Colorado Avalanche vs Ottawa Senators Picks and Predictions October 27th 2024

The Senators and Avalanche are set to face off at 9:00 ET on ESPN+. The Avalanche will host the game at Ball Arena in Denver, CO. The over/under for this game is set at 6.5 goals, and the Avalanche are favored by -1.5 vs. the Senators in a non-conference matchup.

Ottawa vs. Colorado Key Information

• Teams: Senators at Avalanche
• Where: Ball Arena Denver
• Date: Sunday, October 27th
• Betting Odds COL -164 | OTT +139 O/U 6.5

The Senators Can Win If…

After a 6-4 loss to the Golden Knights, the Senators now sit at 4-3-0. Ottawa’s defense struggled, giving up three unanswered goals in the third period.

The total was set at 6.5 goals, but the teams combined for 10. As underdogs on the puck line, the Senators failed to cover. Ottawa’s offense started strong, scoring three goals in the first period, but couldn’t hold the lead.

Adam Gaudette led the way for the Senators with two goals, including his third of the season on a power play in the second period. Gaudette also opened the scoring early in the first period, followed by Claude Giroux’s third goal of the season. Drake Batherson added his fifth goal, unassisted, at 18:34 in the first.

The Senators fired 39 shots on goal but were held scoreless in the third period. They had 11 giveaways and recorded 6 assists on their four goals.

Ottawa’s defense struggled late, allowing three goals in the third period, including the game-tying goal at 3:11 and two more at 2:11 and 1:46. The Senators had taken a 4-3 lead late in the 2nd period. Linus Ullmark finished with 22 saves and a save percentage of 81.5%.

• Ottawa will look to keep things rolling as they have put together a mark of 2-1 over their past three games. Their strong play has also resulted in an puck line mark of 2-1 (last 3). They had an over/under mark of 2-1 in those same games.
• Ottawa has put together a record of 6-4 in their last ten games (regular season). Their record vs the puck line sits at 4-6 in these matchups, while posting a 4-6 over-under mark.

The Avalanche Can Win If…

With a 5-1 victory over the Utah Hockey Club, the Avalanche evened their record at 4-4-0. As -1.5 goal favorites, Colorado covered the puck line, and the total of 6 goals fell just short of the pre-game line of 6.5.

Five different players found the net for the Avalanche, who kept Utah scoreless until the third period. Ross Colton opened the scoring at 10:06 in the first period.

Colorado’s offense produced 5 goals on 26 shots in their 5-1 victory over Utah. Ross Colton opened the scoring with his 7th goal of the season, while Ivan Ivan netted his first. Joel Kiviranta added his 4th goal of the year, with Casey Mittelstadt scoring his 5th.

Casey Mittelstadt also picked up his 4th assist on Ivan’s power-play goal. Mikko Rantanen recorded two assists, bringing his total to 9 this season. The Avalanche had 12 giveaways in the game.

Defensively, the Avalanche will look to build on their previous performance, where they allowed just one goal to Utah. Justus Annunen recorded 25 saves with a 96.2% save percentage. Colorado’s defense also contributed 2 takeaways and 27 hits.

• Colorado has put together a record of 3-0 over their past three games. Their strong play has also resulted in an puck line mark of 2-1 (last 3). They had an over/under mark of 0-3 in those same games.
• Colorado has put together a record of 5-5 in their last ten games (regular season). Against the spread, Colorado went 3-7 in these games and finished with an over-under mark of 6-4.

The Lean

If you’re looking for a moneyline pick, my choice is the Senators to take down the Avalanche on the road. With the moneyline currently at +139, I’m placing my bet on the Senators straight-up.

Our projections have the Senators pulling out a win as the underdog. But if you’re not as bullish as we are on the Senators, we’d recommend at least getting a bet down on them to cover the puck line.

If you’re looking at the over/under line set at 6.5 goals, our prediction is that this game will exceed that mark, and we strongly advise placing a bet on the over.

The Colorado Avalanche are back on home ice Sunday night with a four-game winning streak on the line as they host the Ottawa Senators. Following a shaky 1-4-0 start, the Avalanche turned their season around by sweeping a three-game road trip. Now, with solid goaltending and an improved defensive game, Colorado hopes to keep rolling in front of their home crowd in Denver.

Key Storylines for the Avalanche

Goaltending: Riding the Hot Hand

The goalie situation has been a pivotal factor in Colorado’s recent success. Alexandar Georgiev began the season as the starter but hit a rough patch, leading head coach Jared Bednar to hand Justus Annunen the starting job during the road trip. Annunen didn’t disappoint, posting three solid performances and helping Colorado pick up all three wins. Bednar has hinted that he plans to continue with the “hot hand,” making Annunen the likely starter for Sunday’s game against Ottawa.

With a back-to-back set on tap, both Annunen and Georgiev are expected to see action, but Annunen’s recent form gives him the edge for Sunday’s start. Bednar’s decision to stick with Annunen reflects the team’s commitment to building on recent momentum.

Player Health and Depth Concerns

Colorado will keep a close eye on forward Ross Colton, who leads the team with seven goals, and Miles Wood. Both sustained injuries in the Avalanche’s recent 5-1 victory over the Utah Hockey Club and will be evaluated following Sunday’s morning skate. If Colton or Wood is unable to play, the Avalanche may recall a forward from their AHL affiliate to maintain their offensive depth.

The Senators’ Outlook: A Team with Offensive Depth but Goaltending Questions

Goaltending Needs a Bounce-Back Performance

Ottawa comes into this game after a 6-4 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights, where goaltender Linus Ullmark struggled, allowing quick goals in both the first and third periods. Taking full accountability after the game, Ullmark admitted his performance was below par, saying the team “deserved to win.” Head coach D.J. Smith may decide to start backup Anton Forsberg as the Senators aim to bounce back on the second leg of their Western Conference road trip. Forsberg’s consistency could help Ottawa reset and prevent the high-powered Avalanche offense from taking control.

Offensive Consistency and Key Players to Watch

Despite their recent setback, Ottawa’s offense has been strong. The team boasts a well-rounded scoring lineup, with five players logging three or more goals and six players tallying six or more points early in the season. Captain Brady Tkachuk has been a force, scoring in three consecutive games before the Vegas loss and registering points in each of the first six games. Along with Tim Stutzle and Drake Batherson, Tkachuk will be a key player for Ottawa as they face off against a revitalized Colorado defense.

Game Notes and Keys to Victory

For the Avalanche:

• Goaltending Momentum: With Annunen likely getting the start, Colorado will look for continued stability in net.
• Defensive Zone Discipline: Strong defensive play will be critical to protecting their goalie and limiting Ottawa’s offensive threats.
• Secondary Scoring: If Colton or Wood misses the game, the Avalanche will need additional scoring from their depth players to support stars like Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen.

For the Senators:

• Solid Goaltending: Ottawa needs a strong performance in net, whether it’s Ullmark bouncing back or Forsberg stepping up. With Colorado’s offense firing, steady goaltending will be essential to Ottawa’s success.
• Balanced Attack: With Tkachuk, Stutzle, and Batherson leading the way, Ottawa should aim to spread the puck and keep Colorado’s defense moving.
• Limiting Mistakes: Ottawa’s discipline will be key. Staying out of the penalty box and minimizing turnovers will keep Colorado’s dangerous power play in check.

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Game Outlook

Both teams have something to prove heading into Sunday night. Colorado wants to extend their newfound consistency, while Ottawa seeks to bounce back from Friday’s loss. The Avalanche’s home advantage and current form give them the edge, but Ottawa’s depth and desire to rebound will make for an exciting, hard-fought battle in Denver. Expect an action-packed game with both teams pushing to establish momentum early.

Can the Avalanche’s defensive improvements and Annunen’s hot hand lead them to a fifth straight win, or will Ottawa’s well-rounded attack bring the streak to a halt? This is one matchup fans won’t want to miss.