Avalanche vs Penguins Prediction & Odds - 3/4/2025

The Colorado Avalanche (35-24-2) look to extend their winning streak to three games as they welcome the Pittsburgh Penguins (24-29-10) to Ball Arena on Tuesday night in a compelling cross-conference matchup.

The Avalanche enter the contest with considerable momentum, having won six of their last nine games while showcasing their offensive prowess with back-to-back five-goal performances against the Wild and Devils.

Pittsburgh arrives in Denver facing significant challenges, having dropped six of their last seven games and struggling defensively with 32 goals allowed in their previous six outings.

The matchup features a stark contrast in goaltending situations, with Colorado's Mackenzie Blackwood emerging as one of the league's top performers, posting an impressive 2.12 GAA and .921 save percentage this season.

These teams last met in December, when the Avalanche dominated in a 6-2 victory, setting the stage for what could be another high-scoring affair.

With Colorado fighting for playoff positioning in the Western Conference and Pittsburgh desperate to keep their postseason hopes alive, this cross-conference battle promises to deliver intense hockey action at Ball Arena.

Colorado Avalanche vs. Pittsburgh Penguins preview

The Colorado Avalanche will host the struggling Pittsburgh Penguins at Ball Arena in Denver on Tuesday night, as both teams continue their push through the final stretch of the 2024-25 NHL season.

The Avalanche enter the contest with considerable momentum, having won their last two games and posting an impressive 6-3-0 record in their previous nine outings, while maintaining their position as the top wild card team in the Western Conference.

Pittsburgh, on the other hand, finds themselves in a challenging position, having dropped six of their last seven games and currently sitting at the bottom of the Metropolitan Division, eight points outside the Eastern Conference wild card spot.

Colorado's netminder Mackenzie Blackwood has been a revelation since joining the team in December, posting a stellar 16-7-2 record with a 2.12 GAA and .921 save percentage this season, including an outstanding February performance where he went 5-2-0.

The Penguins' goaltending woes continue to plague them, with Alex Nedeljkovic (12-12-5) and Joel Blomqvist (4-9-1) both struggling to find consistency, contributing to the team's league-worst 31st ranking in goals against (3.62).

These teams' previous meeting this season saw the Avalanche dominate with a 6-2 victory, and Colorado's offense, averaging 3.23 goals per game, looks poised to capitalize against Pittsburgh's vulnerable defense.

The Penguins will be without winger Michael Bunting (14 goals, 15 assists) due to an abdominal injury, while the Avalanche may be missing defenseman Josh Manson, who remains questionable after sitting out their last game against Minnesota.

With the Avalanche's high-powered offense clicking recently, scoring five goals in each of their last two games, and the Penguins' defensive struggles showing no signs of improvement, this cross-conference matchup appears to heavily favor the home team.

Hockey fans should keep an eye on the special teams battle, as Pittsburgh's power play remains a bright spot, converting at 24.2% (eighth in the NHL), which could provide them with opportunities to keep pace with Colorado's potent attack.