Chicago Blackhawks vs Colorado Avalanche Betting Preview
The Chicago Blackhawks host the Colorado Avalanche at United Center in Sunday NHL action. Colorado enters at 15-1-5 riding an eight-game win streak, while Chicago sits at 10-7-4 after back-to-back losses. Bettors will weigh the Avalanche’s elite scoring and defense against the Blackhawks’ attempt to rebound at home.
Line Movement and Odds
- Avalanche MoneyLine: -238
- Blackhawks MoneyLine: +187
- Avalanche Puck Line: -1.5 (+109)
- Blackhawks Puck Line: +1.5 (-133)
- Total: 6.5 (Over -104, Under -119)
Colorado opened as heavy favorites, reflecting their dominance and Chicago’s recent struggles. See full NHL odds for market movement.
Matchup Breakdown
Colorado Avalanche Outlook
Brent Burns scored just 15 seconds into the 3-0 win at Nashville, while Mackenzie Blackwood stopped all 35 shots for his first shutout of the season. Nathan MacKinnon leads the team with 37 points, and Cale Makar has 28. Colorado ranks first in goals and assists, and second in shots on goal (702). Their depth and consistency make them the NHL’s top team through 21 games.
Chicago Blackhawks Outlook
Chicago fell 9-3 to Buffalo after a 3-2 loss to Seattle, marking their second straight defeat. Connor Bedard recorded two assists in Buffalo, becoming the youngest player in franchise history to reach 100 career assists. Tyler Bertuzzi scored twice and extended his point streak to six games. Despite inconsistency, the Blackhawks have shown resilience, going 9-6 as underdogs this season.
Key Matchup / Path to Victory
The Avalanche must continue their aggressive forecheck and rely on MacKinnon and Makar to drive offense. The Blackhawks need Bedard and Bertuzzi to spark scoring while tightening defensive play. Goaltending and puck management will be decisive in this Central Division clash.
Injuries / Availability
Colorado lists Gavin Brindley (lower body), Joel Kiviranta (lower body), Jacob MacDonald (hip), Valeri Nichushkin (lower body), and Logan O’Connor (hip) out.
Chicago lists Laurent Brossoit (hip), Jason Dickinson (shoulder), Nick Foligno (hand), and Shea Weber (lower body) out, with Andre Burakovsky (undisclosed) questionable. See the Blackhawks injury page for latest updates.
Environment
The game tips at United Center, where Chicago is 6-4 at home. Colorado is 7-1-3 on the road, showing dominance away from Ball Arena. Expect a physical contest with playoff implications in the Central Division.
Best Bets and Prediction
Projected Final Score: Avalanche 4, Blackhawks 2
- Best Bet: Avalanche MoneyLine (-238)
Colorado’s depth and winning streak make them the safer play. - Total: Under 6.5 (-119)
Our model projects six goals, leaning under given recent goaltending performances.
Colorado’s balance of scoring and defense should secure the win, while Chicago’s youth keeps them competitive. Expect a controlled game trending under the total.
Handicappers and Service Plays
Sharpen your NHL betting approach by exploring expert breakdowns in our Best Handicappers, tracking divisional trends on the Leaderboard, and reviewing premium hockey picks in the Buy Picks section for added confidence.


