Thursday, April 3, 9:00 PM on MSG, Alti

Pepsi Center, Denver, Colorado

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

The Rangers and Avalanche are inching towards home ice in the first round as they meet up Thursday in Colorado. New York has just 5 games remaining and a 3 point lead over the Flyers while Colorado tries to stave off the banged-up Blackhawks by 3 points themselves with 7 games on the docket. The two teams are hot down the stretch and both need this game, which could lead to an exciting night of hockey.

The Rangers have won 7 of their last 8 with the only loss being a slip-up in Calgary on March 28th as -152 favorites. Adding to that impressive run is that 5 of the victories have been on the road and they look to continue that streak wrapping up a 4-game away stretch in Colorado on Thursday. The Rangers defense and goaltending have allowed a goal or less in 3 of the last 4 games and they'll need to continue that against Colorado, who ranks 5th in the NHL in goals per game.

The Avalanche have rebounded from a 3-game losing streak to win 4 games in a row. They could be a tired bunch though as 3 of those 4 games have gone to an extra period. Colorado has played three straight 3-2 games which all paid out the under for total bets. The Avalanche are just 6-4 in their last 10 but are surging at the right time with Thursday marking their 2nd to last home game of the regular season.

The Rangers and Avalanche have met up just one other time this season with New York getting a 5-1 victory at Madison Square Garden. Oddsmakers had the Rangers as big -163 favorites as Colorado was playing on consecutive nights after an overtime loss to the Islanders on the previous day. Ryan Callahan scored two goals for the Rangers in the first which powered the offensive outpouring.

ATS Trends

New York is 25-14 straight up on the road this season

New York is 15-18-6 against the over/under on the road this season

Colorado is 25-14 straight up at home this season

Colorado is 18-19-1 against the over/under at home this season

Injuries to Watch

New York 

04/01/14 D Ryan McDonagh Shoulder injured last game, questionable Thursday vs Colorado
03/29/14 D John Moore Concussion out indefinitely
03/25/14 LW Chris Kreider Hand expected to miss 3-4 weeks

Colorado 

03/31/14 C Matt Duchene Knee expected to miss 3-4 weeks
03/11/14 RW PA Parenteau Knee expected to miss 4-6 weeks
02/25/14 RW Milan Hejduk Personal has retired
02/20/14 LW Alex Tanguay Hip out for season

Tony's Pick: Take Colorado

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