Best Bet: Avalanche -1.5 (+120)
​
Nathan MacKinnon and the Avalanche's top-ranked power play feasted on Arizona's league-worst penalty kill, scoring twice with the man advantage in a dominant first period that set the tone for this rout. Colorado's speed through the neutral zone overwhelmed the Coyotes' defensive structure, with MacKinnon (3 points) and Mikko Rantanen (2 goals) exploiting Arizona's inability to handle elite transition teams. The Avalanche had won 12 of their last 15 against the Coyotes for good reason - their 3.8 goals per game average against Arizona's 29th-ranked defense made this a perfect spot to back the puck line. Darcy Kuemper's 32 saves against his former team snuffed out any hope of a backdoor cover, and Colorado's relentless forecheck generated 18 high-danger chances. While some might have been scared off by the +120 price, the Avalanche's 21-9 record as home favorites and Arizona's 4-16 mark as road underdogs made this one of Saturday's most analytically sound plays. Av's are 14-3 as -1.5 favorites vs. Pacific Division

