NHL Betting Preview: Avalanche vs Penguins
The Colorado Avalanche go up against the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG PAINTS Arena, with face-off scheduled for 16:00 on Tuesday, March 24.
Find Out Why We’re Backing Avs
The +104 about the Avalanche looks really generous when it comes to the 3-Way Moneyline. We think the Penguins can be beaten in 60 minutes, so this is our best pick.
7-2 Win for Penguins in Last H2H Clash
Colorado Avalanche have triumphed in back-to-back games. The latest was on the road where Washington Capitals were beaten 3-2 (OT) at Capital One Arena. Brock Nelson, Gabriel Landeskog and Nicolas Roy each scored one goal.
Pittsburgh Penguins lost when they last took to the ice. At PPG PAINTS Arena, they were turned over 5-1 at home to Carolina Hurricanes. Yegor Chinakhov scored the goal from just 19 Penguins shots.
Head-to-Head Statistics
These two teams last met at Ball Arena, with the Penguins claiming the win. Beating the Avs by a 7-2 scoreline. It’s been five wins for each team over the previous 10 H2H meetings.
Starting Goalies
Scott Wedgewood (Expected)
Season
W-L-OTL:
GAA:
SV%:
SO:
24/25
25-5-6
2.2
.916
2
23/24
16-7-5
2.85
.899
0
Stuart Skinner (Expected)
Season
W-L-OTL:
GAA:
SV%:
SO:
24/25
20-14-9
2.9
.889
2
23/24
36-16-5
2.62
.905
2
Colorado Avalanche – Last 10 Games
6 wins, 3 losses and 1 overtime loss, averaging 3.0 goals from 31.0 shots on goal, with a 22.2% powerplay efficiency. The Avs have been giving up 2.6 goals from 23.5 shots, averaging 3.6 penalties with a penalty-killing efficiency of 83.3%.
Martin Necas is the top points scorer with 15 points, 6 goals and 9 assists, with Nathan MacKinnon racking up 15 points, 4 goals and 11 assists, over the past 10 games. Goalie Mackenzie Blackwood have a 3.36 goal against average with a .845 save percentage.
Pittsburgh Penguins – Last 10 Games
The Penguins have 4 wins, 3 losses and 3 overtime losses, averaging 3.6 goals from 27.4 shots on goal, with a 14.0% powerplay efficiency. They have been conceding 4.2 goals from 28.2 shots, averaging 4.5 penalties per game with a penalty-killing efficiency of 82.2%.
The top points scorer is Erik Karlsson with 15 points, 6 goals and 9 assists, while Bryan Rust is next in line after registering 13 points, 6 goals and 7 assists. Goalie Stuart Skinner have a 3.88 GAA with a .873 SV%.
Colorado Avalanche vs Pittsburgh Penguins Prediction & Picks
Be fully equipped for Colorado Avalanche vs Pittsburgh Penguins with our betting guide, offering a key match prediction, a correct score recommendation, top player prop picks and a bet builder tailored for value.
Game Prediction
We’re heading to the 60-minute line and our pick is for Colorado Avalanche to win this NHL encounter in regulation time. They have a strong chance of landing a victory and the +104 makes lots of appeal.
The handicappers at Sportsgambler.com always keep close tabs on team news as it develops. We also rely on recent form and key NHL stats to help shape our hockey predictions and guide the final call.
Key Avalanche vs Penguins stats:
Avalanche have won 8 of their last 10 games on the road.Avalanche have won 4 of their last 5 games on the road.Avalanche have won 2 consecutive games.Penguins have lost 6 of their last 10 games.Penguins have lost 3 of their last 5 games at home.Avs 3-Way Moneyline Probability
The best betting apps imply that our pick has a 49% prospect of winning. Taking all factors into consideration, our analysts think there’s a stronger chance of success and have a probability interval between 55-60%. This hockey wager can therefore be backed with confidence.
Looking for Bigger Odds?
If you also have a strong view on the Under / Over line, then it could be worth a Match Winner & Total Goals bet where you can effectively back Colorado at bigger odds.
Before betting, make sure to browse our bonus guide packed with the best betting promo codes, free bets, and sign-up offers.
Our Game Prediction
Avalanche 3-Way Moneyline @ +104
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Disclosure: This preview contains affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. T&Cs apply. We only recommend licensed and regulated operators. See our Editorial Policy. Pick odds and lines reflect the price available at the time of publication (Mar 23, 20:56). Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.
Published 20:56, 23 March 2026
Player Prop Picks
Bryan Rust (Penguins) has recorded Over 2.5 shots on goal in 4 straight games. If you agree with our verdict that he can cover the line again, then you can land odds of -110 that this happens.
Latest Bryan Rust Player Prop Odds
Goals
Assists
Shots on Goal
Pick odds and lines correct at publication. Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. T&Cs apply. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.
Colorado Avalanche vs Pittsburgh Penguins Odds
The odds and lines below are updated regularly and may differ from the prices shown in our picks, which are captured at the time of publication.
Books Expecting Close Encounter
The sportsbooks’ betting odds have Colorado Avalanche as -156 favorites for this game, implying that they are 61% likely to win. For those wanting to oppose the market leader, you can get +130 about Pittsburgh Penguins.
There is a puck line of 1.5 and total goals has a line of 6.5. A Totals bet relates to the number of goals that will be scored overall. If you want to wager Over 6.5, there are odds of -128.
Consider every angle when placing your bets. The best NHL sportsbooks offer a huge selection of game lines and team props and it’s all about finding a wager which matches your prediction of the clash.
Nathan MacKinnon Favorite to Light the Lamp First
Favorite Nathan MacKinnon is now available at +800 to be the First Goalscorer. You will find similar odds apply when it comes to him scoring the last goal.
Player Goals
Nathan MacKinnon (Avalanche)
Martin Necas (Avalanche)
Brock Nelson (Avalanche)
Bryan Rust (Penguins)
Player Assists
Nathan MacKinnon (Avalanche)
Martin Necas (Avalanche)
Cale Makar (Avalanche)
Sidney Crosby (Penguins)
Player Shots
Nathan MacKinnon (Avalanche)
Erik Karlsson (Penguins)
Brock Nelson (Avalanche)
Bryan Rust (Penguins)
Micro Betting
Instead of focusing on the overall outcome, some bettors prefer to look at the NHL micro betting lines. As the name suggests, it means placing short-term wagers and this might include the Next Goalscorer or Next Goal.
Live market odds and lines updated regularly. All odds subject to change. T&Cs apply. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.
Team Stats
Latest regular season and playoff games stats.
Colorado Avalanche Stats
Pittsburgh Penguins Stats
6 wins and 4 defeats in the last 10 games
8 wins and 2 defeats in the last 10 games on the road
4 wins and 6 defeats in the last 10 games
6 wins and 4 defeats in the last 10 home games
-1.5 Betting Line: Have covered the -1.5 puck line in 3 of the last 10 games
-1.5 Betting Line on the Road: Have covered the -1.5 puck line in 6 of the last 10 games on the road
+1.5 Betting Line: Have covered the +1.5 puck line in 7 of the last 10 games
+1.5 Betting Line at Home: Have covered the +1.5 puck line in 8 of the last 10 home games
Game Totals: An average of 5.90 goals in the previous 10 games
Game Totals on the Road: An average of 6.20 goals in the previous 10 games on the road
Over 6.5: Covered in 3 of the previous 10 games
Over 6.5 on the Road: Covered in 2 of the previous 10 games on the road
Team Totals: Have scored an average of 3.20 goals and allowed 2.70 goals in the last 10 games
Team Totals on the Road: Have scored an average of 3.90 pts and allowed 2.30 goals in the last 10 games on the road
Game Totals: An average of 8.10 goals in the previous 10 games
Game Totals at Home: An average of 7.10 goals in the previous 10 home games
Over 6.5: Covered in 8 of the previous 10 games
Over 6.5 at Home: Covered in 5 of the previous 10 home games
Team Totals: Have scored an average of 3.70 goals and allowed 4.40 goals in the last 10 games
Team Totals at Home: Have scored an average of 3.80 goals and allowed 3.30 goals in the last 10 home games
Last 10 Games
Goals Powerplay: 0.8
Shots: 31
Goals Shorthanded: 0
Penalties: 3.6
Empty Net Goals: 0
Penalty Minutes: 8.9
Blocks: 17.7
Faceoff Wins : 28
Hits: 17.9
Giveaways: 14.1
Takeaways: 4.5
Last 10 Games on the Road
Goals Powerplay: 0.8
Shots: 29.8
Goals Shorthanded: 0
Penalties: 3.1
Empty Net Goals: 0.1
Penalty Minutes: 6.2
Blocks: 16.9
Faceoff Wins : 27.8
Hits: 16.9
Giveaways: 16.4
Takeaways: 4.6
Last 10 Games
Goals Powerplay: 0.7
Shots: 27.4
Goals Shorthanded: 0.1
Penalties: 4.5
Empty Net Goals: 0
Penalty Minutes: 10.7
Blocks: 13.2
Faceoff Wins : 27.3
Hits: 21.1
Giveaways: 17.2
Takeaways: 4.3
Last 10 Home Games
Goals Powerplay: 0.6
Shots: 29.6
Goals Shorthanded: 0.2
Penalties: 4.3
Empty Net Goals: 0.2
Penalty Minutes: 10.3
Blocks: 13.2
Faceoff Wins : 26
Hits: 21.2
Giveaways: 16.7
Takeaways: 5.4
Starting Lineups
Both teams’ confirmed lineups will be published ahead of face-off. There is also the chance to look at the lineups from the previous 10 games.
Expert Analysis by Kevin Thompson
NHL Analyst
About the Analyst
Our ice hockey previews are produced by a specialised team of analysts, former odds compilers and sports journalists. Picks are research-driven and reviewed for accuracy and editorial consistency under the oversight of our hockey panel and Editor-in-Chief.
NHL Predictions Methodology
Our NHL analysis combines the latest team news, injury reports and line changes with recent form and market movement. We factor in situational analysis like home ice advantage and schedule spots. Metrics such as Corsi, Fenwick, Expected Goals (xG) and PDO are used to evaluate puck possession, shot quality, goaltending performance and special teams efficiency beyond the traditional box score.
Full Methodology & Data Sources
Where to Bet
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Transparency & Safety
This preview was last updated on Mar 23, 20:56 to reflect the latest team news, injury reports, confirmed lines and pairings, starting goaltenders, lineup changes, schedule context, key performance metrics and odds movement.
All analysis is produced by professional analysts and reviewed by our Ice Hockey Editorial Betting Panel for accuracy and consistency.
Historical performance for our game predictions is tracked and updated regularly for transparency.
Important: Betting should be treated as entertainment and involves risk. Past results are not indicative of future performance. Only wager what you can afford to lose.
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