NHL Best Bet: Devils vs Avalanche Prediction 2/26
- Lm Tipster
- Feb 26, 2025, 4:26:42 AM
Devils vs Avalanche: NHL Betting Analysis & Prediction
Game Preview
The New Jersey Devils head to Colorado to take on the Avalanche at Ball Arena on February 26, 2025. Both teams are in the thick of their respective playoff races, with New Jersey sitting at 32-21-6 and Colorado at 33-24-2. While both offenses have firepower, recent trends and elite goaltending suggest this could be a lower-scoring affair.
New Jersey boasts a strong defensive presence led by goaltender Jacob Markstrom (2.20 GAA, .912 SV%), while Colorado has seen steady performances from Mackenzie Blackwood (2.54 GAA, .916 SV%). With injuries to key offensive players and both teams trending under in recent games, the total goals line at **5.5** could be tough to surpass.
Betting Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Total | Puck Line |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Devils | +115 | Over 5.5 (-125) | +1.5 (-235) |
| Colorado Avalanche | -135 | Under 5.5 (+105) | -1.5 (+180) |
The Avalanche are slight favorites at home, but the Devils have been on a strong road streak. The total set at **5.5 goals** is one of the lowest lines on the board, suggesting a tight, defensive battle.
Team Comparison
New Jersey Devils
The Devils have been rock-solid defensively, allowing just **2.46 goals per game** while holding opponents to **26.3 shots per game**. They also rank in the top 10 in penalty-kill percentage at **84.2%**. Despite having scoring threats like Jack Hughes (26 goals, 42 assists), New Jersey has played to the under in 4 of its last 6 games.
Colorado Avalanche
Colorado is known for its offensive firepower, led by Nathan MacKinnon (21 goals, 66 assists), but they have struggled to score in recent games. The Avalanche have failed to score more than 2 goals in 3 of their last 5 matchups, including a **3-1 loss to St. Louis** and a **2-1 loss to Nashville**. Injuries to key players like Valeri Nichushkin and Cale Makar further hurt their offensive depth.
Recent Performance
Devils’ Last Five Games
- Win – @ Nashville (5-0)
- Loss – vs Dallas (4-2)
- Win – @ Montreal (4-0)
- Loss – vs Vegas (3-1)
- Win – @ Pittsburgh (3-2 SO)
Avalanche’s Last Five Games
- Loss – @ St. Louis (3-1)
- Loss – @ Nashville (2-1)
- Win – @ Edmonton (5-4)
- Win – @ Calgary (4-2)
- Loss – @ Vancouver (3-0)
Prediction
Given the recent scoring struggles of both teams, the strong goaltending, and defensive play, the **under 5.5 goals** is the best bet in this matchup. New Jersey has played solid defense on the road, and Colorado’s recent offensive struggles—combined with key injuries—point toward another low-scoring battle.
Expect both teams to focus on limiting high-danger chances, leading to a grind-it-out type of game. With the last meeting between these two teams finishing **4-0 in favor of Colorado**, another low-scoring affair is likely.
