Welcome back to NHL Predictions here on Last Word on Hockey! Each day, we provide in-depth analysis, insights, and predictions for all the NHL’s games. In tonight’s matchup, the Penguins look to bounce back from a wild overtime loss against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Meanwhile, the Colorado Avalanche aim to gain some momentum getting close to the NHL trade deadline.
NHL Predictions
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Colorado Avalanche
Head-to-Head: Avalanche 1-0 Penguins
Time: 9:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: ESPN+, Sportsnet+
This is the second meeting this season between these teams. The Avalanche dominated the Penguins in the first meeting on December 10th, winning 6-2. With the Penguins being 1-4-1 since the 4 Nations Face-off, it’s likely that Colorado will take this game as well.
The Penguins’ Story
The Pittsburgh Penguins are 24-29-10 this season. This record places them sixth-last in the league and second-last in the East. The aim of the trade deadline for the Penguins is to sell. Former Penguins defenceman Marcus Pettersson was already moved out a few weeks back to the Vancouver Canucks, and there is likely to be more Penguins that follow. Forward Rickard Rakell will be of high interest. The Swedish sniper has scored 52 points with 28 goals in 62 games.
In addition to Rakell, Pittsburgh has a myriad of potential trade assets. Defenceman Erik Karlsson has been in rumours and could be dealt if a contender is able to clear space for his $10 million cap hit. The Penguins also possess a couple of short-term options for teams in need of help. Defenceman Matt Grzelcyk has been productive offensively, with 30 points in 63 games this season. Forward Anthony Beauvillier, meanwhile, has scored 13 goals and 20 points in 62 games. Both players have deals expiring this summer and could be dealt as rentals at the deadline.
The Avalanche’s Story
The Colorado Avalanche are 35-24-2, sitting in the top wild-card spot in the West. With a seven-point lead on the Canucks who currently occupy the second wildcard position, it would seem the Avalanche don’t have much to worry about in regards to falling out of the playoffs. Instead, competing deep into the playoffs will be the pivotal goal of Colorado.
Colorado is led in points by superstar forward Nathan MacKinnon. In 63 games, MacKinnon has an astounding 23 goals and 91 points in 61 games. Even with key subtractions, namely Mikko Rantanen, the Avalanche have a top-three player in the world to lead their team. Behind him, trade acquisition Martin Necas has 68 points through 61 games. With Colorado, he’s scored 13 points in 12 games. Defensively, superstar Cale Makar pitched in 67 points in 61 games, rounding out the core group of Avalanche stars. The aim of Colorado against Pittsburgh will be to figure out where they need to bulk up their roster heading into the postseason.
NHL Prediction
Pittsburgh is in an incredibly rough patch following the 4 Nations Face-off. With superstars like MacKinnon and Necas ramping up for the playoffs, expect the Avalanche to win this game handily.
NHL Prediction: Avalanche win 5-1.
Prop Bet for the Night
Total Goals Over 5 (-400): With the Penguins being a top-three team in goals-against in the league, a high-scoring affair is likely.
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Main Photo: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
The post NHL Predictions: March 4 Pittsburgh Penguins vs Colorado Avalanche appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.