Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas are one of the best offensive duos in the NHL, and Valeri Nichushkin is riding shotgun.
My Penguins vs. Avalanche predictions expect the veteran power winger to take full advantage of the increased opportunity.
Let’s get into my NHL picks for Monday, March 16.
Penguins vs Avalanche prediction
Penguins vs Avalanche best bet: Valeri Nichushkin Over 0.5 points (-115)
The Colorado Avalanche are dealing with a wave of injuries up front, most notably to Artturi Lehkonen and Gabriel Landeskog.
Valeri Nichushkin is on the top line with Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas as a result, providing him a golden opportunity to find the scoresheet.
MacKinnon and Necas hold the team's top two slots in 5-on-5 points by a wide margin. Playing alongside them will raise Nichushkin's floor and ceiling.
Nichushkin has averaged more than two points per 60 with MacKinnon, and that trio has posted an encouraging 72% xG share through 18 minutes.
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Penguins vs Avalanche same-game parlay
MacKinnon and Nichushkin both rank Top-3 on the Avalanche in 5-on-5 shot rate. Necas? 9th. He is much more selective as a shooter, giving him high assist equity on this line.
The Avalanche have outscored opponents by 1.64 goals per game at home following a day of rest. The Pittsburgh Penguins have allowed 3+ goals in six straight and are unlikely to stop the bleeding in this matchup.
Penguins vs Avalanche SGP
- Valeri Nichushkin Over 0.5 points
- Martin Necas Over 0.5 assists
- Avalanche -1.5
Penguins vs Avalanche odds
- Moneyline: Penguins +195 | Avalanche -240
- Puck Line: Penguins +1.5 (-120) | Avalanche -1.5 (+100)
- Over/Under: Over 6.5 (-120) | Under 6.5 (+100)
Penguins vs Avalanche trend
The Colorado Avalanche have covered the Puck Line in 15 of their last 25 games at home (+4.70 Units / 16% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Penguins vs. Avalanche.
How to watch Penguins vs Avalanche
| Location | Ball Arena, Denver, CO |
| Date | Monday, March 16, 2026 |
| Puck drop | 9:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN |
Penguins vs Avalanche latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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