Tag: avalanche

Denali National Park employee dies in avalanche while skiing

Alaska’s Denali National Park and Preserve on Wednesday confirmed that one of its employees was killed by an avalanche last Thursday while skiing inside the park.

Alaska’s Denali National Park has confirmed that one of its employees was killed by an avalanche last Thursday while skiing inside the park.

Eric Walter, a senior dispatcher, was backcountry skiing near Mile 10 on the Park Road when he triggered the avalanche that claimed his life.

A park news release states that a witness reported seeing a lone skier trigger an avalanche on an unnamed slope in the area.

A rescue team was dispatched and a ranger with a spotting scope saw two skis – one vertical and the other flat – and an orange bag in the avalanche debris field.

“Upon reaching the scene it was determined that the skier had died,” the park explained. “The skier was later identified to be Eric.”

The park elaborated Wednesday via Facebook:

“Eric was a skilled outdoorsman and a beloved member of the Denali family and our hearts are broken.

“Because Eric was a senior dispatcher with the Alaska Region Communications Center, where he provided radio-based safety and support services for park employees across the state, his warm and comforting voice was known to many hundreds of NPS employees who never met him in person.”

A memorial service is planned for today (May 11) at 5 p.m. at the Denali Sled Dog Kennels. The accompanying image shows Eric with his adopted sled dog, Fin.

Avalanche give Stan Kroenke his 3rd championship since February

Add the Stanley Cup to the list of trophies won by Stan Kroenke’s teams in the last four-plus months

We’re only halfway through 2022, but Stan Kroenke is already among the biggest winners of the year so far. Most fans know he’s the owner of the Los Angeles Rams, but his company, Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, also owns several other sports franchises.

In the last four and a half months, Kroenke’s teams have won three championships. The Rams won the Super Bowl in February, the Colorado Mammoth won the National Lacrosse League Cup, and on Sunday night, the Colorado Avalanche won the Stanley Cup.

That’s three titles for Kroenke’s teams since February, an incredible stretch for the billionaire businessman.

In addition to those three teams, Kroenke also owns Arsenal FC, the Denver Nuggets and the Colorado Rapids, among others. The Nuggets can’t add to Kroenke’s collection in 2022, but the Rapids have a shot – despite sitting 10th in the MLS’ Western Conference standings 16 games into the season.

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NHL fans had mixed emotions about Stanley Cup Final jersey patch worn by Lightning, Avalanche

Every last detail counts when the Cup is on the line!

More than people who follow other major sports, NHL fans might be the biggest sticklers regarding the details and aesthetics of their teams’ jerseys. Don’t get us wrong: Winning still assuredly comes first 99 percent of the time. But it’s only fair that the players strive to look great on the ice, too. Look good, play good, right?

They certainly lived up to that reputation during Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Lightning and Avalanche (-1.5) on Wednesday night at Ball Arena.

With being the NHL’s official championship series, both squads had a usual special Stanley Cup Final patch stitched to their respective jerseys.

Of course, while some fans loved the tiny but massive detail for Tampa Bay and Colorado, others weren’t nearly as enamored with the 2022 edition of the Stanley Cup Final patch.

Anaheim Ducks at Colorado Avalanche odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Anaheim Ducks at Colorado Avalanche sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Anaheim Ducks (26-32-8) head West on their road trip to meet the Colorado Avalanche (40-18-7) at Pepsi Center in Denver at 9:30 p.m. ET Wednesday. We analyze the Ducks-Avalanche sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Ducks at Avalanche: Projected starting goalies

John Gibson vs. Pavel Francouz

Gibson has dropped two straight decisions coming into Wednesday. He gave up four goals on 24 shots in a loss to the Chicago Blackhawks Tuesday, but is expected to get the nod once again. He is 19-26-5 with a .902 save percentage and 3.05 goals against average.

Francouz is on a six-game win streak with just 2 goals allowed in each of his last three outings. He is 19-5-3 with a .929 SV% and 2.24 GAA on the season.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Ducks at Avalanche: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 10:25 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Avalanche 4, Ducks 1

Moneyline (ML)

The Avalanche (-334) are a good bet to knock off the Ducks (+260), who were crushed in Chicago last night and will be playing in a back-to-back situation. Anaheim is 2-5 in the past seven games in the second end of a back-to-back situation. They’re also just 2-6 in the past eight overall and 19-40 in the past 59 on the road.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Avalanche to win returns a profit of $3, while a $10 wager on the Ducks results in a profit of $26.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The AVALANCHE (-1.5, -110) are a good bet against the Ducks (+1.5, -110), who are limping to the end of their road trip. Colorado has won seven in a row, and it’s a perfect 4-0 in the past four against losing teams, too. The Avs are a good bet as a favorite, as well, cashing in 13 of the past 16. While Anaheim is 30-14 in the past 44 in this series, and 13-6 in the past 19 trips to Denver, take the home side. The Avalanche are a legitimate Stanley Cup contender and won’t be derailed by this bunch of Ducks.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 5.5 (+105) is a good small-unit play based upon the Avalanche’s total trends. The Under is a perfect 11-0 in their past 11 games as a favorite, 5-0 in their past five at home as a favorite and 8-0 in their past eight against teams with a losing overall record. That makes an Under bet at plus-money a very good value.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Colorado Avalanche at Nashville Predators odds, picks and best bets

Analyzing Saturday’s Colorado Avalanche at Nashville Predators matchup, with NHL betting odds, picks and best bets

The Colorado Avalanche (38-18-7) continues their road trip against the Nashville Predators (32-23-8) Saturday at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville at 7 p.m. ET; you can catch this game on ESPN+. We analyze the Avalanche-Predators sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Avalanche at Predators: Projected starting goalies

Michael Hutchinson vs. Pekka Rinne

The Avalanche made a trade for Hutchinson at the trade deadline last week, and he is likely to get his first start for Colorado after the team just played in Raleigh Friday night. Hutchinson posted a 4-9-1 record, 3.66 goals against average and .886 save percentage in Toronto.

Rinne is expected to patrol the crease. He is 18-13-4 record, 3.00 GAA and .900 SV% this season. In Rinne’s only appearance against the Avs, he coughed up five goals on 22 shots before getting pulled early in the second period on Nov. 7 in a 9-4 loss.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Avalanche at Predators: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 7:15 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Predators 4, Avalanche 2

Moneyline (ML)

The PREDATORS (-139) gets the Avalanche (+115) in a favorable position, as Colorado will be playing in a back-to-back situation as their road trip continues. The Avalanche have won five in a row, and seven straight on the road, but they’ll run out of gas here. The Preds are 5-1 in their past six at home, and 4-1 in the past five against winning teams, too.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Predators ML returns a profit of $7.20 if they win, while a $10 wager on the Avalanche ML results in a profit of $11.50.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The PREDATORS (-1.5, +195) are worth a small-unit play at nearly double a return, especially if Hutchinson is in the crease for his team debut. He has been very giving so far this season. The Avs are just 3-7 in their past 10 trips to the Music City, too, and 5-16 in the previous 21 meetings overall.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (-106) is the play here, going an impressive 15-6-1 in the past 22 meetings in Nashville. While the under is 6-0 in Colorado’s past six on the road, and 5-2 in Nashville’s past seven at home, Hutchinson is very giving and Rinne hasn’t been himself this season. The over is worth a small-unit play.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Colorado Avalanche at Carolina Hurricanes odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s Colorado Avalanche at Carolina Hurricanes sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Colorado Avalanche (37-18-7) continue their road trip against the Carolina Hurricanes (35-23-4) Friday at PNC Arena at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Avalanche-Hurricanes sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Avalanche at Hurricanes: Projected starting goalies

Pavel Francouz vs. Anton Forsberg

Francouz has been tremendous since stepping up in place of the injured Philipp Grubauer, and the rookie has a 17-5-3 record, 2.26 goals against average and .927 save percentage for the season. He’ll be looking to help the Avs to a revenge win over the Canes after Carolina won 3-1 Dec. 19 in Denver.

Forsberg has yet to appear in a game this season for the Hurricanes. He went 10-16-4 across 30 starts and five relief appearances with the Chicago Blackhawks last year, posting a .908 SV% and 2.97 GAA.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Avalanche at Hurricanes: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 11:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Avalanche 3, Hurricanes 2

Moneyline (ML)

The AVALANCHE (-106) are slight dogs on the road, but they’re a good play against the banged-up Hurricanes (-115). Carolina is experiencing adversity in the form of injuries, and it will be interesting to see if the Canes have a little pride Friday night at PNC.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Avalanche ML returns a profit of $9.50 if they win, while a $10 wager on the Hurricanes ML results in a profit of $8.70.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

This one should be a nip and tuck game, as the Avalanche (+1.5, -278) are grinding out a road trip and might have some tired legs, and the Hurricanes (-1.5, +225) are a little desperate at the moment. Look for a lot of tight-checking. AVOID.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 5.5 (+115) at plus-money is worth a roll of the dice. The Under has cashed in 10 of the past 11 games overall for Colorado, including each of its last five road outings. The Under is 6-1 in the Avs’ past seven against the Eastern Conference, too. The Over is 9-3 in Carolina’s past 12 overall, and 5-1 in its past six at home; however, look for the Canes to circle the wagons and give a spirited defensive effort in this one in front of a fourth-string goaltender.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Buffalo Sabres at Colorado Avalanche odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Buffalo Sabres at Colorado Avalanche sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Buffalo Sabres (29-25-8) visit the Colorado Avalanche (36-18-7) Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET at the Pepsi Center. We analyze the Sabres-Avalanche odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Sabres at Avalanche: Projected starting goalies

Carter Hutton vs. Pavel Francouz

Hutton is 12-10-4 and owns a 3.19 goals against average and an .897 save percentage through 27 games. The 34-year-old has gone 5-1 with a .916 mark over his last six games. He stopped 41 of 43 pucks in his last start, a 5-2 win at the Pittsburgh Penguins Saturday.

Francouz, 16-5-3, has logged a 2.27 GAA and .927 SV% in 26 games. He has started five straight games for the Avs who haven’t played since Saturday. The 29-year-old Czechoslovakia native has registered a 1.67 GAA and .938 SV% in six February games (five starts). Francouz has stopped 73 of 75 shots (.973 SV) over his last three starts.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Sabres at Avalanche: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 8 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Colorado 4, Buffalo 1

Moneyline (ML)

Colorado is -228; Buffalo is +185. The Avs are 5-2-2 (+$436) when playing on three or more days rest. Despite leading the NHL in games won by three goals, Colorado has a .450 winning percentage in one-goal games.

The better risk/reward play here is on the puck line. AVOID.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Colorado has outshot foes in six of its last seven games and remains a solid risk-reward play on most nights despite being just mere percentage points short of the best record in the Western Conference. Buffalo is 6-2 over its last eight, but shooting and save percentages, and puck-possession indicators point to the Sabres having a bit of extra “puck luck” over this stretch.

The Avs have won a league-best 18 games by three goals or more. They’ve won another nine by two goals, and their combined 27 multi-goal wins is also an NHL high. The price here has a bit of value: Take COLORADO (-1.5 +120).

Over/Under (O/U)

The Under has prevailed in three straight Colorado games and in nine of the Avs’ last 10. However, Hutton’s last four starts for Buffalo have gone Over. But the public and the house are all over this one. SKIP the O/U 5.5 (Over -134, Under +110).

Want some action on this matchup? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Colorado Avalanche at Anaheim Ducks odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s Colorado Avalanche at Anaheim Ducks sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Colorado Avalanche (34-18-7) drop the puck against the Anaheim Ducks (24-29-7) Friday at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif., at 10 p.m. ET. We analyze the Avalanche-Ducks sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Avalanche at Ducks: Projected starting goalies

Pavel Francouz vs. John Gibson

Francouz has cruised to a 14-5-3 record with a 2.44 goals against average and .923 save percentage in 21 starts and 24 appearances overall. He has won three of his past four starts, and hasn’t lost in regulation in five starts since a 1-0 loss on the road against the Islanders Jan. 6. He is 1-0-1 with a 2.45 GAA and .909 SV% in the past two starts in place of the injured Philipp Grubauer (lower body).

Gibson is 17-23-4 with a 2.99 GAA and .904 SV% in 44 starts, including a 10-10-1 home record with a 2.79 GAA, .908 SV% and his lone shutout. He hasn’t faced the Avs this season, but he went 2-0-0 with a 2.01 GAA and .943 SV% in two starts vs. them last season.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Avalanche at Ducks: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 12:40 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Ducks 4, Avalanche 3

Moneyline (ML)

The DUCKS (+135) are worth a roll of the dice considering they have won each of the past three meetings in this series. That includes a dominating 5-2 win in Denver back on Oct. 26. The public is all over the Avalanche (-167) despite the fact they’re just 7-19 in the past 26 in Anaheim, and 17-35 in the previous 52 meetings overall. The underdog is also 5-2 in the past seven in this series.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Ducks to win returns a profit of $13.50, while a $10 wager on the Avalanche results in a profit of $5.99.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Ducks (+1.5, -200) are not worth the risk, as you need to put up two times the return. For the Avalanche (-1.5, +165), they’re a nice value if you like them, but they have had their troubles against the Ducks, so they’re not the play for me.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 5.5 (-134) is the way to go, hitting in four of the past five games in this series. While the Avs have seen the Under hit in seven of the past eight overall, including 7-0 in the past seven as a favorite, the Over is still the way to go. That’s because the Over is 5-2 in the past seven at home for Anaheim, and 4-1 in the past five against winning teams.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Snowboarder acts quickly to avoid avalanche

Snowboarder Alex Gavic was cautiously making his way down a couloir when he noticed a fracture in the snow 200 feet below. He acted quickly.

Alex Gavic, snowboarding the Utah backcountry with a friend, was cautiously making his way down a couloir when he noticed a fracture in the snow 200 feet below, forcing him to quickly take evasive measures.

Gavic, using a 360 GoPro Max camera mounted on a pole from his backpack (it automatically edits out the pole), captured his slick move in video:

“We knew the avalanche stability was touchy,” Gavic told USA Today/For The Win Outdoors on Tuesday. “I entered this line with caution. When I thought I was safe I started to make some turns. I saw the dope fracture 200 feet below me so I gunned it to the shelter of the rocks.

“Had I not made it there, I would’ve definitely ‘gone for the ride’ for the remaining duration of the slope, about 500 vertical feet. I was so relieved to grab on to that rock. I don’t think I would’ve gotten buried, as the avalanche debris trickled out, but it’s never something you want to do, get carried down a slope with a bunch of snow.”

Also on FTW Outdoors: Spearfisherman dragged out to sea by great white shark

Gavic, snowboarding out of Salt Lake City, always carries a beacon, probe and shovel, and knows how to use them.

“That’s the key, knowing how to use them” he told For The Win Outdoors. “But this was the first time I’ve almost been carried away in the 10 years I’ve been in the backcountry.”

Photo courtesy of ViralHog.

Follow David Strege and the outdoors on Facebook.

New York Islanders at Colorado Avalanche odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s New York Islanders at Colorado Avalanche sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The New York Islanders (33-19-6) visit the Colorado Avalanche (33-18-7) Wednesday at Pepsi Center for a 10 p.m. ET puck drop. We analyze the Islanders-Avalanche odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Both teams are on three-game skids after losing Monday. The Islanders fell at the Arizona Coyotes 2-1, while the Avs dropped a 4-3 overtime decision at home to the hot Tampa Bay Lightning – who won their 11th in a row.

Islanders at Avalanche: Projected starting goalies

Semyon Varlamov vs. Pavel Francouz

Varlamov is 17-11-4 with a 2.53 goals against average (GAA) and .918 save percentage. He lost his last two starts despite playing well; he allowed only 2 goals on 32 shots Monday, and he stopped 42 of 43 shots in a 1-0 loss at the Vegas Golden Knights Saturday. Varlamov, who played eight seasons for the Avs before signing with the Islanders as a free agent this past offseason, shut out his former team 1-0 Jan. 6, stopping all 32 shots.

Francouz is 13-5-3 with a 2.51 GAA and a .922 SV%. He allowed 4 goals on 27 shots in Monday’s OT defeat after winning his last two starts. He took the loss in the first head-to-head meeting with the Isles, allowing just a third-period Anders Lee goal on 33 shots.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Islanders at Avalanche: Key injuries

Islanders

  • C Casey Cizikas (leg) out
  • RW Cal Clutterbuck (wrist) out
  • D Adam Pelech (Achilles) out for season

Avalanche

  • G Philipp Grubauer (groin) out
  • LW Matt Calvert (lower body) out
  • RW Mikko Rantanen (collarbone) out
  • C Nazem Kadri (ankle) out
  • C Colin Wilson (lower body) out

Islanders at Avalanche: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 9:20 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Islanders 2, Avalanche 1

Moneyline (ML)

There’s value in backing Varlamov’s ISLANDERS (+135) considering he shut out the Avalanche (-167) last month. Plus, the Islanders won five of their last six games against the Avs. The Isles are 1-4 in their last 5 road games, 1-7 in their last 8 games as an underdog, and 1-6 in their last 7 as a road dog, so, beware. I’m keeping this to a small-unit play.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (PL/ATS)

AVOID. Colorado (-1.5, +165) is an impressive 33-25 vs. the PL overall, but just 15-14 at home. New York (+1.5, -200) is not worth the risk. Every $2 wagered on the Islanders PL will profit $1 if they win, or lose by a single goal.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 5.5 (-106) is the STRONGEST PLAY. Before the Avs’ Monday OT game, they played 6 Unders in a row – all 5 goals or less. The Islanders are on a 3-game Under streak. Look for both goalies to have solid games, just like the last time they faced off. The Avs are the highest-scoring team in the league (3.55 goals per game), but the Under is 5-1 in the last 6 head-to-head meetings in Colorado.

Every $1.06 wagered on the Under will profit $1 if the two teams combine for 5 or fewer goals.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. 

Johnny’s 2019-20 NHL strongest plays: 9-5.

Strongest plays (all sports) since Dec. 1: 23-10.

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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