Cale Makar will pepper the Panthers’ net with shots tonight, per our NHL expert picks.
Dec 11, 2025 • 11:09 ET
• 3 min read
Photo By – Imagn Images. Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche in NHL action.
Cale Makar is one of the most prolific shooters in the NHL, ranking third among all players in attempts.
He has piled them up at an especially high rate at home, and my Panthers vs. Avalanche predictions see that continuing in a better matchup than meets the eye.
Let’s dig deeper into my NHL picks for Thursday, December 11.
Panthers vs Avalanche prediction
Panthers vs Avalanche Best bet: Cale Makar Over 2.5 shots on goal (-135)
Cale Makar’s shot volume on the road vs. at home is night and day.
He has averaged 6.5 attempts in away games this season, a solid number in a vacuum. It’s nothing special when chasing three shots given that defensemen generally hit the target much less often than forwards.
Makar’s home numbers truly pop off the page. He averages 8.8 attempts in Colorado, translating to 3.4 shots on target and a 64% clear rate.
His numbers take another big jump when isolating games where he’s rested. Makar averages 9.6 attempts in Colorado following an off day and he has converted that volume into a 71% clear rate.
One of the lone Unders came against the Utah Mammoth, who are one of the best shot suppression teams in the league.
That certainly can’t be said of the Florida Panthers. They rank second in pace and 21st in shot suppression at 5-on-5 over the last 10 games.
They’ve also spent more than five minutes shorthanded per game and conceded the ninth-most shots to defensemen in that time.
Rested, at home, and in an advantageous spot against a fatigued team, Makar checks a lot of boxes.
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Panthers vs Avalanche same-game parlay
The Colorado Avalanche are 11-0-2 on home soil and have scored an average of 4.69 goals per game. They have mowed through opponents and, after a tough loss in Nashville, will be looking to continue that against a Panthers team that is 5-6 on the road.
Riding shotgun with Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas — the team’s two leading goal scorers — at 5-on-5 and on the top power play, Artturi Lehkonen is positioned well to pick up a helper.
Panthers vs Avalanche SGP
Cale Makar Over 2.5 shots on goal
Avalanche -1.5
Artturi Lehkonen Over 0.5 assists
Panthers vs Avalanche odds
Moneyline: Florida +205 | Colorado -250
Puck Line: Florida +1.5 (-115) | Colorado -1.5 (-105)
Over/Under: Over 6.5 (+105) | Under 6.5 (-125)
Panthers vs Avalanche trend
Cale Makar has registered 3+ shots in five of his past six home games following one day of rest. Find more NHL betting trends for Panthers vs. Avalanche.
How to watch Panthers vs Avalanche
Location
Ball Arena, Denver, CO
Date
Thursday, December 11, 2025
Puck drop
9:30 p.m. ET
TV
ESPN
Panthers vs Avalanche latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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