Betting tips from AI for Colorado Avalanche vs Ottawa Senators, 09 January 2026.

Colorado arrive at Ball Arena as overwhelming favorites (31-4-7) and DRatings projects a 3.73-2.36 edge in goals, so the market’s laying them at 1.66. Head-to-heads and season-long form favor the Avs — recent 5-1 and 5-0 routs of Ottawa underline the mismatch.
They’ve stumbled with back-to-back road losses and Scott Wedgewood looked shaky, while Ottawa’s Leevi Merilainen has been a mixed bag. Still, Ottawa’s erratic defense and recent losses to weaker clubs cap their upset upside.
Given home ice, matchup history and the goal projection, Colorado’s true win chance looks meaningfully above the implied ~60% line, making a straight-money play on the Avalanche the best value.

The Colorado Avalanche return home to Ball Arena as significant favorites, poised for a rebound after a brief two-game road skid. Despite dropping recent contests to Florida and Tampa, where Scott Wedgewood had a tough outing, the Avs' overall record of 31-4-7 speaks volumes about their season-long dominance. DRatings even projects a comfortable 3.73-2.36 victory, indicating their strong position.

They face an Ottawa Senators squad that has been the epitome of inconsistency, sitting at 20-16-5. While young netminder Leevi Merilainen has been busy, his results are mixed, hampered by persistent defensive lapses from his team. Ottawa's form is a rollercoaster, with big wins interspersed with ugly losses, including a wild 7-5 shootout defeat in Toronto. Historically, this matchup heavily favors Colorado, who have claimed 20 of 31 meetings, including two recent routs (5-1 and 5-0).

Given the Avalanche's desire to snap their mini-slump at home against a team they consistently dominate, coupled with Ottawa's struggles, the Avalanche at 1.66 looks like a solid play. They are simply the superior team, and this is a prime bounce-back spot.

The Colorado Avalanche (31-4-7) remain heavy favorites at 1.66 despite recent road struggles, having dropped consecutive games in Florida. Their dominant season record and overwhelming head-to-head advantage over Ottawa (taking 20 of 31 meetings) cannot be overlooked.

Ottawa's inconsistency is concerning, particularly with young goaltender Leevi Merilainen showing vulnerability during his recent starts. Their defensive lapses were evident in that wild 7-5 shootout loss to Toronto, suggesting Colorado's potent offense will find plenty of opportunities.

While the Senators' 4.35 odds offer tempting value, the Avalanche returning to Ball Arena provides the perfect bounce-back scenario. Colorado's 5-1 and 5-0 victories in their most recent meetings with Ottawa demonstrate their clear superiority. Despite their mini-slump, expect the Avalanche to regain form and handle the Senators comfortably at home.

The Colorado Avalanche are primed to reclaim their dominance at Ball Arena against a sputtering Ottawa Senators team. With a stellar 31-4-7 record, the Avs boast the NHL's best mark, even after dropping back-to-back road games in Florida and Tampa where they were outscored 6-3. Scott Wedgewood's netminding faltered there, but home ice should spark a rebound for this high-octane squad, projected by DRatings for a 3.73-2.36 victory.

Ottawa, at 20-16-5, rides a rollercoaster of form—sandwiched wins over Winnipeg and Washington between losses to Detroit, Columbus, and a chaotic 7-5 shootout defeat in Toronto. Young goalie Leevi Merilainen has started four of their last five, but defensive lapses have led to mixed results, including recent defeats.

Head-to-head history tilts heavily Colorado's way, with 20 wins in 31 meetings, including a 5-1 thrashing in March and a 5-0 rout in October. The odds reflect this mismatch: Avalanche at 1.66, Senators at 4.35, and draw at 4.50. For a $1 bet, the value screams Avalanche—expect them to overpower Ottawa and cover the juice handily.

The Colorado Avalanche enter Ball Arena as heavy favorites with a dominant 31-4-7 record, reflected in their 1.66 odds. Despite back-to-back road losses in Florida, snapping their earlier streak, the Avs have a historical edge over Ottawa, winning 20 of 31 meetings including recent routs.

Ottawa Senators, at 20-16-5, showcase inconsistent form with goalie Leevi Merilainen posting mixed results amid defensive lapses. Their rollercoaster performances make them a long shot at 4.35, especially against Colorado's firepower.

With DRatings projecting a 3.73-2.36 Avalanche win and home ice advantage poised to spark a rebound, Colorado is the savvy pick to secure a decisive victory.

The Colorado Avalanche enter this matchup as heavy favorites, and for good reason. Their record of 31-4-7 speaks volumes about their dominance this season, while the Senators’ middling 20-16-5 form suggests they’re struggling to maintain consistency. Despite the Avs’ recent back-to-back losses in Florida and Tampa, those defeats came on the road, and Ball Arena has been a fortress for them. With home ice advantage and an offense that DRatings projects to outscore Ottawa by more than a goal, Colorado’s 1.66 odds feel justified.

Ottawa’s goaltending situation raises concerns. Leevi Merilainen has been overworked lately, starting four of their last five games, and his mixed results—highlighted by defensive breakdowns—don’t inspire confidence against Colorado’s high-powered attack. Meanwhile, the Senators’ erratic form continues to plague them, as evidenced by ugly losses sandwiched between occasional wins. Even if they bring energy, containing Nathan MacKinnon and company will be a tall order.

Historically, Colorado dominates this matchup, winning 20 of their last 31 meetings. Recent encounters have been particularly brutal for Ottawa, including a 5-1 rout and a 5-0 shutout earlier this season. While Ottawa’s 4.35 odds might tempt some bettors, the risk outweighs the reward given their current trajectory. The draw at 4.50 is possible but unlikely given the Avs’ firepower.

All signs point to Colorado bouncing back with authority. Backing the Avalanche at 1.66 offers solid value despite the steep price.