Colorado Avalanche vs New Jersey Devils Picks and Predictions for Tuesday October 20 2026
Colorado isn’t getting much of a break on this trip. The Avalanche have Philadelphia on Monday and New Jersey on Tuesday. That’s two games in two nights, and the Devils are sitting at home waiting for them. But here’s the problem for New Jersey: Colorado has been playing better hockey. Rest helps. It doesn’t automatically make up for the difference in how these clubs have defended.
The Avalanche visit the Prudential Center in Newark on Tuesday, October 20, with puck drop at 7:00 PM ET. One reference board has Colorado at -319, although other markets show a considerably smaller favorite. The total has been listed around 6.5. That’s a big disagreement in the prices, so I’d shop around before betting. Get more predictions with our free NHL picks.
Colorado Has Been The Better Team
Colorado comes into the week at 5-2-1. The Avalanche haven’t been perfect, but they’ve been getting enough offense to cover up the occasional bad stretch. The schedule is the concern Tuesday. They’ll have played Philadelphia the night before, and back-to-back games can take something out of a team, particularly if the first one gets physical or goes beyond regulation.
Colorado has been allowing 2.88 goals per game, with a team save percentage around .889. That’s not spectacular goaltending, but the Avalanche have been doing a better job than New Jersey at keeping games under control. They can also put opponents in trouble quickly when the offense starts moving. The biggest issue is whether Colorado can maintain that pace in the second half of a back-to-back.
Sign Up Get $30 Premium Picks Credit + Exclusive Offers
Subscribe Now
The Avalanche have been getting strong production from their top scoring group, with their leading forward already in double figures in points through eight games. The top goaltending options have both posted goals-against averages below 2.90. That’s enough to give Colorado a chance most nights. The team still needs to confirm its Tuesday starter, though. I wouldn’t bet a big favorite’s price without knowing who’s in the crease.
New Jersey Needs Better Goaltending
The Devils are 4-4-0. That’s about where they’ve played, too. Some nights they look dangerous, and other nights they’re chasing the game after giving up a couple of early goals. They’ve had trouble stringing together complete performances, and Colorado isn’t the kind of opponent that gives you much time to get organized.
New Jersey has allowed 3.38 goals per game, and the team save percentage sits around .865. That’s the number that jumps off the page. You can have all the offensive talent you want, but it’s hard to win consistently when that many shots are getting through. The Devils need cleaner defensive coverage, especially against a Colorado team that can create chances in bunches.
New Jersey has gotten decent early scoring from its top forwards, including a pair of four-goal contributors, but the offense hasn’t solved the problem at the other end. The primary goaltending option has been around an .876 save percentage. That’s a rough start. The Devils have the advantage of being home and getting a more rested lineup, but they’ll need a much better performance in their own zone to make it count.
Colorado Avalanche vs New Jersey Devils Picks and Predictions
Colorado Avalanche Moneyline
I’m taking Colorado, but I want to be clear about the price. I wouldn’t lay -319 on the road in the second half of a back-to-back. That’s asking a lot. At a much shorter number, though, Colorado is the side I want. New Jersey’s .865 team save percentage and 3.38 goals allowed per game are tough to ignore. The Devils can certainly catch a tired Avalanche team. I just don’t trust them to keep Colorado off the scoreboard.
Over 6.5 Goals
I’ll take the over 6.5. New Jersey has been giving up more than three goals a night, and Colorado has enough offense to take advantage. The Avalanche are also on consecutive nights, which can show up in defensive mistakes late. The risk is Colorado deciding to play a slower road game and getting good goaltending. But New Jersey’s defensive numbers make me think both clubs will get chances. A 4-3 game wouldn’t surprise me.
Final Picks: Colorado Avalanche Moneyline (price dependent) and Over 6.5 Goals
This preview was completed October 19, 2026. Odds, injuries, starting goaltenders, and records may change before puck drop.
Never Tried Picks and Parlays? Now Is Your Chance
- Get your first daily picks package for ONLY $1 using coupon code BUCK
- If the pick loses, we credit your account with 3 Flex Picks
- If the pick wins, we still give you 1 Flex Pick on the house
- Win or lose, you walk away ahead. One dollar. No catch.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
New Users – Get $350 in Bonus Bets when you wager $5 for 7 days
New DraftKings Customers: Bet $5, Get $200 + 3 Months of NBA League Pass!
