Colorado Avalanche vs New Jersey Devils Prediction NHL Picks 12/8/24

In this article, we will formulate a Colorado Avalanche vs New Jersey Devils prediction for this NHL game on Sunday, December 8th at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup. 

Colorado Avalanche Betting Preview

The Colorado Avalanche are 15-13-0 this year after they defeated Detroit by a score of 2-1 in their last game. Colorado had their lead cut to 2-1 in the second period, but they were able to hang on for the win. The Avalanche were outshot by a total of 30-25, won 37.3% of the face-offs, and went 1-1 on the power play in the game. Colorado got goals from Nichushkin and Makar, while Georgiev stopped 29 out of 30 shots in the win. 

Prior to that game, the Avalanche lost to Carolina by a score of 5-3 but did beat Buffalo by a score of 5-4 before that. Colorado has scored 3.26 goals per game and they have allowed 3.78 goals against per game, while also averaging 25.9% on the power play and 72.2% on the penalty kill this season. Nathan MacKinnon has led Colorado with nine goals, 32 assists, and 110 shots on goal, while Scott Wedgewood is expected to be in the net. The Avs will play against the Penguins and Utah following this one.

New Jersey Devils Betting Preview

The New Jersey Devils are 18-9-2 this season after they defeated Seattle by a score of 3-2 in their last game. New Jersey tied the game at two in the second and scored the only goal in the third for the win. The Devils outshot Seattle by a total of 36-19, won 49% of the face-offs, and went 0-2 on the power play in the game. New Jersey got goals from Bratt, Meier, and Hughes, while Markstrom stopped 17 out of 19 shots in the game. 

Prior to that win, the Devils defeated the Rangers by a score of 5-1 but did lose to the Capitals by a score of 6-5 before that. New Jersey has scored 3.52 goals per game and they have allowed 2.69 goals against per game, while also going 33.7% on the power play and 80% on the penalty kill this season. Jesper Bratt has led New Jersey with 13 goals, 24 assists, and 75 shots on goal, while Jacob Markstrom is 13-6-1 with a 2.51 goals against average and a .907 save percentage this year. 

Why the Devils will beat the Avalanche

• The Avalanche have lost five of their last six games on the second leg of a back-to-back.
• The Devils have won each of their last three home games against the Avalanche.
• The Avalanche have failed to cover the puck line in 10 of their last 11 games.
• The Devils have covered the puck line in six of their last seven home games against Central Division opponents.
• The Devils have won the third period in nine of their last 12 games as home favorites.

Total Goals Facts

• Each of the Avalanche’s last six games as underdogs following a road win have gone OVER the total goals line.
• Five of the Devils’ last six home games against Central Division opponents have gone UNDER the total goals line.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Devils’ last eight games as favorites.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1’ market has hit in each of the Avalanche’s last four games as road underdogs.

New Jersey Devils Player Prop Facts

• Jack Hughes has recorded at least one assist in each of the Devils’ last four games against opponents who are playing on the second leg of a back-to-back.
• Jesper Bratt has scored a goal in each of the Devils’ last three games as favorites.
• Jesper Bratt has recorded at least one point in eight of his nine previous appearances against the Avalanche.

Colorado Avalanche Player Prop Facts

• Valeri Nichushkin has scored at least one goal in five of his last six appearances with the Avalanche as road underdogs.
• Nathan MacKinnon has recorded at least one point in each of the Avalanche’s last 11 Sunday night games.
• Nathan MacKinnon has recorded at least one assist in each of the Avalanche’s last nine Sunday night games.

Colorado Avalanche vs New Jersey Devils Prediction 

New Jersey comes into this matchup on a two-game winning streak and they have won three of their last four. The Devils have been one of the top teams in the NHL so far this season and they are allowing just 2.69 goals against per game. Colorado has struggled in recent games and they have been really inconsistent all season. The Avalanche will be on a back-to-back here and with them struggling defensively right now, I have to side with the Devils in this one.