undefeated record on the line against the Chicago Blackhawks in tonight's nationally televised game on ESPN.

These divisional foes squared off three times last season, with the Under in NHL odds cashing in two of those three outings.

Will we get another low-scoring affair, or can the goals pick up this time around? Find out in our free NHL picks for Blackhawks vs. Avalanche on Thursday, October 19.

Blackhawks vs Avalanche odds

Blackhawks vs Avalanche predictions

The Chicago Blackhawks enter this contest on the heels of their massive 4-1 upset over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Low-scoring games have been a trend for the Hawks thus far, with six or fewer total goals scored in all four outings.

While I love what I’m seeing from a few of their young defensemen, particularly Alex Vlasic, goaltending has been the primary factor in these low-scoring games. Chicago continues to alternate between Petr Mrazek and Arvid Soderblom, and both have looked tremendous.

We should expect Luke Richardson to hand the reigns back over to Mrazek on Thursday, and perhaps he can help stifle a dangerous Colorado Avalanche offense. Through two starts, Mrazek boasts a .935 SV% and 2.54 GAA.

Is that sustainable? Of course not, but that doesn’t mean he is going to implode either.

Mrazek possesses a tremendous track record against the Avs, going 4-1-2 through eight appearances with a .941 SV% and 1.69 GAA. There were five or fewer total goals scored in six of those eight outings.

Meanwhile, Colorado brings a hot goaltender of its own into this matchup as Alexandar Georgiev is 3-0 with a .958 SV% and 1.30 GAA. The Under is 2-1 over that stretch.

Like Mrazek, Georgiev’s current numbers are unsustainable, but regression could be staved off due to a strong track record against tonight’s opponent. Through four career starts against the Hawks, Georgiev is 4-0 with a .938 SV% and 1.50 GAA.

It certainly makes Georgiev’s job easier that one of the best blue lines in hockey plays in front of him. Two top defenses with two red-hot goalies is a perfect recipe for the Under.

My best bet: Under 6 alt total (+114 at FanDuel)

Blackhawks vs Avalanche same-game parlay

Under 6.5

Avalanche moneyline

+137 at FanDuel

Definitely not a hot take here as the Avs are laying north of three dollars on the moneyline. With that said, they are simply better than Chicago in every single aspect of his game: offensively, defensively, goaltending, special teams, faceoffs, coaching, etc. It’s been a fun start to the season as a Hawks fan, and that upset win over Toronto was tremendous.

With that said, tonight is likely going to be a reality check. This roster is still amid a deep rebuild, featuring a bunch of rookies and some veterans to help the transition.

Meanwhile, Colorado’s roster construction is that of a Stanley Cup favorite. Are the Hawks continuing to improve? Of course, and they are already noticeably better than last year — having Calder Trophy odds favorite Connor Bedard certainly helps.

But, are they at the point where they can expect to pull off back-to-back road upsets against teams of Toronto’s and Colorado’s pedigree? I highly, highly doubt it.

Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.

Blackhawks vs Avalanche moneyline and Over/Under analysis

The Avalanche opened as a -365 favorite and have since been bet down to -360. I don’t think the market will let Colorado go any more north of that figure, considering that laying closer to four dollars on any side in the NHL is a bit much.

That brings us to the total, which opened at 6.5 and remains at that number. I’m taking the alternate Under at six because I believe +114 is a great price to strike at, but if you would rather lay more juice and take the Under at 6.5, I don’t think that would be a bad call — and the original line is the one available in the above SGP.

Both goaltenders have been tremendous, both have strong track records against tonight’s opponent, and Colorado’s blue line is arguably the best in the league.

Blackhawks vs Avalanche betting trend to know

There have been six or fewer total goals scored in six of Mrazek’s eight career appearances against Colorado. Find more NHL betting trends for Blackhawks vs. Avalanche.

Blackhawks vs Avalanche game info

Blackhawks vs Avalanche latest injuries

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