Colorado at Nashville

This isn't the huge mismatch it was when Colorado hosted Nashville in their first meeting. The Avalanche blanked the Predators, 3-0, as a minus $2.09 home favorite on Nov. 22. The Predators are playing much better since then, and they draw the Avalanche playing in their fourth road game in six days and third in four days. The Avalanche return home after this game, so their full focus may not be at 100%, making a letdown a distinct possibility. The Avalanche have won their last two games, beating the Flyers and Rangers each by a 3-2 score. Nashville has the fewest points in the NHL. However, the Predators have won four of their last six games. They are averaging 3.7 goals per game during these past six games. Their No. 1 line of Steven Stamkos, Ryan O'Reilly, and Luke Evangelista has combined for seven 5-on-5 goals over the last six games. The recent addition of the veteran Stamkos to the top line has made a difference. Typically reliable goalie Juuse Saros is likely to start for Nashville. The prideful Saros should be highly motivated after he was pulled in the Predators' last game, a 6-3 loss to the Hurricanes, three days ago. Take the Predators.