Adam Williams presents his prediction for the NHL match.
Both the Colorado Avalanche and Nashville Predators have struggled at the start of the season. Few could have predicted that by early November, both teams would be outside the playoff spots. The Avalanche sit fifth in the Central Division, while the Predators are at the very bottom.
Colorado Avalanche
For the Avalanche, the reasons for their crisis are somewhat clear: a breakdown in their goaltending department and a slew of injuries. Alexandar Georgiev was given some time to reflect on his performance from the bench. After that, he appeared solid against the Winnipeg Jets (0:1), but in the following game against the Carolina Hurricanes(6:4), he allowed 4 goals on 31 shots. Overall, the home ice goaltenders have stopped 82.5% of shots throughout the season. By NHL standards today, that's laughable.
As for their squad depth, it is practically nonexistent. The Avalanche's bottom six boasts Nikolai Kovalenko, Parker Kelly, Chris Wagner, T.J. Tynan, Nikita Prishepov and Ivan Ivan. If you're familiar with even half of these names, don't waste any time and confidently head to a hockey quiz.
Nashville Predators
Comments by General Manager Barry Trotz about a rebuild in the Nashville Predators were misinterpreted. Last summer, he clearly indicated that the Predators were going all-in, with no talk of dismantling the team. Furthermore, reasons for optimism have been increasing. Juuse Saros finally looks like his old self, stopping 91.7% of shots or more in four consecutive starts, and he shut out the daring Utah Hockey Club in the last match (4:0).
In addition, the coaching staff is actively shuffling the lineup and giving more playing time to Tommy Novak, Juuso Parssinen, and Philip Tomasino, who all shone last season. Each of them has notched double digits in points, with one nearly reaching 40.
Colorado Avalanche vs Nashville Predators Prediction
The Colorado Avalanche are forced to drive their stars as if the playoffs are already here. Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen, and Cale Makar are grinding nearly 30 minutes each game. Stability in results is simply not attainable under these conditions. Moreover, taking an Avalanche win with (-7) on goal differential at home games isn't a good idea. We're going in the opposite direction and backing the visitors.
