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+.

Sign up for ESPN+ today to watch 1,000+ out-of-market NHL games, ESPN+ Hockey Night & more.

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)

Watch 1,000+ out-of-market NHL games, ESPN+ Hockey Night & more streaming all season on ESPN+.

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.

Looking for NHL tickets? Head to StubHub today and see your team live.

Team Stats Comparison

First Sports with Steve Bortstein