NHL · January 8, 2026
Ottawa Senators @ Colorado Avalanche
Free LineCrush game report for Ottawa Senators @ Colorado Avalanche on January 8, 2026, with matchup analysis and pick ideas generated for the daily slate. Reports can update as lineups, injuries, and odds develop, so confirm time-sensitive details before acting.
Matchup Analysis
Wedgewood's Historic Run Continues
Scott Wedgewood has won six consecutive games with a .934 save percentage, allowing just 11 goals on 166 shots, and carries an 18-3-4 record with a 2.20 GAA into Thursday's matchup. The 33-year-old netminder is having a career year, posting his best save percentage (.917) and establishing himself as one of the league's most reliable starters despite sharing the crease with Mackenzie Blackwood.
Colorado's Dominance vs. Ottawa's Inconsistency
The Avalanche sit atop the Western Conference at 31-4-7, while the Senators enter at 20-17-5 coming off a 3-1 loss to Utah on Wednesday. Colorado's depth and elite defensive core, led by Cale Makar and Samuel Girard, should overwhelm an Ottawa team that lacks the consistency of their opponent.
MacKinnon and Necas Lead Avalanche Attack
Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas anchor Colorado's top line with Artturi Lehkonen, providing elite offensive firepower. The Avalanche's top-heavy roster should create significant scoring opportunities against an Ottawa defense missing depth due to the season.
Ottawa's Injury Struggles Impact Bottom Six
The Senators are without forward Lars Eller due to a broken foot, and after Wednesday's loss didn't hold a morning skate, suggesting fatigue and potential lineup disruptions. Depth forwards like Michael Amadio and Ridly Greig may need to shoulder additional responsibilities against a dominant Avalanche team.
Colorado's Injury Management Advantage
While Colorado deals with injuries to Gabriel Landeskog, Devon Toews, and Joel Kiviranta, the team's 31-4-7 record demonstrates their depth can absorb these losses. Scott Wedgewood's hot streak and the presence of elite defensemen like Brent Burns provide insulation against the absences.
Pick Ideas
Colorado Moneyline
The Avalanche's 31-4-7 record versus Ottawa's 20-17-5 mark, combined with Wedgewood's elite form and home-ice advantage, makes Colorado a strong favorite to extend their winning ways.
Avalanche Under 6.5 Total Goals
Wedgewood's recent defensive dominance (.934 SV% in last six) and Colorado's stingy defense should limit goal-scoring despite the team's offensive capabilities in a typically controlled home performance.
Nathan MacKinnon Over 0.5 Assists
MacKinnon's playmaking ability on the top line with Necas and Lehkonen makes an assist a likely outcome in a game where Colorado should dominate possession and scoring chances.
Colorado First Period Moneyline
The Avalanche typically establish dominance early at home, and the Senators' travel fatigue after Wednesday's loss presents an ideal setup for a strong opening 20 minutes.