The Pittsburgh Penguins (3-3-1) face the Colorado Avalanche (4-2-0) Friday at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. Puck drop is set for 9 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Let's analyze NHL odds around the Penguins vs. Avalanche odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
2025-26 season series: Tied 1-1 with visitor winning both games
The Pens skate into town after dropping a 5-3 tilt at the Chicago Blackhawks Tuesday. C Sidney Crosby picked up his first 2 goals of the season. He sits at 2 goals and 2 helpers in 7 games. D Erik Karlsson leads the team with 7 points - all assists.
The Avs dropped the second game of a home-and-home back-to-back against the Dallas Stars Wednesday 3-2 in a shootout. C Brock Nelson scored his third goal of the season. D Cale Makar
returned from a 1-game paternity absence and failed to register a point. C Nathan MacKinnon leads the team with 5 goals, 7 assists and 12 points.
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Penguins at Avalanche odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated 1:01 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Penguins +170 (bet $100 to win $170) | Avalanche -210 (bet $210 to win $100)
- Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Penguins +1.5 (-135) | Avalanche -1.5 (+110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -120 | U: +100)
Penguins at Avalanche projected goalies
Arturs Silovs (3-1-0, 2.73 GAA, .885 SV%, 1 SO) vs. Mackenzie Blackwood (3-2-0, 3.04 GAA, .879 SV%)
Silovs followed up a couple of 5-goal outings with a great performance in a 2-1 shootout win over the Stars Saturday. He allowed just 1 goal on 25 shots. Silovs went 1-1-0 with a 3.51 GAA and .875 SV% last season.
Blackwood was solid in a 3-2 win over the Stars Tuesday, stopping 24 of 26 along the way. His play has been a bit irratic with 2 games of 2 goals allowed or fewer and 3 games of 3 or more goals allowed. Blackwood faced Pittsburgh once last season and allowed 4 goals on 15 shots in relief.
Penguins at Avalanche picks and predictions
Prediction
Avalanche 5, Penguins 3
Moneyline
The Avs have traded wins and losses in the last 6 games. So coming off a loss, and at home, they're the correct side. However, -210 is far too risky to take with this much inconsistency.
PASS.
Puck line/Against the spread
The AVALANCHE -1.5 (+110) is the way to go based on the trends. These head-to-heads generally end with multiple-goal deficits. Over the last 9 meetings, we've had just 2 games end within a goal.
Over/Under
The Over is prevalent in recent history, cashing 4 out of the last 5 meetings. Both teams are 4-3 O/U on the season. I hate taking Over 6.5's, especially a juiced-up version here. The numbers just show it makes sense. LEAN OVER 6.5 (-120) or wait a couple of minutes into regulation for the odds to come down and place a live bet.
Best prop bet
MacKinnon and Crosby are friends off the ice, and they bring the best out of each other on the ice. MacKinnon scored a goal in both meetings with Pittsburgh last season. Two years ago, he had 1 goal and 6 assists in 2 games against them. Take NATHAN MACKINNON ANYTIME GOAL (-105).
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This article originally appeared on Sportsbook Wire: Pittsburgh Penguins at Colorado Avalanche odds, picks and predictions
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