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Todd Cordell<\/a> 12+ years betting experience<\/p>\n \n Updated: \u2022 3 min read<\/p>\n Nathan MacKinnon can continue applying offensive pressure at a high level vs. the Golden Knights tonight, per our NHL betting picks.<\/p>\n Photo By – Reuters Connect. Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon.<\/p>\n Nathan MacKinnon paces the Colorado Avalanche with 36 shots on goal and 13 points entering tonight’s Game 1 of the Western Conference Final vs. the Vegas Golden Knights.<\/p>\n He’ll have even more on his plate without Cale Makar in the lineup<\/a>, so my\u00a0Golden Knights vs. Avalanche predictions expect the superstar to build upon his incredible production thus far.<\/p>\n Read on for my NHL picks<\/a> for Wednesday, May 20, and don’t miss puck drop at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.<\/p>\n UPDATE: Added a prediction for who will win tonight.<\/p>\n Golden Knights vs Avalanche Game 1 prediction Avalanche: The Avalanche are a nightmare to deal with at home, particularly when well-rested. Including the playoffs, they are 9-1 in Colorado this season following at least two days off. They have completely steamrolled opponents along the way, out-scoring them 44-25 in aggregate. The Golden Knights have played well since the coaching change, but Colorado is a completely different animal.\u00a0<\/p>\n Golden Knights vs Avalanche best bet: Nathan MacKinnon Over 4.5 shots on goal (+115)<\/p>\n Nathan MacKinnon<\/a> averaged 5.66 shots on 11 shot attempts over three meetings with the Vegas Golden Knights<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Colorado Avalanche<\/a> had just six power plays in total, so his output wasn’t inflated by special teams. The tight whistle aligned with what we should see in a Conference Finals series, and MacKinnon still produced elite volume.<\/p>\n Expect more of the same in Game 1 at home. MacKinnon has generated five shots per game on 10.4 attempts through five contests in Colorado, and he has attempted 10+ shots in three of the last four.\u00a0<\/p>\n Note: Would play MacKinnon o3.5 shots to -200.<\/p>\n Enjoying Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account Sam Malinski<\/a> will take over as the No. 1 offensive defenseman in the absence of Cale Makar<\/a>. He will see expanded minutes at 5-on-5, and likely replace Makar as the quarterback on the top power play.<\/p>\n That means plenty of ice with MacKinnon and the team’s top players in a game the Avalanche have a team total of O\/U 3.5, setting him up for success.<\/p>\n It’s all about Jack Eichel<\/a> on the Vegas side. He cleared 2.5 shots on goal in both appearances against Colorado this season, and has gone Over in eight of the last nine against the Avalanche.<\/p>\n Golden Knights vs Avalanche SGP<\/p>\n Nathan MacKinnon Over 4.5 shots Golden Knights vs Avalanche Game 1 goal scorer pick
\n \u2022 Betting Analyst<\/p>\n
\nMay 20, 2026 , 05:01 PM ET<\/p>\n
\nWho will win Golden Knights vs Avalanche Game 1?<\/p>\n![\"Add](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1779327071_330_google-preferred-source-badge.png\"){kind=icon}
<\/a>Golden Knights vs Avalanche Game 1 same-game parlay<\/p>\n
\nSam Malinski Over 0.5 assists
\nJack Eichel Over 2.5 shots<\/p>\n
\nMartin Necas (+145)<\/p>\n