Avalanche vs Blue Jackets Picks and Prediction – 4/3/2025

The Colorado Avalanche head into Columbus looking to bounce back after two straight losses, most recently a 3-2 shootout loss to Calgary. Colorado sits at 45-26-4 overall and 20-15-1 on the road. The Blue Jackets just lit up Nashville for eight goals in an 8-4 win and improved to 34-30-9 with a strong 22-9-5 home record at Nationwide Arena. Hit the ice running with our NHL picks.

Colorado had a solid three-game win streak snapped and needs to tighten up. Nathan MacKinnon continues to carry the load with 110 points, 30 goals, and 80 assists. In net, MacKenzie Blackwood holds a 2.45 goals against average and .916 save percentage, while Scott Wedgewood is close behind at 2.38 and .908. The Avalanche power play sits at a dangerous 25.4% with a solid 79.1% penalty kill. Defensive injuries to Josh Manson, Sean Behrens, and Tucker Poolman may hurt depth.

Defensively, Colorado gives up just 2.77 goals per game and limits opponents to under 26 shots. The goaltending tandem has been consistent and benefits from strong structure in front. Discipline remains key—508 penalty minutes aren’t ideal, but the special teams have held up. Even short-handed, this is a well-organized defensive group that doesn’t give up many clean looks.

Columbus is coming off a big win, piling on eight goals against Nashville. The Blue Jackets have won three of the last five and are playing with confidence. Kirill Marchenko leads with 31 goals, while defenseman Zach Werenski’s 74 points and 54 assists make him the engine on both ends. A 22-9-5 home record shows how tough this group can be when they get rolling early.

The Blue Jackets still have serious issues on defense. They allow 3.35 goals per game and nearly 30 shots, with a poor 75.3% penalty kill. Goaltending has been rough—Elvis Merzlikins owns a 3.09 GAA and .894 save percentage, while Daniil Tarasov’s numbers are worse. Columbus also leads in penalty minutes with 578, a problem against an elite power play like Colorado’s.

This sets up well for Colorado. The Avalanche are stronger in net, more disciplined, and far better on special teams. Columbus gives up too many chances and lacks steady goaltending. Colorado’s 25.4% power play should take advantage of a leaky penalty kill. Final Score Prediction: Colorado Avalanche wins 4-2.