NHL: Penguins vs. Avalanche Picks and Odds | March 16, 2026
Written by: Nick Zanghi
Last Update: Tue Mar 24, 2026, 6:03 pm ET
Read Time: 5 minutes
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We have a fire matchup on our hands tonight. The Pittsburgh Penguins head to west to take on the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena. This is the first of two meetings between the two this year.
Colorado is 44-12-9 this season and are the best team in the league, as well as the Central Division. They come into this game off a loss to the Jets on Saturday. The Avs are 7-3-0 in their last ten games and 23-5-4 at home this year.
It's been a heck of a season for Colorado so far. Their offense has been firing on all cylinders, leading the league in goals scored and shots on goal per game. The Avalanche are surprisingly not good on the power play, being fourth worst in the league.
Their defense has been top notch as well. They rank in the top ten in the league for goals allowed and shots on goal allowed per game as well as penalty kill percentage. Colorado plays smart hockey and commits the third least penalties per game.
Goalie Mackenzie Blackwood is expected to get the start. He is 18-8-1 this season with a 2.21 GAA and a .908 save percentage. Blackwood has been outstanding for the Avalanche this season and has been a fantastic back up to Scott Wedgewood.
Check out the odds for this matchup and other NHL games at the best online sportsbooks.
Pittsburgh in their race of their life in packed Eastern Conference
Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon tries to gain control of the puck Penguins defenseman Kris Letang behind him.
The Penguins are 33-18-5 this year and tied for second in the Metro Division. They come into this game off a win over the Mammoth on Saturday. Pittsburgh is 4-3-3 in their last ten games and 17-9-7 on the road.
It's an extremely tight race for the Penguins to the playoffs unlike the Avalanche. They're currently tied for second in their division, but with one loss, could slip right out of the playoffs. Both wild card seeds are only one point behind the Pens if they were to fall to wild card contention.
As we know, the team unfortunately lost the legend Sidney Crosby to a lower body injury during the Olympics. It is definitely a blow to this line up and leadership, but you know he's still in that locker room with the boys. That aside, this is going to be a tough game.
Pittsburgh ranks in the top ten in four major offensive categories – goals scored and shots on goal per game, power play conversion and shooting percentage. They are very well rounded on this team, which makes them dangerous.
Their defense is right up there too. The Pens rank in the top ten of the league as well in goals allowed and shots on goal allowed per game. They have the second-best penalty kill in the league while committing four penalties per game.
In net, we're expected to see Arturs Silovs. He is 14-9-8 this season with a 2.84 GAA and a .894 save percentage. Let's check out the odds and get into the Penguins vs. Avalanche picks.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Colorado Avalanche Betting Odds and Game Information
Penguins vs. Avalanche Betting Odds – March 16
| Team | Puck Line | Moneyline | Over/Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh Penguins | +1.5 (-120) | +195 | Over 6.5 (-120) |
| Colorado Avalanche | -1.5 (+100) | -230 | Under 6.5 (+100) |
Odds courtesy of Lucky Rebel – Get a $1,250 deposit bonus & 50 Slot Spins when you sign up
Penguins vs. Avalanche Game Information
- Venue: Ball Arena, Denver, CO
- Date: Monday March 16, 2026
- Puck Drop: 9:30 p.m. EST
- TV: ESPN
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Colorado Avalanche Picks and Prediction
Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon takes the puck around the Penguins defender to the net.
Penguins vs. Avalanche Picks and Predictions: Game Total over 6.5 Goals (-120) Get a $1,250 deposit bonus & 50 Slot Spins when you sign up with Lucky Rebel
I like goals on this one. Both teams play well on both sides of the puck, but I think the Avs will get to Silovs a lot. They should put up at least four goals in this game. The Pens don't go away easy and will get at least two themselves.
With that being said, I think the Avs win this game and cover a big part of this over. They have all the tools to do so and playing a backup goalie. Not to mention that they are playing it their favorite place in the league…home.
I like Nathan MacKinnon a lot in this game. I think he gets his four or more shots on goal and I'll also be taking him to five. He should also net one, so sprinkle the anytime goal. He's hit the shots line in two of his last four, coming off a miss.
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Nick Zanghi
Nick Zanghi is an avid hockey fan who loves to bet on the NHL Props. He has also found a liking for the WNBA. Born and raised on LI, NZ is a lifelong Islanders #isles fan and a new NY Liberty fan #LIGHTITUPNYL. When not watching or attending sporting events, he enjoys grilling and time with his wife and kids.
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