Free Picks: Colorado Avalanche vs. San Jose Sharks

Colorado is one of the most feared teams in the NHL on defense. Unfortunately for the Avalanche, their offense hasn’t been menacing. Looking to right the offensive ship, Colorado prepares for a potential high-scoring game against San Jose. As for the Sharks, they have been victimized by opposing offenses this season.

Being a top team in the NHL isn’t easy. Being a top team in the league but struggling on offense is even more difficult. Colorado is considered one of the better teams in the NHL and have decent Stanley Cup odds, however, their struggling offense has greatly impacted the Avalanche this season.

Despite being one of the better defensive teams in the NHL, Colorado ranks 20th in total goals for. For a team wanting to make a playoff push, that is concerning.

With that being said, Colorado has a huge opportunity to boost offensive stats as they take on the San Jose Sharks on Monday. The Sharks are one of the worst defensive teams based on goals against, and their 3.72 GAA is the second-worst in the league.

The Sharks and Avalanche have met twice already this season. In those two games, the Avs have averaged 5 goals a game against San Jose. Colorado dropped San Jose 7-3 in their first meeting of the season and then shutout the Sharks 3-0, two days later.

Devan Dubnyk is the projected starting goalie for the Sharks. Dubnyk has 1 win this season and a 3.46 goals-against average. On top of that, the Sharks’ netminder has a .892 SV%.

As a team, San Jose owns the second-worst save percentage in the NHL.

Longshots in NHL Stanley Cup odds, the Sharks don’t even sniff being a favorite in this game. It’s clear that Colorado is the stronger team.

While I think the Avs will beat San Jose straight up, I want to focus on the totals for this free pick and prediction.

Colorado’s offense has struggled, but they aren’t terrible. It wouldn’t surprise me if Colorado’s offense were licking their chops for this contest. An obvious stat padder, I see the Avs breaking out in this contest.

I am going to bet on Colorado’s offense exposing San Jose once again.

• Colorado has scored 11 goals over past three games.
• Colorado scores 3.06 goals per game.
• San Jose allows 3.94 goals against per game.
• The Sharks have allowed 17 goals over past three games.