Stanley Cup Playoffs Betting Preview: Golden Knights vs Avalanche
The Vegas Golden Knights (39-26-17, 19-14-8 on the road) take on the Colorado Avalanche (55-16-11, 26-9-6 at home) at Ball Arena in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.
Knights and Avs to Cancel Each Other Out
The Golden Knights and the Avalanche aren’t expected to light the lamp too many times, so our prediction has to be Under 6.5. Snap up the -128 that this happens.
Knights Won Last H2H in Overtime
Vegas Golden Knights have won back-to-back games. A 5-1 triumph recently occurred on the road at Honda Center when playing Anaheim Ducks. Pavel Dorofeyev registered two goals, with Shea Theodore, Mitchell Marner and Brett Howden also finding the net. Goalie Carter Hart was red hot in the net, stopping 31 shots (.969).
Colorado Avalanche won their last game 4-3 (OT), making it six home wins on the bounce. This was recorded at Ball Arena against Minnesota Wild. There were four different goalscorers including Nathan MacKinnon. Goalie Scott Wedgewood had a great game and ended up with 7 saves (1.000).
Head-to-Head Statistics
The Knights won the last encounter between the pair. Enjoying a 3-2 triumph when facing the Avs at Ball Arena. The past 10 H2H games have seen the Avs land six wins.
Starting Goalies
Carter Hart (Expected)
Season
W-L-OTL:
GAA:
SV%:
SO:
24/25
11-3-3
2.7
.891
0
23/24
12-9-2
2.8
.906
1
Scott Wedgewood (Expected)
Season
W-L-OTL:
GAA:
SV%:
SO:
24/25
31-6-6
2
.921
4
23/24
16-7-5
2.85
.899
0
Vegas Golden Knights – Last 10 Games
7 wins and 3 losses, averaging 3.8 goals from 27.8 shots on goal, with a 20.0% powerplay efficiency. The Knights have given up 2.6 goals from 29.0 shots, averaging 3.7 penalties with a penalty-killing efficiency of 86.5%.
Mitchell Marner is the top points scorer with 16 points, 7 goals and 9 assists, with Jack Eichel recording 13 points, 1 goal and 12 assists, over the last 10 games. Goalie Carter Hart have a 2.34 goal against average with a .913 save percentage.
Colorado Avalanche – Last 10 Games
The Avs have 9 wins and 1 loss, averaging 3.9 goals from 32.8 shots on goal, with a 15.0% powerplay efficiency. They have conceded 2.3 goals from 25.7 shots, averaging 4.0 penalties per game with a penalty-killing efficiency of 85.0%.
The top points scorer is Nathan MacKinnon with 13 points, 7 goals and 6 assists, while Martin Necas is next in line after registering 11 points, 1 goal and 10 assists. Goalie Scott Wedgewood have a 1.94 GAA with a .923 SV%, including one shutout.
Vegas Golden Knights vs Colorado Avalanche Prediction & Picks
Get fully prepped for Vegas Golden Knights vs Colorado Avalanche with our betting guide, featuring our expert match pick, predicted scoreline, top player props and a value-focused bet builder.
Game Prediction
There is an appealing -128 when it comes to Unders which is our confident pick. The lamp might not be lit too many times when it comes to this NHL encounter.
Our expert hockey predictions always start with checking the latest team news and understanding how it might impact the matchup. From there, we dive into the most valuable NHL stats to uncover the insights that matter most.
Key Golden Knights vs Avalanche stats:
The 6.5 line hasn’t been covered in 13 of the last 20 Golden Knights games.The 6.5 line hasn’t been covered in 6 of the last 10 Golden Knights games.The 6.5 line hasn’t been covered in the last 2 Golden Knights games.The 6.5 line hasn’t been covered in 14 of the last 20 Avalanche games.The 6.5 line hasn’t been covered in 6 of the last 10 Avalanche games.Under 6.5 Probability
Based on the odds from the best betting apps, our pick has a 56.2% chance of winning. After careful examination, our analysts have this probability somewhere between 60-65%. This hockey wager can therefore be backed with confidence.
Looking for Bigger Odds?
Bettors in search of a larger potential return on their Total wager can look to go under a different number of goals. This is achieved by moving the line until you’re happy with the odds.
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Our Game Prediction
Under 6.5 Goals @ -128
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Published 00:56, 20 May 2026
Player Prop Picks
Brett Howden (Golden Knights) has scored in 5 straight games on the road. The odds for him to be an Anytime Goalscorer look really appealing based on the stats and we’ll take a chance on him at odds of +333.
Latest Brett Howden Player Prop Odds
Goals
Assists
Shots on Goal
Pick odds and lines correct at publication. Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. T&Cs apply. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.
Vegas Golden Knights vs Colorado Avalanche Odds
The odds and lines below are updated regularly and may differ from the prices shown in our picks, which are captured at the time of publication.
Latest Odds Suggest Avs Win
With the sportsbooks giving them a 66% probability of winning this game, Colorado Avalanche might be a popular parlay pick. That is reflected in their -196 Moneyline betting odds. Vegas Golden Knights are trading at bigger odds than their opponents and they can be backed at +162.
The puck line is 1.5 and the total goals line is 6.5. There are many ways to wager on hockey including Totals. If you fancy Over 6.5, this outcome can be backed at -100.
There’s no shortage of betting options, with a wide range of game lines and team props offered for every matchup. Explore the top NHL sportsbooks to find the picks that deliver the best value.
Nathan MacKinnon Favorite to Light the Lamp First
Favorite Nathan MacKinnon is priced at +700 to be the first player to light the lamp. There’s also the opportunity to back him to score at anytime at odds of -110.
Player Goals
Nathan MacKinnon (Avalanche)
Martin Necas (Avalanche)
Pavel Dorofeyev (Knights)
Jack Eichel (Knights)
Player Assists
Nathan MacKinnon (Avalanche)
Cale Makar (Avalanche)
Jack Eichel (Knights)
Mitch Marner (Knights)
Player Shots
Nathan MacKinnon (Avalanche)
Pavel Dorofeyev (Knights)
Jack Eichel (Knights)
Mitch Marner (Knights)
Micro Betting
Micro betting provides an interesting rollercoaster ride for NHL bettors. It can be great to enjoy the live lines, with the opportunity to wager on the Next Goal and Next Goalscorer. Watch the live action before deciding which way to go.
Live market odds and lines updated regularly. All odds subject to change. T&Cs apply. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.
Team Stats
Latest regular season and playoff games stats.
Vegas Golden Knights Stats
Colorado Avalanche Stats
7 wins and 3 defeats in the last 10 games
7 wins and 3 defeats in the last 10 games on the road
9 wins and 1 defeat in the last 10 games
7 wins and 3 defeats in the last 10 home games
+1.5 Betting Line: Have covered the +1.5 puck line in 8 of the last 10 games
+1.5 Betting Line on the Road: Have covered the +1.5 puck line in 9 of the last 10 games on the road
-1.5 Betting Line: Have covered the -1.5 puck line in 6 of the last 10 games
-1.5 Betting Line at Home: Have covered the -1.5 puck line in 4 of the last 10 home games
Game Totals: An average of 6.40 goals in the previous 10 games
Game Totals on the Road: An average of 6.30 goals in the previous 10 games on the road
Over 6.5: Covered in 4 of the previous 10 games
Over 6.5 on the Road: Covered in 4 of the previous 10 games on the road
Team Totals: Have scored an average of 3.80 goals and allowed 2.60 goals in the last 10 games
Team Totals on the Road: Have scored an average of 3.90 pts and allowed 2.40 goals in the last 10 games on the road
Game Totals: An average of 6.20 goals in the previous 10 games
Game Totals at Home: An average of 6.50 goals in the previous 10 home games
Over 6.5: Covered in 4 of the previous 10 games
Over 6.5 at Home: Covered in 4 of the previous 10 home games
Team Totals: Have scored an average of 3.90 goals and allowed 2.30 goals in the last 10 games
Team Totals at Home: Have scored an average of 3.70 goals and allowed 2.80 goals in the last 10 home games
Last 10 Games
Goals Powerplay: 0.7
Shots: 27.8
Goals Shorthanded: 0.4
Penalties: 3.7
Empty Net Goals: 0.3
Penalty Minutes: 8.9
Blocks: 13.5
Faceoff Wins : 33.6
Hits: 32.7
Giveaways: 17.8
Takeaways: 5.2
Last 10 Games on the Road
Goals Powerplay: 0.7
Shots: 29
Goals Shorthanded: 0.3
Penalties: 2.9
Empty Net Goals: 0.2
Penalty Minutes: 5.8
Blocks: 14.5
Faceoff Wins : 31.3
Hits: 27
Giveaways: 15.3
Takeaways: 5.5
Last 10 Games
Goals Powerplay: 0.6
Shots: 32.8
Goals Shorthanded: 0.1
Penalties: 4
Empty Net Goals: 0.6
Penalty Minutes: 8
Blocks: 18
Faceoff Wins : 32.5
Hits: 26.3
Giveaways: 14.5
Takeaways: 5
Last 10 Home Games
Goals Powerplay: 0.5
Shots: 33.4
Goals Shorthanded: 0
Penalties: 3.5
Empty Net Goals: 0.3
Penalty Minutes: 7
Blocks: 17.3
Faceoff Wins : 29
Hits: 20.9
Giveaways: 15.6
Takeaways: 4.8
Starting Lineups
Both teams’ confirmed lineups will be published ahead of face-off. There is also the chance to look at the lineups from the previous 10 games.
Expert Analysis by Robert Carter
NHL Analyst
About the Analyst
Our ice hockey previews are produced by a specialised team of analysts, former odds compilers and sports journalists. Picks are research-driven and reviewed for accuracy and editorial consistency under the oversight of our hockey panel and Editor-in-Chief.
NHL Predictions Methodology
Our NHL analysis combines the latest team news, injury reports and line changes with recent form and market movement. We factor in situational analysis like home ice advantage and schedule spots. Metrics such as Corsi, Fenwick, Expected Goals (xG) and PDO are used to evaluate puck possession, shot quality, goaltending performance and special teams efficiency beyond the traditional box score.
Full Methodology & Data Sources
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Transparency & Safety
This preview was last updated on May 20, 00:56 to reflect the latest team news, injury reports, confirmed lines and pairings, starting goaltenders, lineup changes, schedule context, key performance metrics and odds movement.
All analysis is produced by professional analysts and reviewed by our Ice Hockey Editorial Betting Panel for accuracy and consistency.
Historical performance for our game predictions is tracked and updated regularly for transparency.
Important: Betting should be treated as entertainment and involves risk. Past results are not indicative of future performance. Only wager what you can afford to lose.
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