Avalanche vs Blackhawks Picks and Prediction – 1/9/2025

The Colorado Avalanche (25-15-1) face the Chicago Blackhawks (13-25-2) at the United Center. The Avalanche dropped a shootout to Montreal but had won four straight prior. Meanwhile, the Blackhawks are reeling after a 6-2 loss to the Rangers, having won just once in the last five. Hit the ice running with our NHL picks.

Colorado’s offense, led by Nathan MacKinnon with 66 points (14 goals, 52 assists), is among the league’s best, averaging 3.39 goals per game. Mikko Rantanen continues to lead with 24 goals and 58 points, including 8 power-play goals. The Avalanche’s power play clicks at 23.6%, providing a significant edge. Despite injuries to Valeri Nichushkin and Gabriel Landeskog, Colorado maintains strong offensive depth. Goalie Mackenzie Blackwood has posted a 2.58 GAA and a .918 save percentage, solidifying the crease.

Defensively, the Avalanche allow 3.17 goals per game, showing occasional lapses. The penalty kill, at 76.9%, could improve, but solid goaltending helps mask weaknesses. Blackwood's consistency in net provides stability, and the defense looks to tighten against a Blackhawks team that struggles offensively.

Chicago has leaned on Connor Bedard, who has 35 points (10 goals, 25 assists), and Tyler Bertuzzi, who leads with 14 goals. Offensively, they average just 2.53 goals per game, ranking near the bottom of the league. The Blackhawks’ power play is slightly above average at 23.3%, but offensive depth remains a concern. Injuries, including Petr Mrazek and Alec Martinez, further limit lineup options.

Defensively, the Blackhawks struggle, surrendering 3.43 goals per game. Goaltending has been inconsistent, with Petr Mrazek posting a 3.23 GAA and .893 save percentage before landing on IR. Backup Arvid Soderblom has been better with a 2.92 GAA and .905 save percentage, but the defense faces heavy pressure against Colorado’s high-scoring attack.

The Avalanche’s superior offense, led by Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen, poses too many problems for Chicago’s porous defense. With Colorado winning four of the last five and the Blackhawks struggling to string together wins, expect the Avalanche to control the pace. Look for Colorado’s power play to take advantage of Chicago’s penalty kill. Final Score Prediction: Colorado Avalanche win and covers the puck line 5-2.