The New York Rangers have won back-to-back games and it appears that they might be trending in the right direction, coming off what was arguably their most complete game of the season.
The Colorado Avalanche are facing a ton of adversity right now due to their laundry list of injuries. Some of the key players they’re missing include Nathan MacKinnon, Josh Manson, Gabriel Landeskog, and Valeri Nichushkin, just to name a few.
Due to the Avs’ struggles as of late, the Rangers have the edge in this game tonight. Check out my NHL picks and best bet for the Avalanche vs. Rangers below.
Rangers vs Avalanche best odds
Rangers vs Avalanche picks and predictions
The Rangers have absolutely exploded offensively in their previous two games, scoring 11 goals combined. The Avalanche have been the complete opposite lately, only scoring four goals in their previous three games, including being shutout in their most recent game.
These two teams met back in October at Madison Square Garden when the Avalanche had a more complete lineup and came out victorious in a shootout, but the Rangers held their own and had a chance to win that game.
Now, the Rangers seek revenge, and they will continue to look to their newly put-together first line to boost the offensive production. Alexis Lafreniere, Mika Zibanejad, and Kaapo Kakko have now been the top line for four straight periods and together they have scored three goals as a line. Not only is their line buzzing, but the Rangers' power play has now tallied in three straight games, converting on 40% of their chances in that span.
Alexandar Georgiev and Pavel Francouz have been on the struggle bus as of late. Between the two of them, the Avs have allowed 23 goals in their last five games. The defensive struggles are the main reason why they have lost four out of their last five games.
With all of the holes in Colorado’s roster right now, the Rangers should be able to continue their strong play. This feels like a game that Igor Shesterkin will win. Even though there is a little bit of juice, I am confident that the Rangers will get the job done.
My best bet: Rangers moneyline (-150 at BetMGM)
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Rangers vs Avalanche moneyline analysis
There have been a lot of question marks about the Rangers this season due to their expectations coming in, but they have won their last two games, appear to be playing with some more confidence, and may have turned the corner.
It’s tough to blame the Avalanche for their lack of winning right now, because they are just struggling to stay healthy. They are coming off of a very tough loss at home where they were completely dominated and shut out by the Bruins. Not only are they playing poorly defensively, but they are also struggling to find an offensive spark, especially on the man advantage. Their power play unit has only scored on one of their last twelve attempts.
Believe it or not, the Rangers (3.4) are currently skating to a higher xGF/60 than the Avalanche (2.91).
If you look at the way these rosters are right now, the Rangers are the better team. They should win this game.
Rangers vs Avalanche Over/Under analysis
Igor Shesterkin will be in goal for the Rangers and Alexandar Georgiev for the Colorado Avalanche. These two goaltenders are very familiar with each other after spending a few seasons together in New York. Shesterkin enters this game boasting a 12-4-4 record with a .913 save percentage and a 2.58 goals against average. Georgiev has been right up to par with Shesterkin this season, skating to a record of 11-5-1 with a .918 save percentage and a 2.76 goals against average.
The Rangers’ offense looks strong right now, but with all of the players that are out for the Avalanche, I don’t see them having a ton of offensive success tonight. Both goalies have been playing well and they definitely get fired up to play against one another. I think this game will go Under.
Rangers vs Avalanche betting trend to know
The New York Rangers have won their previous two games. Find more NHL betting trends for Rangers vs Avalanche.
Rangers vs Avalanche game info
| Location: | Ball Arena, Denver, CO |
| Date: | Friday, December 9, 2022 |
| Puck drop: | 9:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | MSG 2, Altitude |
