Chicago Blackhawks vs Colorado Avalanche Picks and Predictions January 8th 2025

Avalanche defensemen in spotlight ahead of tilt with Blackhawks

The Colorado Avalanche defensemen are proving themselves as pivotal contributors to the team’s recent success, blending offensive flair with their primary goal of preventing opposing teams from scoring. As the Avalanche head to Chicago to face the struggling Blackhawks on Wednesday, the two teams’ contrasting trajectories couldn’t be more apparent.

Avalanche Defense: Anchors on Both Ends of the Ice

Colorado’s defensive corps has embraced the challenge of contributing at both ends of the rink. During the team’s current 7-0-1 run, players like Devon Toews and Cale Makar have stepped up with key performances. Toews shone brightly in Monday’s 3-1 victory over the Florida Panthers, scoring two goals and adding an assist. Just days earlier, he netted a game-winner and posted three points in a thrilling 6-5 overtime victory against the Buffalo Sabres.

“Our focus is always on defense first,” Toews explained. “But if we can contribute offensively and create space for our forwards, it’s a big plus.”

This balance has been a hallmark of Colorado’s success, with their defensemen enabling the team to remain competitive in high-scoring games while maintaining stability in tighter contests.

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Offensive Surge Bolsters Avalanche’s Streak

While the defense has shined, Colorado’s forwards are delivering equally impressive performances. Mikko Rantanen’s 14-game point streak includes nine goals and 14 assists, showcasing his dominance as both a scorer and playmaker.

“Mikko’s puck-protection and competitiveness have been outstanding,” said Avalanche coach Jared Bednar. “That’s the kind of play we need, and it’s paying off.”

Nathan MacKinnon has also been a force, tallying a goal and 15 assists during his eight-game point streak. The Avalanche’s ability to generate offense from multiple lines makes them a daunting opponent for any team.

Blackhawks Search for Answers

In stark contrast, the Chicago Blackhawks find themselves mired in struggles. With an NHL-low 28 points, the team has been outscored 35-18 while losing six of their last seven games.

A rare bright spot came in a 4-2 victory over the Montreal Canadiens, but subsequent games have underscored Chicago’s challenges. Their most recent loss, a 6-2 defeat at the hands of the New York Rangers, highlighted ongoing issues with puck management.

“Our puck management has been unacceptable,” Blackhawks coach Anders Sorensen admitted. “When we can’t get out of our zone, it puts us in a tough spot, and nothing good comes out of that.”

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Connor Bedard: A Lone Beacon of Hope

Amid the team’s struggles, rookie Connor Bedard continues to dazzle. On a career-best seven-game point streak, Bedard has contributed three goals and six assists, often setting up Tyler Bertuzzi, who praised the young star’s playmaking ability.

“As we play more together, we’re figuring each other out,” Bertuzzi said. “I know he’s going to make good plays, so I just need to find open ice.”

Bedard’s brilliance has provided much-needed excitement for the Blackhawks, though the team remains overly reliant on him.

Key Matchup Ahead

The Avalanche and Blackhawks have already met once this season, with Chicago earning a surprising 5-2 victory on October 28. Ryan Donato’s two goals in that game snapped Colorado’s five-game winning streak and gave the Blackhawks a rare highlight in an otherwise tough season.

Now, with two more meetings scheduled over the final weeks of the season, Colorado is eager to extend their dominance while Chicago looks to find consistency.

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What’s Next?

For the Avalanche, the focus remains on sustaining their balanced play and using their defensive contributions to fuel their offensive game. With Rantanen, MacKinnon, and the rest of the roster firing on all cylinders, Colorado looks primed for a deep playoff push.

For Chicago, the priority is growth. While players like Bedard show promise, addressing systemic issues like puck management and defensive stability will be essential for long-term success.