Florida Panthers vs Colorado Avalanche Prediction and Picks - December 11, 2025
Inter-Conference NHL action on Thursday evening, and we have a Florida Panthers vs Colorado Avalanche Prediction ready to roll for you. The Avalanche are off a 4-3 shootout loss to Nashville on the road to fall to 21-9 on the year. Colorado won both meetings between these teams a year ago. Read on to see our Panthers vs Avalanche prediction.
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Florida Takes Down Utah On The Road
Florida’s most recent game was a 4–3 win over Utah last night, sealed when Anton Lundell scored with 52 seconds left in regulation. Sam Bennett had two goals and an assist, while Carter Verhaeghe extended his goal streak to four games. Sergei Bobrovsky made 27 saves, but Daniil Tarasov will get the start in Denver, giving the Panthers a fresh look in net.
Offensively, Florida has been steady, averaging 3.1 goals per game (12th) and firing 29.5 shots per game (8th). Bennett’s recent surge has been a huge boost, while Verhaeghe and Brad Marchand continue to provide consistent scoring. The Panthers’ power play sits at 19.0% (15th), and though not elite, it has been timely enough to swing close games. Their faceoff numbers (47.3%, 26th) remain a weakness, often forcing them to chase possession, but their depth scoring has helped offset that issue.
Defensively, Florida has been inconsistent, allowing 3.2 goals per game (21st) despite ranking 7th in shots against (26.3 per game). The penalty kill is middle of the pack at 80.4% (18th), and discipline has been a concern with 302 penalty minutes (4th most). Tarasov enters with a .911 save percentage, and his ability to handle Colorado’s relentless attack will be critical. The Panthers have shown resilience in tight games, but against the league’s top offense, their defensive structure will be tested.
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Avs Take A Rare Loss
Colorado’s most recent game was a 4–3 shootout loss to Nashville on December 9, where Cale Makar tied the game with just eight seconds left in regulation before Ryan O’Reilly won it in the shootout. Brock Nelson and Artturi Lehkonen also scored for the Avalanche, while Scott Wedgewood got the start in net and made 28 saves to keep them in it. Despite the loss, Colorado extended its point streak to five games and showed once again how dangerous they are in late‑game situations.
Offensively, the Avalanche remain the most explosive team in the league, averaging 3.9 goals per game (1st) and leading the NHL in shot volume at 34.3 per game (1st). Nathan MacKinnon continues to drive the attack, already past the 50‑point mark this season, while Valeri Nichushkin and Lehkonen provide consistent secondary scoring. Makar’s ability to generate offense from the blue line makes them even tougher to defend, and though their power play has lagged at 16.3% (24th), their five‑on‑five production is unmatched. Colorado’s ability to tilt the ice with relentless pace and pressure is what separates them from most opponents.
Defensively, Colorado has been just as dominant, allowing only 2.2 goals per game (1st) and ranking top‑three on the penalty kill at 86.0%. Wedgewood has stepped up when called upon, and Mackenzie Blackwood is slated to start against Florida, giving them another steady option in net. The Avalanche also stay disciplined, with the fewest penalty minutes in the league (210 total), which keeps opponents from exploiting special teams. With their balance of elite scoring, airtight defense, and reliable goaltending, Colorado enters this matchup as the clear favorite, especially at home where they’ve been nearly unbeatable.
Florida Panthers vs Colorado Avalanche Pick
Panthers vs Avalanche Moneyline Pick
- Colorado -1.5 (5 Units)
Colorado -1.5 looks like the sharper angle here, especially given the circumstances. Their most recent outing was a 4–3 shootout loss to Nashville on December 9, where Cale Makar tied the game with eight seconds left before the Predators stole it in the skills competition. That defeat left the Avalanche frustrated, but they’ve been dominant at home, posting an 11–2 record in Denver this season. With Nathan MacKinnon driving the league’s top offense (3.9 goals per game, 1st) and Mackenzie Blackwood set to start behind the NHL’s stingiest defense (2.2 goals against per game, 1st), Colorado has the firepower and structure to not just win, but win by margin.
Florida, meanwhile, is in a tough spot after a 4–3 win over Utah on December 10, a game decided in the final minute. The Panthers are playing on no rest, and they’ll turn to Daniil Tarasov in net instead of Sergei Bobrovsky. Florida has been solid offensively (3.1 goals per game, 12th) but shaky defensively, allowing 3.2 goals per game (21st), and their penalty minutes are among the highest in the league (302, 4th most). Against Colorado’s relentless pace and depth, that’s a dangerous combination. With the Avs angry after a rare loss and thriving at home, laying the -1.5 feels justified, as this sets up for a statement win.
Panthers vs Avalanche Over/Under Pick
- Under 6.5 (4 Units)
The Under 6.5 makes sense in Panthers–Avalanche given the way both teams are trending defensively. Florida’s most recent outing was a 4–3 win over Utah on December 10, a game decided in the final minute, but they’ll be on no rest and turning to Daniil Tarasov in net. Colorado, meanwhile, dropped a 4–3 shootout to Nashville on December 9, yet they remain the league’s best defensive team, allowing just 2.2 goals per game (1st) and killing penalties at an elite 86.0% rate (3rd). The Avs also play tighter at home, where they’re 11–2 in Denver, and with both clubs leaning on structured five‑on‑five play rather than special teams fireworks, this matchup sets up for a grind that favors the Under 6.5.
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