Avalanche vs. Jets Odds, Game 2 Preview
| Avalanche Odds | -110 |
| Jets Odds | -110 |
| Over / Under | 6 -120o / +100u |
Here's everything you need to know about the Avalanche vs. Jets Game 2 on Tuesday, April 23 – our expert NHL prediction and pick.
After sweeping the regular-season series, the higher-seeded Jets skated away with a Game 1 win Sunday. But it wasn't your typical playoff affair — a 7-6 outburst that saw some early lead changes and big questions surrounding the performance of Colorado goaltender Alexandar Georgiev, who managed just 16 saves.
With current backup Justus Annunen sidelined because of illness, Georgiev is expected to get a chance to redeem himself on Tuesday. Now that the Game 1 jitters are out of the way, both sides should be a lot more settled and disciplined.
That opens the door for the Avalanche to build off their sparkling underlying numbers from Game 1 and steal home-ice advantage before heading back to Denver.
Let's take a closer look in our Avalanche vs. Jets preview and pick.
Colorado Avalanche
Let's start with the big story in net. Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said Monday that Annunen is still sick, so Georgiev is expected to start once again. The change, though, is that Game 1 backup Arvid Holm has been re-assigned to the AHL's Colorado Eagles, while Ivan Prosvetov has been called up.
Prosvetov started the year as Georgiev's backup. But after posting a 4-3-1 record with an .895 save percentage and 0.9 goals saved above expected, he was placed on waivers and re-assigned to the AHL in late January. With the Eagles, he has logged a .921 save percentage over 21 games, so he could be a relief option Tuesday if Georgiev falters again.
Beyond their goaltending, the Avs arguably deserved a better fate Sunday. They doubled up the Jets in shots, 46-23, controlled a whopping 68.98% of expected goals at 5-on-5 and went a perfect 2-for-2 on the power play in a game that saw just three minors assessed to each team. Cale Makar worked his usual magic, with three points and 12 shot attempts in a team-leading 25:30 of ice time.
By his lofty standards, Nathan MacKinnon's game was just OK. He finished with two points, 11 shot attempts and was 10-for-18 in the faceoff circle, but came out as a minus-one.
The Avs also led the hit parade in a very physical contest, logging 55 hits compared to 46 for the Jets.
Other than the situation with the goalies, everything appears to be status quo with the team's health. Forward Jonathan Drouin has been ruled out for the series with a lower-body issue.
Winnipeg Jets
At the other end of the ice, the Jets were outplayed by many metrics Sunday. But the final outcome ultimately blurs the true advantage they had in the game. Timing was everything, and each time Colorado took the lead or scored an important goal, Winnipeg quickly answered back and reclaim the momentum.
Captain Adam Lowry was a beast. He scored twice, threw six hits and went 9-for-19 on draws, largely matched up against MacKinnon. Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor also delivered top-line offense, to the tune of three points each. But even on a seven-goal night, trade-deadline acquisitions Sean Monahan and Tyler Toffoli were both held off the scoresheet.
Though Connor Hellebuyck talked about feeling dehydrated after his busy night in Game 1, expect the Vezina Trophy favorite to be back between the pipes on Tuesday.
Avalanche vs. Jets
Betting Pick & Prediction
Last year, the Avalanche lost the first game of their series against Seattle 3-1, then rallied to win Games 2 and 3 before ultimately being eliminated in seven games. Meanwhile, the Jets kicked off their series with an impressive 5-1 road win in Vegas, then dropped the next four.
The point: Game 1 results often don't carry over to Game 2. And Colorado's underlying numbers Sunday were strong.
The Avalanche have the pedigree to turn the page successfully, and they don't underestimate the importance of having Prosvetov on the bench. He can step in if needed after Georgiev had no choice but to fend for himself in Game 1.
It's a little surprising the oddsmakers have started off with Game 2 as basically a pick 'em. But the Avs are well-positioned to overcome their goaltending demons and head back to Denver with the series knotted up.
Pick: Avalanche Moneyline (-108 at BetRivers | Play down to -120)
