The Utah Hockey Club hosts the Colorado Avalanche at the Delta Center on Friday night at 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2.

Colorado has rattled off three straight wins, and my Avalanche vs. Utah predictions are for that trend to continue Friday night. Read on for my NHL picks for Friday, December 27th.

Avalanche vs Utah Hockey Club Prediction

My best choice
Avalanche -1.5 (+185 at bet365)

My analysis
This line has overly adapted to the market’s increased respect for the Utah Hockey Club. Given the progress Utah has made this season, particularly with its younger players, the increased respect is certainly deserved.

Clayton Keller, Dylan Guenther and Logan Cooley are all developing even more than expected, but expectations should be tempered against a clearly superior Colorado Avalanche team. Utah closes the gap, but not enough to justify this high price tag for the Avs.

Let’s start with the blue line, which represents the first of many advantages for the Avalanche on Friday. Their defenders are stronger offensively but also suppress dangerous scoring opportunities at a high level, ranking 11th in xGA/60.

Colorado is not only ahead of Utah in this category, but also ahead of Utah in xGF/60. Given their stronger offense and defense, it’s no surprise that the Avs also overtake Utah in expected goal difference per 60 minutes.

Colorado is on the way too, But that doesn’t worry me too much since the Avs are 12-7 on the road while Utah is 5-10 at the Delta Center.

Finally, I predict the Avalanche’s puck line at +185 is worth more than their money line at -140, considering each of their last six wins have come by more than 2 goals.

Avalanche vs. Utah Hockey Club – Same Game Parlay (SGP)

Avalanche -1.5

Mikko Rantanen is a goalscorer at all times

Nathan MacKinnon 1+ assists

Of course, if we trust Colorado to win by more than two goals, the team will have to find the back of the net a few times. The best candidate for this is Mikko Rantanen, who leads the team in both goals and power play goals.

I specifically mention special teams because it’s a relatively easy way to beat Utah, which ranks 31st in penalty minutes per game and 16th in penalty kill percentage. Plus, if we trust Rantanen to score, there’s a good chance Nathan MacKinnon will help him do so.

Not only do they skate together on the first power play unit, but MacKinnon has also assisted on three of Rantanen’s last four goals.

Learn how to place a bet in the same game with these helpful tips and strategies.

Avalanche vs Utah Hockey Club odds

Avalanche vs Utah Hockey Club live odds

Avalanche vs. Utah Hockey Club opening odds

• Puck line: Colorado -1.5 (+175) | Utah +1.5 (-210)
• Money line: Colorado -135 | Utah +115
• Over/Under: Over 6.5 | Under 6.5

Avalanche vs Utah Hockey Club trending

Colorado has won three straight games by more than 2 goals. Find more NHL betting trends for Avalanche vs. Utah Hockey Club.

How to watch Avalanche vs. Utah Hockey Club

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