The Colorado Avalanche (23-15, riding a five-game winning streak) host the Buffalo Sabres (14-20-4) at Ball Arena. The game on Thursday, January 2 begins at 9:00 PM ET on ESPN+.

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Get ready for this matchup by checking out our prediction for who will emerge with the victory in Thursday's hockey action.

Over the past 10 games, the Sabres have recorded a 3-7-0 record after putting up 31 total goals (five power-play goals on 23 power-play opportunities during that time, for a success rate of 21.7%). Their opponents have scored a combined 30 goals in those games.

Avalanche vs. Sabres Predictions for Thursday

Our computer projections model for this game predicts a final tally of Avalanche 4, Sabres 2.

Moneyline Pick: Avalanche (-230)
Total Pick: No Pick - Predicted Margin Negligible
Spread Pick: Avalanche (-1.5)

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Avalanche Splits and Trends

The Avalanche (23-15 overall) have a 3-0-3 record in matchups that have needed overtime.
Colorado is 8-1-0 (16 points) in its nine games decided by one goal.
In the four games this season the Avalanche recorded just one goal, they've finished 1-3-0 (two points).
Colorado has scored two goals in eight games this season (2-6-0 record, four points).
The Avalanche are 20-5-0 in the 25 games when they have scored three or more goals (to record 40 points).
In the 15 games when Colorado has scored a lone power-play goal, it has a 9-6-0 record (18 points).
In the 20 games when it outshot its opponent, Colorado is 12-8-0 (24 points).
The Avalanche's opponents have had more shots in 14 games. The Avalanche went 9-5-0 in those matchups (18 points).

Sabres Splits and Trends

The Sabres have a record of 14-20-4 this season and are 3-4-7 in overtime matchups.
Buffalo has earned nine points (3-5-3) in its 11 games that finished with a one-goal margin.
This season the Sabres scored just one goal in seven games and they've earned two points (1-6-0) in those contests.
When Buffalo has scored a pair of goals this season, they've earned three points (1-6-1 record).
The Sabres have scored more than two goals 21 times, earning 27 points from those matchups (12-6-3).
This season, Buffalo has recorded a single power-play goal in 13 games and registered 13 points with a record of 6-6-1.
When outshooting its opponent this season, Buffalo is 5-7-1 (11 points).
The Sabres have been outshot by opponents 25 times this season, and earned 21 points in those games.

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Team Stats Comparison

2 Pros and a Cup of Joe