There is still hope for the Colorado Avalanche as they attempt to make a run at this year’s NHL Playoffs, with the 2022 Stanley Cup champs attempting to show they still have another run in them.
With the final stretch run of the season starting, the Avs will attempt to make a run. They still have a chance at the second or third seeds in the Central Division, while the top seed might be out of reach, as the Winnipeg Jets have been on fire lately. Ultimately, they can alter the direction of their odds, as well as change the course of their first-round opponent, if they can string together some wins.
Right now, oddsmakers from Bet365 Colorado list the Avs as a +3500 favorite to string together several wins together and win the division. The Avalanche are currently at -4000 odds of making the playoffs, +700 of winning the Western Conference, and +1400 of winning the Stanley Cup.
5 Big Games Ahead
The Avalanche have some work to do if they want to move up in the standings. Below, we highlight five games that will be pivotal down the stretch, as the Avs attempt to make a run at their second title in four seasons.
1. Minnesota Wild, February 28, 9 PM EST, ESPN+
This will be an interesting matchup, as the Wild currently are just ahead of the Avs in the Central Division standings. So far, the teams have split the season series, with the Avs destroying the Wild 6-1 at the Xcel Energy Center, and the Wild defeating the Avs 3-1 a week later at Ball Arena. This will be the first of two more showdowns between the division rivals, and potentially a first-round preview.
2. @ Calgary Flames, March 14, 9 PM EST, ESPN +
The Flames are chasing a playoff spot, and the Avalanche have to face them two more times. Significantly, the Avs defeated the Flames 4-2 at the Saddledome earlier this season, and will attempt to do it again. A win in regulation by the Flames could potentially threaten the Avalanche's playoff chances, so this game will be critical.
3. Dallas Stars, March 16, 3:30 PM EST, TNT, truTV, and MAX
The teams have split the season series so far, with the home team each taking a game. This will be the first of two remaining games on the regular-season schedule between the teams, as the Avalanche attempt to overtake the Stars in the standings. This will be a big test at Ball Arena, and the Avalanche still have hopes of getting home-ice advantage for the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
4. Los Angeles Kings, 10 PM EST, March 27, ESPN
This could be a potential playoff preview, as the Kings still have a slim chance of winning the Pacific Division and earning a first-round date with the Avalanche. Until then, the Avalanche have to face the Kings two more times, with this one being at Ball Arena at the end of March. The Avs hope to replicate their 4-2 win from earlier this season and take down the Kings again.
5. Vegas Golden Knights, 9:30 PM EST, April 8, ESPN
This could be a potential first-round showdown as the Golden Knights are currently battling for the Pacific Division title. So far, the Knights and Avs have split the season series, with the home team winning each time. This will be the ultimate test for the Avalanche, as they play a team that has given them fits in the past.
Check out our best Colorado sportsbook promo codes and bonuses before betting on the Avs or any team/player.
Author
Christopher Boan has been covering sports and sports betting for more than seven years, including stops at ArizonaSports.com, the Tucson Weekly and the Green Valley News.
