The Colorado Avalanche defeated Nashville Predators and have an opportunity to complete the sweep and be the first team to advance to the second round. They defeated the Predators in Game 3 by a score of 7-3. This is where you’ll find everything, including team win odds, the over/under, and point spreads.
Colorado Avalanche (-250) vs Nashville Predators (+200)
COL: 3-0, 5.33 GF/GP, 2.00 GA/GP
NSH: 0-3, 2.00 GF/GP, 5.33 GA/GP
While Nashville kept it close mid-way into the second period of Game 3, they were no match for Colorado’s offensive onslaught. Goaltender Connor Ingram was tasked with upholding his team’s abysmal penalty kill but ultimately faltered in his efforts. The Predators got their first goal from captain Roman Josi, and they managed three goals against Colorado, but a late second-period collapse cost them the game.
Darcy Kuemper was good for the Avalanche until an errant Ryan Johansen stick caught him in the eye, forcing him to leave the game. His status for Game 4 is currently unknown, but head coach Jared Bednar says he’s doing well and could start. Luckily for the Avalanche, they’ve managed 16 goals in three games, including two seven-goal blowouts. It seems that even if they start their backup, they can outscore their way out of any hole.
Point Spread
Colorado – Win By More Than 1 Goal (-1.5, +100)
It will be a summer of “what ifs” for the Predators, who played the first round without star goaltender Juuse Saros. If only he was available, perhaps the series would be different. Unfortunately for the team, they’ll have to climb out of a massive hole without him, and it’s no easy task. While the season series tipped in favour of Nashville, the playoffs are a different beast.
It’s hard to imagine the Predators squeak out a win if some of their more-notable goal scorers fail to show up. Matt Duchene has more goals than every other forward combined and is the only player in the team’s top six with a goal. It’s a difficult situation for the team to be in, and its defensive efforts of Colorado have been on full display. This one may be close, but expect head coach John Hynes to pull the goalie very early if his team is behind by one goal. It may lead to another multi-goal differential.
Total Points
Total Goals Scored – Under 6.5 (+110)
Following Game 1’s blowout, Nashville tightened up defensively and kept Game 2 close. They changed their lineup for Game 3 to mixed results, but it wasn’t enough to keep Colorado’s offense at bay. With their backs on the ropes, they’ll need another collective effort in front of Ingram, who is expected to start Game 4. If Nashville can play their style the way they did in Game 2, expect a much lighter scoring night for both sides.
Colorado doesn’t mind playing a tight-checking game, as they excelled in Game 2 with a 2-1 overtime win. They have the defensive corps to match against Nashville’s offense, and Kuemper has been solid when called upon. It also doesn’t hurt to out-possess your opponent by a wide margin. If Colorado gets ahead by a goal or two, expect them to clamp down and make Nashville work for every zone entry.
Odds via Yahoo and BetMGM.
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