Nashville Predators vs Colorado Avalanche Picks and Prediction for Friday January 16 2026
Use Code WWWC The NHL schedule rolls into Friday night with a Western Conference showdown as the Nashville Predators travel to Denver to face the Colorado Avalanche. Puck drop is set for 9:00 PM EST at Ball Arena, with coverage available on ESPN+, Altitude Sports, and FanDuel Sports Network South. This matchup pits a Predators team fighting to stay above water on the road against one of the league’s most dominant home teams, as Colorado continues to turn Ball Arena into one of the toughest buildings in hockey. Make sure you are ready for all the NHL action with our free NHL picks.
Odds
- Moneyline: Colorado Avalanche -305, Nashville Predators +245
- Puck Line: Colorado Avalanche -1.5 (-115), Nashville Predators +1.5 (-105)
- Total: Over 6.5 (-110), Under 6.5 (-110)
Nashville Predators Overview
The Nashville Predators enter this matchup with a 22-20-4 record, including a 9-10-2 mark on the road. Offensively, Nashville has struggled to find consistency, averaging 2.74 goals per game, a number that puts additional pressure on their defense and goaltending. Unfortunately for the Predators, they are allowing 3.28 goals per game, which has made it difficult to sustain winning streaks.
Over their last five games, Nashville’s results have been mixed but competitive. They picked up an overtime win against Edmonton, following a home victory over Washington, showing they can grind out close games. However, a shutout loss to Chicago and a lopsided road defeat in Edmonton highlight the volatility of this group.
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Last 5 Games
- 1/13/26 win vs Oilers 4–3 (Overtime)
- 1/11/26 win vs Capitals 3–2
- 1/10/26 loss vs Blackhawks 3–0
- 1/8/26 win vs Islanders 2–1 (Shootout)
- 1/6/26 loss @ Oilers 6–2
From a statistical standpoint, Nashville averages 28 shots per game, but they also allow 28.5 shots against, which often leads to extended defensive-zone time. Special teams have been serviceable but not elite. The Predators have 27 power-play goals on a 19.4% success rate, while their penalty kill sits at 79.7%, having allowed 29 power-play goals. Discipline has been an issue, as evidenced by 407 penalty minutes, and while they have generated 3 short-handed goals, they cannot afford to spend extended time killing penalties against an offense like Colorado’s.
The key concern for Nashville in this matchup is defensive structure. When they keep games tight and limit odd-man rushes, they can stay competitive. When they fall behind early, they often struggle to generate enough offense to catch up.
Colorado Avalanche Overview
The Colorado Avalanche continue to look like a Stanley Cup contender, boasting a 33-4-8 record and a flawless 19-0-3 home record. At Ball Arena, Colorado has been nearly untouchable, combining elite scoring with suffocating defensive play. The Avalanche average a league-best 4.02 goals per game, while allowing just 2.20 goals against, making them one of the most complete teams in the NHL.
Colorado’s last five games show a team that remains dangerous even when results fluctuate. They dropped an overtime game to Toronto and suffered a couple of close road losses, but they also delivered dominant wins at home, including an 8–2 blowout of Ottawa and a 4–0 shutout against Columbus.
Last 5 Games
- 1/12/26 loss vs Maple Leafs 4–3 (Overtime)
- 1/10/26 win vs Blue Jackets 4–0
- 1/8/26 win vs Senators 8–2
- 1/6/26 loss @ Lightning 4–2
- 1/4/26 loss @ Panthers 2–1
Statistically, Colorado overwhelms opponents. They average 34.4 shots per game while allowing just 27 shots against, a massive puck-possession edge. Their discipline has also been strong, with 319 penalty minutes compared to Nashville’s much higher total. While Colorado’s power play efficiency is only 16.9%, their overall five-on-five dominance often makes up for it. Defensively, the Avalanche boast an 85.7% penalty kill, having allowed just 18 power-play goals, which further limits opponents’ scoring chances.
Colorado’s ability to dictate tempo, especially at home, is the defining factor in this matchup. They force teams to defend for long stretches, wear them down physically, and capitalize on mistakes with speed and finishing ability.
Nashville Predators vs Colorado Avalanche Pick and Prediction
This game sets up as a classic mismatch in terms of venue and overall form. Nashville can compete in low-scoring, grind-it-out games, but Colorado rarely allows opponents to control pace at Ball Arena. With the Avalanche undefeated at home in regulation and averaging over four goals per game, the pressure will be on Nashville to play nearly perfect hockey to stay within striking distance.
Nashville Predators vs Colorado Avalanche Puck Line Pick
- Pick: Colorado Avalanche -1.5 (-115)
From my perspective, Colorado’s home dominance is impossible to ignore. Nashville gives up over three goals per game, and against a team that fires more than 34 shots per night, that is a dangerous combination. Colorado’s depth scoring and ability to pull away late make the puck line a strong option, especially if Nashville has to chase the game.
Nashville Predators vs Colorado Avalanche Total Pick
- Pick: Over 6.5 (-110)
I’m also leaning to the over in this matchup. Colorado alone is capable of scoring four or five goals, and Nashville has shown they can contribute enough offense to push the total higher, particularly if the game opens up. With both teams averaging a high volume of shots and Colorado thriving offensively at home, the over presents solid value.
Final Score Prediction: Colorado Avalanche 5, Nashville Predators 2
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