Avalanche at Devils

Prudential Center – Newark, NJ
5:30 0M ET
Avalanche -220

After losing back-to-back games for the first time since Nov. 6, Colorado ended its longest losing streak in four months with a 5-4 win on Monday night against the Islanders. Things got a little dicey down the stretch, however, as a 5-1 lead evaporated.

While tonight looks like another opportunity to ride the best team in hockey to an easy win, there is a little cause for concern. The Avalanche haven’t played great in their last three outings.

Thus, it’s time to look for more creative options. More to the point, it’s time to ride some of their stars to some winning tickets.

Nathan MacKinnon has nine goals in his last 11 games, including one on Monday night against the Islanders. That’s a hot streak worth riding.

Meanwhile, Cale Makar has an assist in 11 consecutive games. He needs one tonight to best Joe Sakic’s franchise record. That’s certainly plenty of motivation.

Will the Avalanche win tonight? Probably. They’re 41-11-5 on the season, so that seems like a safe bet.

But the smarter play is to lean on their stars. Ride MacKinnon and Makar tonight in Jersey.

Norm LaChatlier’s picks:

Nathan MacKinnon +0.5 goals (+126) | Cale Makar +0.5 assists (-164)

Today’s NHL Quick Picks:

Vegas M/L (-170)
Toronto -1.5 (-110)
St. Louis -1.5 (-105)