The Colorado Avalanche (32-24-3) have their first encounter against the New York Rangers (30-16-3) this season on Monday, February 5, at 7:00 PM ET as they battle on the ice at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. The Rangers are slightly favored to win with a moneyline of -115.

The Avalanche have found success in four of their last five games and are currently on a three-game win streak. Their most recent success was a 5-1 blowout over the Los Angeles Kings.

Nathan MacKinnon leads the Avalanche in several important offensive categories and is pivotal in their chances at success. He currently leads them with 31 goals, 53 assists (T1^st in league), and has 84 points (2^nd in league).

The Avalanche average 3.84 goals and 32.0 shots per game. They excel in power play situations, having scored 47 goals while conceding 30, resulting in a power play percentage of 25.7.

Defensively, they allow 3.10 goals and face 29.1 shot attempts per game. While this is favorable compared to their offensive output, maintaining strong defense remains crucial. Additionally, their penalty kill percentage stands at a commendable 82.1.

The Rangers have gone 2-3 in their latest five games and need to find consistency soon. However, they were able to snap a two-game losing streak when they defeated the Ottawa Senators in a 7-2 blowout in a much needed win.

Artemi Panarin is just as crucial to the Rangers as MacKinnon is to the Avalanche. He currently leads them with 66 points, 30 goals, and 36 assists. Getting a good start to this game will be important to help set the tone early.

The Rangers are averaging 3.27 goals per game while taking 31.3 shots. Their power play has been impressive, netting 41 goals while conceding 21, resulting in a 27.2 power play percentage.

Defensively, they allow an average of 2.86 goals and 28.4 shots against per game. This gives them a slightly favorable ratio compared to their offensive performance. Additionally, their penalty kill percentage stands at 82.7, slightly higher than average.

MyBookie offers the NHL betting odds for this showdown, with the New York Rangers as slight favorites (-115) to win while at home. Both teams have great resumes coming into this game, making this a coin flip for the winner.

The Rangers have been good at home, as they are 15-7-0. As for the Avalanche, they are 12-9-3 on the road. Both teams stack up well and have a great opportunity to win, making this a coin flip for a decision. Overall, the Rangers are competing at home and have better defense.