Colorado Avalanche vs Nashville Predators Picks and Predictions November 11th 2024

Avalanche Host Predators in Battle of Streaky Teams

The Colorado Avalanche and the Nashville Predators are set to clash on Monday night in Denver, where both teams will look to build on recent successes while navigating through streaky seasons.

Colorado Avalanche Overview

The Avalanche (8-6-2) are coming off an up-and-down stretch, recently splitting their last two games. After a scoreless drought of nearly 90 minutes, Colorado erupted for five goals in a span of just 10 minutes in their 6-4 victory against the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday. This offensive surge came as a relief after being shut out 1-0 by the Winnipeg Jets two nights prior.

The key to Colorado’s recent form has been the resurgence of goaltender Alexandar Georgiev, who appears to have regained his confidence after a shaky start to the season. Georgiev, who was pulled in his first two outings, delivered a solid performance in the narrow loss to Winnipeg and followed it up with crucial saves against Carolina.

“I felt like that game could have got away from us in the first 10 minutes, and it didn’t, and that was because of Georgie,” Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar said. “He gave our team a chance to come around. And that’s what we need from our goaltending.”

The return of injured players is another promising sign for Colorado. Forward Miles Wood, who has been sidelined with an upper-body injury, participated in practice on Sunday, while Jonathan Drouin is also nearing a return after missing significant time. Perhaps most notably, Valeri Nichushkin, who has been suspended since last May, is expected to be back in the lineup for Friday’s game against the Washington Capitals.

Despite missing key players, the Avalanche have been buoyed by the strong play of their stars. Nathan MacKinnon, who recorded four points against Carolina, leads the team in scoring, while defenseman Cale Makar continues to excel with 24 points, the most among NHL blueliners.

However, Colorado’s inconsistency has left them with a middling record, and MacKinnon acknowledges the team’s efforts haven’t always translated into wins.

“All you can do is have a great effort, and we’ve been doing that,” MacKinnon said. “I think we deserve more wins than we’ve gotten.”

Nashville Predators Overview

The Predators (6-8-1) have experienced their own share of ups and downs this season. After enduring a rough five-game losing streak to start the season, they rebounded with three consecutive wins. However, Nashville has since lost five of their last seven games, though they did pick up a convincing 4-0 victory over the Utah Hockey Club on Saturday.

Forward Filip Forsberg has been a bright spot for Nashville, leading the team with eight goals. He was instrumental in the win over Utah, scoring twice to help the Predators secure the shutout victory.

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“To see (Forsberg) be (Forsberg) and take over a game was really important for our group,” Predators head coach Andrew Brunette said.

Meanwhile, forward Jonathan Marchessault, who was acquired in the offseason, added his third goal of the season in the recent win but acknowledged he’s been aiming for more consistency.

“Sometimes it’s about getting chances, and I felt tonight I had a couple chances,” Marchessault said. “Score or don’t score, I think at the end of the day I just want scoring chances. That means I’m doing something good.”

What to Watch For

This matchup marks the second meeting between the two teams this season, with Nashville winning the first contest 4-2 on Nov. 2. Colorado will be looking to exact revenge on home ice, where they have been stronger overall despite recent struggles.

The Avalanche’s high-powered offense, led by MacKinnon and Makar, will test Nashville’s goaltending, which has been streaky. Alexandar Georgiev is expected to start in net for Colorado, hoping to continue his improved form. Meanwhile, Nashville’s Filip Forsberg will look to stay hot and help his team find some consistency.

Both teams will need to rely on their stars and shore up defensive play if they hope to turn their seasons around and break out of their streaky patterns. The game could come down to which goaltender can withstand the offensive firepower on the other side, with Georgiev and Juuse Saros likely facing off in net.

Key Matchups to Watch

• Nathan MacKinnon vs. Filip Forsberg: The offensive leaders for their respective teams will look to set the tone early.
• Cale Makar vs. Nashville’s Forecheck: Makar’s ability to move the puck out of his zone will be crucial against the Predators’ pressure.
• Alexandar Georgiev vs. Juuse Saros: Both goaltenders have had their struggles this season but are capable of stealing games when they’re on their game.

This matchup should provide plenty of intensity as both teams try to solidify their standings in the Western Conference.