Carolina Hurricanes vs Colorado Avalanche Picks and Predictions December 5th 2024

Betting on today’s Avalanche and Hurricanes game? Catch the action at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, NC, as the Hurricanes hosts this showdown at 7:00 ET on ESPN+. The over/under for this game is set at 6.5 goals, and the Hurricanes are favored by -1.5 vs. the Avalanche in a non-conference matchup.

Colorado vs. Carolina Key Information

• Teams: Avalanche at Hurricanes
• Where: Lenovo Center Raleigh
• Date: Thursday, December 5th
• Betting Odds CAR -157 | COL +132 O/U 6.5

The Avalanche Can Win If…

With a 5-2 loss to the Predators, the Avalanche are now 14-12-0 this season. The total for the game was set at 6.5 goals, and the combined 7 goals surpassed that mark. Colorado, as the underdog on the puck line, failed to cover.

Colorado took the lead in the second period, but Nashville responded with five unanswered goals. The Avalanche’s defense struggled, allowing two empty-net goals in the third period.

Colorado took 30 shots on goal but only managed to score twice in their 5-2 loss to Nashville. Cale Makar netted his 5th goal of the season on a power play, while Nathan MacKinnon added his 6th goal in the third period.

Makar also picked up his 16th assist on MacKinnon’s goal. Earlier, MacKinnon earned his 14th assist on Makar’s power-play goal. The Avalanche were held scoreless in the first period before Makar’s goal 2:54 into the second period.

Defensively, the Avalanche will look to bounce back after giving up five goals to Nashville, including two empty-netters. Justus Annunen made 21 saves with a save percentage of 87.5%. Colorado also recorded 11 takeaways and 26 hits.

• Over their last three regular season games, the Avalanche have gone 1-2 straight up. Against the spread, Colorado went 0-3 in these games and finished with an over-under mark of 2-1.
• Across Colorado’s last ten regular season games, their record sits at 6-4. In these contests, the team went just 2-8 against the spread, while going 5-5 on the over-under.

The Hurricanes Can Win If…

With a 4-2 win over the Capitals, the Hurricanes improved to 16-8-1. Carolina covered the puck line as -1.5 goal favorites, and the total of 6 goals matched the pre-game line.

Carolina scored first, but the Capitals responded with two goals in the first period. The Hurricanes then scored three unanswered goals, including an empty-netter, to secure the win.

Dmitry Orlov found the net twice in the Hurricanes’ 4-2 win over the Capitals, bringing his season total to three goals. Orlov scored in the first period and added another in the second. Martin Necas, who now has six goals this season, scored in the second period and picked up his 12th assist on Orlov’s second goal. Andrei Svechnikov sealed the game with an empty-netter, his sixth goal of the year.

The Hurricanes fired 45 shots on goal but were shut out on power plays. They scored once in the first period, twice in the second, and added their final goal with just nine seconds left in the game.

Carolina’s defense gave up two late goals in the first period, but they shut out the Capitals in the second and third, leading to a 4-2 win. Pyotr Kochetkov made 19 saves with a 90.5% save percentage, and the Hurricanes’ defense added 7 takeaways and 10 hits.

• Over their last three regular season games, the Hurricanes have gone 0-3 straight up. Their record vs the puck line sits at 0-3 in these matchups, while posting a 1-1-1 over-under mark.
• Carolina has put together a record of 5-5 in their last ten games (regular season). This includes going 4-6 vs. the puck line along with an over-under mark of 4-4-2.

The Lean

For a moneyline bet, I’m backing the Hurricanes to secure a victory over the Avalanche at home. With the moneyline currently set at -157, I’m locking in my bet on the Hurricanes straight-up.

When making a puck line pick, we’re backing the Hurricanes to win and cover. Watch for the Hurricanes to win this game by multiple goals over the Avalanche.

With an over/under line sitting at 6.5 goals, we like this game to remain below that mark and recommend getting a bet down on the under.

Hurricanes: Searching for Spark

Carolina (13-10-1) has thrived at home this season with a 9-3-0 record, but back-to-back home losses highlight a team struggling to generate its usual high-volume offense. In their most recent outing, a 4-2 loss to the Seattle Kraken, the Hurricanes managed just 19 shots on goal, including seven through the first two periods.

“We were not sharp,” coach Rod Brind’Amour said. “You can’t play two periods like that and expect to win.”

Forward Martin Necas remains a bright spot, leading the league with 13 multi-point games. However, Carolina’s top scorers, including Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov, have been inconsistent, prompting Brind’Amour to juggle line combinations.

“Our top guys have to come,” Brind’Amour said. “That includes everybody.”

Avalanche: Momentum in Sight

Colorado (15-8-0) showcased resilience in Tuesday’s 5-4 comeback win over Buffalo, scoring four third-period goals to erase a 4-0 deficit. Nathan MacKinnon spearheaded the rally with two goals and an assist, reigniting an offense that had sputtered in recent games.

“We got more relentless on the puck,” Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said of the turnaround.

The game marked the debut of goalie Scott Wedgewood, who stopped all 22 shots in relief to earn his first win with Colorado. Wedgewood’s past success against Carolina, including a 44-save debut for Dallas in March 2022, offers confidence should he get the nod again.

Despite Tuesday’s victory, Colorado has been uneven on the road, sporting a 7-5-0 record and showing vulnerability in close games.

Key Matchups

Nathan MacKinnon vs. Carolina’s Defense

MacKinnon’s recent heroics underscore his ability to turn games around single-handedly. Carolina’s defense must stay disciplined to contain him, especially in transition.

Special Teams Battle

Carolina’s power play has been a strength, scoring 12 goals in the last 11 games. However, Colorado’s penalty kill and ability to capitalize on man-advantage opportunities could swing momentum.

Goaltending Duel

Whether it’s Wedgewood or a returning Alexandar Georgiev for Colorado, and Frederik Andersen or Antti Raanta for Carolina, the goalie matchup could dictate the game’s pace and outcome.

What’s at Stake

Both teams sit in playoff positions but risk losing ground if their inconsistent play continues. For Carolina, home ice offers a chance to reverse a skid. For Colorado, a strong road trip could solidify its standing in the Western Conference.

NHL President's Cup Predictions

Prediction

With both teams desperate to find their footing, this matchup could come down to execution in key moments. The Hurricanes’ home ice advantage might give them a slight edge in a tightly contested affair.

Final Score: Hurricanes 3, Avalanche 2 (OT)