Betting tips from AI for Colorado Avalanche vs Nashville Predators, 17 January 2026.

Colorado is the safe play here. The Avalanche own a ridiculous 33-4-8 record and an unbeatable 19-0-3 mark at Ball Arena, and Nathan MacKinnon’s league-leading 81 points plus a team 2.19 GAA make them heavy favorites. Backing Colorado at 1.34 is a play on home altitude, depth and defensive structure which should blunt Juuse Saros and Nashville’s recent scoring bursts.

Nashville arrives hot — Roman Josi and Ryan O’Reilly can change a game — and Saros’ .925 save percentage keeps this intriguing. But the Predators’ 6-4-0 form and long odds of 3.50 aren’t enough to offset Colorado’s dominance; the draw line sits at 4.60 and is extremely unlikely. I predict the Avalanche hold serve at home.

While the Nashville Predators arrive at Ball Arena riding a wave of confidence, fueled by Roman Josi's recent scoring prowess and Ryan O'Reilly's clutch play, their challenge against the Colorado Avalanche is monumental. Nashville's 6-4-0 form in their last 10 games is solid, and Juuse Saros provides a strong presence in net.

However, the Avalanche present an entirely different beast. Their astounding 33-4-8 overall record is only overshadowed by an 'unbeatable' 19-0-3 mark at home. Nathan MacKinnon continues to scorch the league with 81 points, leading an offense that complements a superior 2.19 goals against average. Colorado's 7-2-1 surge further cements their status as heavy favorites. Despite the low payout on a $1 bet at 1.34, the sheer dominance and consistency of the Avalanche, particularly in their fortress at home, make them the most reliable and therefore most profitable choice. An expert bet focuses on the highest probability of success, and that unequivocally points to Colorado.

Betting against Colorado at Ball Arena this season is practically throwing money away. With an untouchable 19-0-3 home record, the Avalanche have turned their high-altitude venue into a fortress. MacKinnon's league-leading 81 points have powered Colorado to an exceptional 33-4-8 overall record.

While Nashville shows flashes with Roman Josi's recent scoring outburst and Saros' solid .925 save percentage, they're simply outmatched here. The Predators' 6-4-0 in their last 10 is respectable, but Colorado's 7-2-1 run coupled with their stingy 2.19 goals against average presents an insurmountable challenge.

The 1.34 odds for Colorado reflect their dominance, but they're justified. Nashville at 3.50 might tempt value hunters, but the Avalanche's perfect home record speaks volumes. Expect MacKinnon to continue his scoring tear against a good but overmatched Predators squad.

The Colorado Avalanche are primed to extend their home dominance against a gritty Nashville Predators squad in this Central Division showdown at Ball Arena. With a blistering 33-4-8 overall record and an impeccable 19-0-3 mark on home ice, Colorado's high-altitude fortress has been impenetrable. Nathan MacKinnon's league-leading 81 points fuel their offensive firepower, while their stingy defense posts a league-best 2.19 goals against average. Nashville rides momentum from Roman Josi's two-goal outburst in their last win and Steven Stamkos' milestone 600th NHL goal, but their 6-4-0 run over the last 10 pales against Colorado's 7-2-1 surge.

Juuse Saros' stellar .925 save percentage and 2.45 GAA give the Preds a fighting chance in net, and Ryan O'Reilly's clutch 13 goals add bite, but facing Colorado's relentless attack at altitude is a tall order. The odds reflect this: Avalanche at 1.34 as heavy favorites, Predators at 3.50, and draw at 4.60. For profitability on a $1 bet, the value lies in backing the Avalanche—low payout but near-certain return in a mismatch.

Expect Colorado to control the puck and secure a regulation win, leveraging home supremacy and superior form to outpace Nashville's upset bid.

The Colorado Avalanche are a force at Ball Arena, sporting an unbeatable 19-0-3 home record and led by Nathan MacKinnon's scorching 81-point campaign. Their 7-2-1 surge and league-best 2.19 goals against average make them heavy favorites, reflected in the 1.34 odds.

Nashville Predators bring momentum from Roman Josi's two-goal night and Steven Stamkos' 600th goal, with Juuse Saros (.925 save percentage) anchoring the net. However, their 6-4-0 form faces a steep challenge against Colorado's altitude and defensive sting.

For a profitable bet, backing the Avalanche at short odds offers a safer return, as their home dominance and superior depth should overpower Nashville's upset bid, despite the tempting 3.50 underdog line.

The Colorado Avalanche enter this matchup as overwhelming favorites, with odds of 1.34 reflecting their dominance at Ball Arena this season. Their 19-0-3 home record is nothing short of spectacular, and Nathan MacKinnon’s league-leading 81 points underscore their offensive firepower. Nashville, however, isn’t rolling over quietly. Captain Roman Josi has been electric, scoring twice in their last game to boost morale, while Ryan O’Reilly continues to be a reliable contributor. Juuse Saros will need to be at his best, leveraging his .925 save percentage to withstand Colorado’s relentless attack.

That said, the Predators' solid 6-4-0 form over their last 10 games feels insufficient against Colorado’s superior metrics. The Avalanche allow just 2.19 goals per game, a testament to their defensive discipline. Even though Nashville’s goaltending and occasional offensive bursts make them dangerous, Colorado’s consistency on both ends gives them the edge. Betting on the Predators at 3.50 might seem tempting, but their uphill battle against Colorado’s home invincibility makes it a risky proposition.

While the draw at 4.60 could appeal to some bettors, ice hockey rarely ends level after regulation in the NHL. Given Colorado’s near-flawless home performance and Nashville’s inability to consistently challenge elite teams, backing the Avalanche remains the smartest play.