Detroit Red Wings vs Colorado Avalanche Picks and Predictions December 7th 2024

Wings out to halt recent trend, keep Avs off their game

The Detroit Red Wings are determined to reverse their recent struggles as they prepare to host the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday. Both teams have faced tough stretches, making this a pivotal game for momentum heading into the holiday season.

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Red Wings Seek to Break One-Goal Curse

The Red Wings have dropped four consecutive games, all by a single goal, including two in overtime. Their latest defeat, a 2-1 loss to the Ottawa Senators on Thursday, came in agonizing fashion, with a goal conceded in the final minute of regulation.

“We outchanced them five-on-five, and we gave up just two goals on the road,” said coach Derek Lalonde. “You certainly hope to find a way to get at least a point out of that.”

The inability to close out games has plagued Detroit recently, with their last six losses decided by a one-goal margin. Captain Dylan Larkin shared his frustration:

“We played well enough to get two points, and we got zero,” Larkin said. “With 40 seconds left, we just have to button things up and get it to overtime.”

Goaltending Woes in Detroit

Ville Husso remains Detroit’s starting goaltender, with injuries sidelining Cam Talbot and Alex Lyon. Husso, who began the season in the American Hockey League after a rocky opener, has shown flashes of resilience, making 30 saves against Ottawa. However, his inability to secure a final save on Thursday proved costly.

Larkin emphasized the urgency of finding consistency:
“We need to show what we’re capable of. We’ve got tough games ahead, and it’s time to play winning hockey.”

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Avalanche Face Challenges on the Road

Colorado enters the matchup amid their own slump, having lost three of their last four games and four of their last six. Most recently, they fell to the Carolina Hurricanes 5-3 on Thursday, with the scoreline inflated by a late empty-net goal.

Head coach Jared Bednar pointed to handling pressure as a key issue:
“We didn’t move the puck quick enough and didn’t handle their pressure well enough.”

The Avalanche are midway through a five-game road trip, making the Detroit game a critical opportunity to steady their performance.

Player Highlights

Despite their struggles, both teams have standout performers stepping up:

• Detroit: Larkin leads by example, urging his team to tighten their defensive play and capitalize on scoring opportunities.
• Colorado: Valeri Nichushkin has been a beacon of hope for the Avalanche, scoring twice against Carolina and amassing five goals since his mid-November return.

“If you look at Val, he’s been consistently getting better since rejoining the lineup,” Bednar said. “And now he’s starting to produce.”

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Keys to the Game

• For Detroit: Avoid costly penalties and maintain defensive discipline, particularly in the closing moments of periods. Husso must deliver another strong performance to give his team a chance.
• For Colorado: Adapt to Detroit’s physicality and maintain pressure in the offensive zone. Nichushkin’s continued momentum could be a game-changer.

What’s at Stake

The game presents a chance for both teams to turn their fortunes around. For Detroit, a win would end their string of one-goal losses and restore confidence. For Colorado, securing a victory on the road could set the tone for the remainder of their trip.

With both squads eager to make a statement, Saturday’s contest promises to be a tightly contested battle. Fans can expect an intense game as these evenly matched teams vie for crucial points in the standings.