Colorado Avalanche vs Chicago Blackhawks Prediction, 3/20/2026 NHL Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Colorado Avalanche vs Chicago Blackhawks

Date: Friday, March 20, 2026

Location: United Center in Chicago, IL

TV: Chicago Sports Network

United Center is where the Chicago Blackhawks (25-30-12) will go up against the Colorado Avalanche (44-13-10) on Friday.

The Colorado Avalanche had a decent effort after finishing in a 1-1 tie against the Stars their last time on the ice. Colorado amassed 6 penalty minutes in this contest. Moreover, they had 2 chances with the advantage and scored 1 goal. The Avalanche didn't have their best offensive outing in this game. In the game, they scored on 1 out of the 34 shots they looked to score on.

When playing at even strength, the Avalanche have allowed the opponent to score 133 goals while notching 212 on offense. Colorado Avalanche opponents have tallied 190 power play tries (20th in the NHL) and have scored 33 goals in those chances. In reference to their scoring capabilities, the Colorado Avalanche have accumulated 247 goals (1st in pro hockey) on the campaign and have surrendered 166. Colorado has attempted 2,261 shots and has a shot percentage of 10.9%. For the current campaign, they have racked up 98 points and their points % is .731. The Avalanche so far have had 1,762 shots taken against them and have a save percentage of .906. Colorado steps onto the ice with 217 power play opportunities and they have notched 35 goals during those chances, garnering them a percentage of 16.13%.

The player protecting the goal in this game is Mackenzie Blackwood. Opponents have been able to score 769 goals versus Blackwood in his pro hockey career and his goals against average per game is 2.91. Blackwood has been involved in 282 games over the course of his NHL career. He has a save percentage of .905 during his 13,424 minutes in the crease. He has a record of 121-111-29 and he was named the starter in 264 games. Throughout his time in hockey, Blackwood has recorded 149 quality starts and his rate for quality starts is .564. Blackwood has seen 8,137 shot attempts against him and has garnered 7,368 saves.

In their last contest, Chicago went up against the Wild in an outing where the Blackhawks ended up taking the loss by a tally of 4-3. They had 2 power play attempts in this outing but weren't able to finish one of them with a goal. The Blackhawks recorded 3 goals of the 26 shots on goal they took.

Chicago has taken 1,633 shots (32nd in pro hockey) and has a shooting percentage of 10.72%, while allowing the opposition 1,973 shots. They have a penalty kill rate of 84.50% on the other teams 200 power play tries, and their save percentage is currently 89.3%. They have recorded 193 opportunities on the power play and they have a power play percentage of 19.17%. The Blackhawks have racked up 138 goals at even strength and 37 goals (19th in hockey) while having a power play advantage. They have allowed 212 goals to be scored by way of 181 goals at even strength and 31 goals while they were shorthanded. On the campaign, the Chicago Blackhawks have a total of 175 goals, 62 points, in addition to a points percentage of .463.

Across the ice you are likely to see Arvid Soderblom in net. Opponents are averaging 3.73 goals per game and he has yielded 358 goals overall. Soderblom's quality start rate sits at 39.6% and he has 38 quality starting assignments in his pro career. He has started in 96 contests and has accumulated 4,607 mins. Soderblom has compiled a career record of 23-62-14 and has participated in 106 games. He is sitting with 2,799 stops out of 3,157 shots attempted, which gives him a save % of .887.

Who will win tonight's NHL game against the spread or moneyline?

Josh's Pick: Take Colorado

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