Avalanche Favored to Extend Win Streak Against Capitals in Friday’s NHL Matchup

The Colorado Avalanche are set to host the Washington Capitals at Ball Arena on Friday, November 15, 2024, in an NHL matchup that promises intense competition. The Avalanche, riding a three-game win streak and a four-game home win streak, are favored to win against the Capitals[2][5].

The Avalanche have been bolstered by the return of key players, including Artturi Lehkonen and Jonathan Drouin, which has significantly improved their performance. Lehkonen has made a notable impact since his return, scoring three goals and six points in his last five games. Nathan MacKinnon continues to lead the NHL in points and assists, while Mikko Rantanen is tied for second in the NHL in goals and third in points[2][5].

The Washington Capitals, despite their strong start to the season with a 10-4-1 record, have struggled on the road, particularly against Central Division opponents. They have lost each of their last nine games as road underdogs against Central Division teams. The Capitals are coming off a 4-3 overtime loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs and will look to rebound from this setback[4].

Betting odds reflect the Avalanche’s home-ice advantage, with Colorado listed as -170 favorites on the moneyline and the Capitals at +145. The Avalanche have a significant edge at home, with a 37-15 record since the 2023 season, while the Capitals have a 21-25 record away from home during the same period[2][3].

Player prop bets highlight the potential for high-scoring performances from Avalanche players, with Nathan MacKinnon projected to score at least 1.5 points and Artturi Lehkonen expected to continue his strong form. For the Capitals, Connor McMichael‘s four-game point streak is a positive note, but the team’s overall road performance remains a concern[2][3].

The game is scheduled to start at 9:00 PM ET and can be watched on ESPN+, Altitude2, and My20, among other channels. The Avalanche are predicted to win by various models, including Dimers‘ NHL model, which gives the Avalanche a 61% chance of victory[3][5][6]).