Colorado Avalanche welcome Nashville Predators to Ball Arena on Friday afternoon at 1:30 pm AEDT, and the yarn writes itself: redemption time. The Avalanche copped a 2–7 hiding from Columbus Blue Jackets in their last outing on 4 November — the kind of road shellacking that stings for days — while the Predators breezed past Carolina Hurricanes 4–1 on the same night. Nashville also own the most recent chapter of this rivalry, a 6–2 thumping of the Avalanche back on 26 October.
Colorado sit tenth in the league with a 9-6-1 record and 19 points, fourth in the Central Division. Nashville are sixteenth at 6-4-5 (17 points), fifth in the same division. The market has Colorado as solid favourites at home despite the recent form wobble, and punters looking for nhl predictions will find plenty to chew on in the stats and the head-to-head ledger. The Avalanche average 4.13 goals per game this season to Nashville's 3.00, but the Predators boast an elite penalty kill at 89.36 per cent and a red-hot power play clicking at 30.61 per cent.
Who wins at Ball Arena?
Colorado have won three and lost two in their last five outings, including a pair of 5–2 victories at Ball Arena against Calgary Flames on 1 November and New Jersey Devils on 29 October. That home form matters: both wins came by three-goal margins, and the Avalanche have shown they can pile on the offence when the ice tilts their way. Coming off that 2–7 loss to Columbus, though, means the confidence ledger might not be quite as flush as it was a fortnight ago.
Nashville have won three and lost two in their last five as well, but their most recent result was that comfortable 4–1 win over Carolina. Over those five games they've averaged 4.2 goals for and 3.0 against — numbers that line up neatly with their season averages and suggest they're in rhythm. The Predators' leading scorers tell the story: Filip Forsberg (5G, 14A), Roman Josi (2G, 15A), and Steven Stamkos (8G, 8A) have been clinical.
The last time these two met, Nashville won 6–2 at home on 26 October — a four-goal margin that underlined Colorado's road struggles. That result sits fresh in both dressing rooms, and the Avalanche will be keen to square the ledger on home ice. The market reflects Colorado's attacking edge and venue advantage, but Nashville's form and that October drubbing keep this contest tight.
Tipped at $1.45 · . Opinion, not a guarantee. Gamble responsibly — 18+.
Head-to-head context
Season and last-five scoring — context for the match-winner market.
Leading scorers
Season goals and assists.
Colorado Avalanche
| Player | G-A |
|---|---|
| Nathan MacKinnonC | 9G 18A |
| Martin NečasC | 7G 11A |
| Cale MakarD | 4G 14A |
Nashville Predators
| Player | G-A |
|---|---|
| Filip ForsbergC | 5G 14A |
| Roman JosiD | 2G 15A |
| Steven StamkosC | 8G 8A |
Can the Avalanche cover the puck line?
The puck line has Colorado laying 1.5 goals — a hefty ask given their last start was a five-goal loss and Nashville just won by three. Colorado's average winning margin across their last five games is three goals, which aligns with the line, but those wins came against Calgary, New Jersey, and Chicago — none of whom boast Nashville's defensive structure or special-teams prowess.
Nashville's average loss margin over the same sample is just one goal, meaning they tend to keep games tight even when they don't win. Their penalty kill is the sixth-best in the league, and with Colorado's power play at 21.15 per cent, the Predators can afford to concede a few minors without surrendering momentum. The Avalanche's offensive firepower is undeniable — Nathan MacKinnon (9G, 18A), Martin Nečas (7G, 11A), and Cale Makar (4G, 14A) lead the charge — but covering 1.5 on the back of a blowout loss feels like a steep climb.
Odds subject to change. Gamble responsibly — 18+.
Will this one sail over 6.5 goals?
The total sits at 6.5 goals, and the form suggests both sides can find the net. Colorado have averaged 3.8 goals for and 3.8 against across their last five games, while Nashville have posted 4.2 for and 3.0 against over the same stretch. That October meeting between these two produced eight goals, comfortably over the line.
Colorado's season averages — 4.13 goals for per game and 3.25 against — point to high-scoring affairs when the Avalanche are involved. Nashville's 3.00 goals for and 3.00 against suggest tighter games, but their last five at home (the only venue sample we have for them) mirror their attacking output nicely. With two top-ten offences and Colorado's recent defensive frailties on display, the over looks a fair proposition.
Tipped at $1.90 · . Opinion, not a guarantee. Gamble responsibly — 18+.
Total goals
Combined score from recent completed games · marker shows live line 6.5.
Hit rate vs 6.5
Season scoring rates per game. Marker is the live total of 6.5.
Same Game Multi angles
If you're chasing a Same Game Multi, the board offers a few priced combos worth a glance. Avalanche to win with Cale Makar to score a goal pays 4.75 — a reasonable shout given Makar's 18 points (4G, 14A) this season and Colorado's home-ice advantage. At the other end, Predators to win with Martin Nečas to score first goal for the Avalanche and Steven Stamkos to score a goal is listed at 34.00 — a longshot that banks on Nashville repeating their October form and Stamkos continuing his eight-goal season.
Another option is Steven Stamkos to score a goal combined with Nathan MacKinnon to score last goal at 21.00, a combo that doesn't pick a winner but leans into the star power on both benches. MacKinnon leads Colorado with 27 points, and Stamkos has been Nashville's most clinical finisher. These are flavour bets, not core angles, but they're on the board for punters who like a narrative-driven play.