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Colorado Avalanche vs New York Rangers Prediction and Picks - December 6, 2025

By: Dean Whitaker Published 12/06/2025, 02:58 AM ET
Artemi Panarin looks to lead the Rangers over the Avs

National League Hockey action on Saturday afternoon, and we have a Colorado Avalanche vs New York Rangers Prediction ready to roll for you. The Avs are off a 6-3 loss to the Islanders on the road, and they are now at 19-8 on the year. It was just their 2nd loss in regulation this year. The Rangers enter this contest off a 4-2 road win over the Senators, and they are now 15-14 on the year.  Read on to see our Avalanche vs Rangers prediction.

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Avs Take A Rare Regulation Loss

Colorado’s most recent game was a 6–3 loss to the New York Islanders on December 4, snapping their 17‑game point streak. Valeri Nichushkin, Martin Necas, and Artturi Lehkonen scored for the Avalanche, while Mackenzie Blackwood made 36 saves in net. Despite a strong push in the second period, Colorado couldn’t recover from an early deficit, marking just their second regulation loss of the season.

Even with that stumble, the Avalanche remain the NHL’s most dominant offensive team, averaging 4.0 goals per game and firing 33.9 shots per game, both ranked first in the league. Nathan MacKinnon continues to lead the charge with elite scoring and playmaking, while Mikko Rantanen and Gabriel Landeskog provide steady production on the wings. Colorado’s depth scoring has been consistent, with Brock Nelson and Necas adding secondary punch. The only area of concern has been the power play, converting at just 15.6%, which sits in the bottom third of the league.

Defensively, Colorado has been just as impressive, allowing only 2.2 goals per game, the best mark in the NHL. Their penalty kill ranks third at 86.4%, and they limit opponents to 26.7 shots per game, showing how well they control possession. Blackwood will get the start against the Rangers, and while he was tested heavily against the Islanders, his season numbers remain strong. The Avalanche’s ability to rebound quickly after rare losses has been a hallmark of their season, and they’ll look to reassert dominance at Madison Square Garden.

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Rangers Grab Big Road Win Against the Sens

The Rangers’ most recent game was a 4–2 win over the Ottawa Senators on December 4, where Artemi Panarin reached the 900‑point milestone with a goal and an assist. Mika Zibanejad, Will Borgen, and Vladislav Gavrikov also scored, while Igor Shesterkin stopped 25 shots. It was New York’s fifth win in their last six games, improving them to 15‑12‑2 overall.

Offensively, the Rangers have been inconsistent, averaging 2.7 goals per game and ranking near the bottom of the league in shots at 26.4 per game. Panarin remains their most reliable playmaker, while Zibanejad provides finishing ability down the middle. Will Cuylle has chipped in with secondary scoring, but the Rangers often rely heavily on their top line to generate offense. Their power play has been a bright spot at 19.4%, and their faceoff win rate of 53.7% ranks fourth in the NHL, helping them control possession in key moments.

Defensively, New York has been much stronger, allowing just 2.6 goals per game and ranking fourth overall. Shesterkin has been excellent, posting five shutouts already this season, and the Rangers’ defensive corps has stepped up despite injuries. Their penalty kill sits at 79.5%, middle of the pack, but their ability to limit high‑danger chances has kept them competitive. Against Colorado’s relentless attack, the Rangers will lean heavily on Shesterkin’s composure and Panarin’s creativity to try and grind out another statement win at home.

Colorado Avalanche vs New York Rangers Pick

Avalanche vs Rangers Moneyline Pick

  • Colorado -1.5 (5 Units)

Colorado -1.5 looks like a sharp angle because the Avalanche have been the NHL’s most dominant team on both ends of the ice, averaging 4.0 goals per game while allowing just 2.2, the best differential in the league. Their offense is relentless, leading the NHL in shots per game (33.9), and even when the power play has lagged, their five‑on‑five scoring depth has carried them. With MacKinnon, Rantanen, and Nichushkin driving the attack, and Mackenzie Blackwood steady in net, Colorado has the balance to overwhelm opponents. Against a Rangers team that has struggled to generate consistent offense, the Avs’ ability to tilt the ice and control possession makes them a strong candidate to win by multiple goals.

The Rangers’ home struggles are a key factor here — just 3‑9 at Madison Square Garden compared to 12‑5 on the road. That split highlights how much they’ve leaned on road structure while failing to protect home ice. Offensively, New York averages only 2.7 goals per game, ranking near the bottom of the league, and while Igor Shesterkin has been excellent with five shutouts, he’s often asked to steal games when the offense sputters. Colorado’s pace and depth scoring put enormous pressure on a Rangers team that hasn’t defended well enough at home to withstand it. With the Avs’ elite scoring and the Rangers’ home woes, laying the 1.5 goals feels justified.

Avalanche vs Rangers Over/Under Pick

  • Under 6 (4 Units)

The Under 6 makes sense because both Colorado and New York lean heavily on defense and goaltending, which naturally caps scoring. The Avalanche allow just 2.2 goals per game, best in the NHL, and limit opponents to 26.7 shots per game, while the Rangers sit fourth in goals against at 2.6 per game with Igor Shesterkin already posting five shutouts this season. Colorado’s offense is elite, but their power play has been underwhelming at 15.6%, and New York’s own attack averages only 2.7 goals per game, ranking near the bottom of the league. With Blackwood and Shesterkin both in net, and two disciplined defensive units on the ice, this matchup profiles as a tight, low‑scoring battle that stays under the six‑goal total.

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