Ottawa Senators vs Colorado Avalanche Pick and Prediction for Thursday January 8 2026
The Ottawa Senators head to Ball Arena to challenge the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, January 8, 2026. This 9:00 PM EST clash features a dominant Avalanche team that has been nearly unbeatable on home ice this season (17-0-2) against a Senators squad looking to find consistency on their Western road swing. For expert analysis and daily wagering insights on the full slate of NHL action, be sure to check out the latest free NHL picks over at Winners and Whiners.
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Ottawa Senators Facing Road Hurdles
The Senators arrive in Denver with a 20-16-5 record and a respectable 10-8-2 mark away from home. Ottawa has leaned on a productive offense that averages 3.24 goals per game, supported by a top-tier power play clicking at 24.6%. However, their primary struggle remains the defensive end and the penalty kill, which sits near the bottom of the league at 72.9%.
Injuries have significantly impacted Ottawa's goaltending and veteran depth. Linus Ullmark is OUT until at least January 18 due to personal reasons, leaving the net to a tandem that has struggled to maintain a sub-3.00 GAA. The Senators are also without veteran center Lars Eller, who is on Injured Reserve with a foot injury and is not expected to return until late this week. Additionally, Shane Pinto is currently OUT due to an undisclosed injury, further thinning the center depth.
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| 5 |  Jackie Mack | +1,451.00 |
Colorado Avalanche Dominating at Ball Arena
The Colorado Avalanche continue to set the pace in the Central Division with a 31-4-7 record. They have been an offensive juggernaut, leading the NHL with 3.95 goals per game and a staggering 34.5 shots per game. Their defense has been equally elite, surrendering a league-low 2.21 goals per game and killing off 85.0% of their penalties.
The Avalanche are managing several key injuries as they look to maintain their home winning streak. Captain Gabriel Landeskog is OUT for several weeks with an upper-body injury sustained earlier this month. The blue line is also missing Devon Toews, who is sidelined with an upper-body injury and is not expected back until late January. In net, Mackenzie Blackwood is currently on Injured Reserve with a lower-body injury, while Scott Wedgewood (18-3-4, 2.20 GAA) has shouldered the majority of the starts in his absence. Joel Kiviranta is also listed as day-to-day.
Colorado Avalanche vs. Ottawa Senators Prediction
The Avalanche at home have been an immovable object this season. While Ottawa has the offensive firepower to keep things interesting, their defensive lapses and struggling penalty kill are a poor match for a Colorado team that leads the league in scoring and shots on goal. Without their primary goaltender, the Senators will likely find it difficult to contain Colorado's relentless pressure.
Colorado Avalanche vs. Ottawa Senators ATS Pick
- Pick: Colorado Avalanche -1.5 (EVEN)
Colorado’s dominance at Ball Arena is the story of this matchup. They are 17-0-2 at home and have routinely covered the puck line against middle-of-the-pack teams. Even without Devon Toews and Gabriel Landeskog, the Avalanche's depth and league-best defense (2.21 GA/G) should be enough to secure a victory by at least two goals against an Ottawa team missing its starting goaltender and key defensive pieces.
Colorado Avalanche vs. Ottawa Senators Total Pick
- Pick: Over 6.5 (+105)
When these two teams meet, goals are usually expected. Colorado averages nearly four goals a game, and Ottawa’s defense has surrendered an average of 4.2 goals over their last five contests. With both teams missing defensive anchors and Ottawa’s power play being a legitimate threat, this game has all the makings of a high-scoring affair that comfortably pushes past the 6.5 total.
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