Colorado Avalanche vs. New York Rangers Prediction, Odds and Tips

The new-look Colorado Avalanche made the first stop on a three-game road trip to the Eastern Conference on Saturday afternoon, falling 3-1 in Boston. The Avalanche led 1-0 through two periods, but fell short in the third period with three goals allowed. Jack Drury and Martin Necas, acquired from the Carolina Hurricanes for Mikko Rantanen on Friday evening, each went scoreless in their team debuts. In fact, Necas posted a minus-3 with two shots on goal, two blocked shots and a goal in 25:08 of ice time. The Avalanche were very physical, but lacked much offense. The Avs are 0-2-1 in their last three games and have scored a total of four goals.

The Rangers lost 3-2 in overtime in their first meeting at Ball Arena on Jan. 14, when Mackenzie Blackwood and the Avs did just enough to prevail against Igor Shesterkin and the Blueshirts. Devon Toews scored the winning goal in overtime. Rantanen had an assist in regulation, but it’s obviously gone now. The last time the Avs played continuously was on Jan. 9, when they won 6-1 at Minnesota after a loss in Chicago. They are 3-2-0 in five straight games this season, but they have won their last three attempts. Colorado faces a Rangers team that is finally awakening from its slumber. New York has a record of 7-0-3 in their last 10 games and has outscored Philadelphia and Ottawa 11-1 in their last two games. Despite the Avs’ recent success playing nonstop, Shesty and the Rangers support Sunday.

Rangers ML (-110) at time of publication. Playable to -120.