For the second time in less than a week, the Chicago Blackhawks and Colorado Avalanche meet on the ice.
Last Thursday, the Avalanche blanked the Blackhawks at the United Center, 5-0, as a -270 favorite.
Justus Annunen pitched the shutout in the Colorado net with 24 saves, while Zach Parise scored a pair of goals.
On Monday night, these Central Division rivals hook up at Pepsi Center in Denver as Chicago looks to snap a six-game losing streak.
Let’s take a closer look at the matchup and find a betting edge.
Blackhawks vs. Avalanche odds
- Spread: Blackhawks +1.5 (+146), Avalanche -1.5 (-176)
- Total: Over 6.5 (+110), Under 6.5 (-134)
- Moneyline: Blackhawks 360, Avalanche -480
Odds via FanDuel
Blackhawks vs. Avalanche prediction
The Blackhawks closed their five-game homestand picking up only two points in overtime losses to the Jets and Red Wings.
Columbus rolled Chicago on Saturday night, 5-2, as the Blackhawks have scored just one power-play goal in their last five games.
The Avalanche are back home after getting routed at red-hot Nashville, 5-1, on Saturday.
Since getting routed by Florida in early January, Colorado has won seven of its past eight home games while scoring at least three goals in each of those contests.
Colorado has captured two of three meetings from Chicago this season, shutting out the Blackhawks in each of the two victories. The lone Avalanche loss came at the United Center in mid-December, 3-2.
Blackhawks vs. Avalanche pick
The Blackhawks are 0-13-4 in the first period in their last 17 games, including 12 shutouts during the span in the opening 20 minutes.
Backing Colorado for the full game is a bit too pricey but taking the Avalanche on the puck line in the first period at -110 is worth a strong look due to Chicago’s struggles in the opening period.
Pick: Avalanche first-period puck line (-110, FanDuel)
