A high stakes game is set for tonight in Denver as the Pittsburgh Penguins visit the Colorado Avalanche. This game carries major weight for both teams as they move toward the end of the regular season. Fans and bettors are focusing on Ball Arena to see how a shorthanded Pittsburgh group handles the high powered Colorado offense. While the stars usually define these games, the current injury list has changed the outlook for this game significantly. Pittsburgh is trying to hold onto a playoff spot in the Eastern Time zone race while Colorado looks to cement their lead in the West.
Game Snapshot
- Opponents: Pittsburgh Penguins @ Colorado Avalanche
- Date & Time: March 16, 2026, 9:30 PM ET
- Venue: Ball Arena, Denver, Colorado
- Broadcast: ESPN
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh Penguins | +1.5 at -128 | +195 | Over 6.5 at -118 |
| Colorado Avalanche | -1.5 at +104 | -240 | Under 6.5 at -104 |
Key Storylines Pittsburgh vs Colorado
Without their two best players, Pittsburgh have had to rely on depth pieces like Tommy Novak and Bryan Rust to carry the offensive load. They have managed to stay competitive, but facing an elite team in Denver is a different level of difficulty. Their playoff life depends on their ability to find scoring from unlikely sources.
Colorado is also managing some injury issues. Gabriel Landeskog and Artturi Lehkonen are currently out of the lineup. However, the Avalanche have the luxury of having Nathan MacKinnon in top form. MacKinnon has been spectacular this season, racking up 108 points in 63 games. He leads the league in several categories and is a favorite for the Hart Trophy. Alongside him, Cale Makar continues to dominate from the blue line with 79 points. The Avalanche recently added Martin Necas and Nazem Kadri to their forward group, which gives them a dangerous top six even with Landeskog missing. Their ability to move the puck quickly and use the thin air of Denver to their advantage makes them very hard to beat at home.
Goaltending will be another vital factor in this game. Stuart Skinner is expected to start for Pittsburgh. He has a 2.80 goals against average and has been under fire lately due to the lack of defensive support. Colorado will likely go with Scott Wedgewood, who has been strong with a 2.16 goals against average and a 91.8% save percentage. If Pittsburgh cannot get pucks past Wedgewood early, this game could get out of hand quickly. The Penguins need to keep the pace slow and avoid a track game against the fast Colorado skaters.
On Monday night, there are five games in total, with this being the late one. In the early window, you have Calgary vs Detroit, Boston vs New Jersey, Los Angeles Kings vs New York Rangers and Utah Mammoth vs Dallas Stars.
Head-to-Head & Betting Trends
- Colorado has won four of the last five meetings between these two teams.
- The Over has hit in seven of the last 10 games for the Avalanche.
- Pittsburgh is 15-20 against the spread on the road this season.
- Colorado is 25-10 at home this year, making them one of the best home teams in the league.
- The Penguins have covered the spread in three of their last four games despite their stars being out.
Best Player Props to Watch
| Player | Prop |
|---|---|
| Nathan MacKinnon | Over 1.5 Points at -130 |
| Bryan Rust | Over 2.5 Shots on Goal at -115 |
| Cale Makar | Over 0.5 Assists at -140 |
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Colorado Avalanche Pick & Model Projection
- Score Projection: Pittsburgh Penguins 2 – Colorado Avalanche 5
- Pick: Colorado Avalanche -1.5 at +104
- Confidence: 4 out of 5
- Win Probability: Pittsburgh Penguins 35%, Colorado Avalanche 65%
So far, Pittsburgh have so far done well despite their injuries and have shown a lot of heart lately, but the speed of Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar will likely be too much to handle over 60 minutes. Expect Colorado to use their power play to create distance. Pittsburgh will try to stay close, but the lack of elite talent at the center position will make it hard for them to maintain pressure in the offensive zone.
From a betting perspective, the Avalanche on the puck line offers great value at +104. They have a history of winning big at home, and the Penguins are tired at the end of a long road trip. The total of 6.5 is high, and with Pittsburgh struggling to score without their top stars, the Under might be a smart play as well. However, the safest bet is on Colorado to cover the 1.5 goal spread. They have the depth and the star power to take advantage of a weakened Pittsburgh roster. Look for MacKinnon to have a multi point night and for the Avalanche to secure a comfortable win in front of their home fans.
