Golden Knights vs Avalanche Game 1 Prediction, Expert Pick & Odds (May. 20)

• The Colorado Avalanche are hefty -200 favorites in Game 1 of the Western Conference Final vs the Vegas Golden Knights
• Colorado is the highest scoring team in the playoffs, putting up 4.11 goals per game
• See my Golden Knights vs Avalanche prediction and pick, plus updated odds for Game 1

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It’s the final stop en route to the Stanley Cup Final.

The Colorado Avalanche host the Vegas Golden Knights for Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, and the books like the home team to strike first, picking them as modest home favorites on the moneyline in the NHL odds.

Colorado took two of three from Vegas in the regular season.

Puck drop is set for Wednesday night at 8pm ET from Ball Arena in Colorado, with ABC providing the broadcast coverage.

Read below as I share my prediction, expert pick and updated Golden Knights vs Avalanche Game 1 odds.

Golden Knights vs Avalanche Prediction and Expert Pick

• Pick: Over 6.0 goals (-120 at bet365)

When these squads clash, offensive fireworks are practically guaranteed.

Colorado is an offensive wagon, averaging a blistering 4.11 goals per game over nine playoff contests. Vegas is keeping pace, tallying a sturdy 3.67 goals across their 12 playoff appearances. Combined, that is 7.78 goals per night, providing massive statistical backing for this 6.0 goal line.

A dive into the depth charts reveals ridiculous offensive firepower on both sides. Colorado’s top line is a terrifying force, anchored by NHL regular season scoring leader Nathan MacKinnon, though he’s just fourth in scoring of the players left standing in the playoffs.

Vegas forward Mitch Marner leads all playoff scorers with seven goals and 18 points, with Jack Eichel in second with 15 points.

Golden Knights vs Avalanche Team Statistics Matchup

The Golden Knights boast incredible balance down the middle. With Eichel on the top unit and a heavily overqualified third line led by Tomas Hertl, Vegas creates massive matchup problems.

On the blueline, Colorado’s top pair of Devon Toews and Cale Makar represents the gold standard of two-way hockey. Vegas counters with the sturdy duo of Noah Hanifin and Rasmus Andersson.

Colorado relies on overwhelming volume, utilizing their 32.6 shots per game to suffocate opponents, and that trend should continue, as Vegas allowes 29.3 shots against per contest.

However, Vegas dominates the gritty margins. The Golden Knights control the faceoff dot (53.7%) and relentlessly sacrifice the body, blocking just under 17 shots per game. Their physical edge is undeniable, dishing out a hefty 34 hits per game to set a punishing tone.

The special teams overlap is the ultimate key to our Over 6.0 prediction. Both squads boast lethal power plays: Colorado is humming at 25% and Vegas at 25.7%, so expect plenty of man-advantage tallies to help push this total over the hump.

With Vegas leaning on an 86.8% penalty kill, Colorado will desperately need their man advantage to crack that sturdy defensive shell.

The situational trends firmly back a high-scoring barnburner. The Over has cashed in six of Colorado’s last seven games when playing as the favorite, hitting at an 85.7% clip. For Vegas, the Over is 4-1 (80.0%) in their last five road tilts against opponents with winning records.

Golden Knights vs Avalanche Odds

The interactive widget above will update automatically throughout the day.

Colorado checks in as the betting favorite, getting -192 odds to win outright at DraftKings, while the Golden Knights are +165 on the moneyline at bet365.

On the spread, the Vegas is getting 1.5 goals at -150 odds from Caesars, while it’s a more appealing +135 payout for Colorado to win by at least two goals.

Looking at the total, and there is some variance. Under bettors should look to BetMGM, where the line is set to 6.5 goals, paying out at -120 odds, a half goal more than at Caesars at 6.0 goals, with -125 odds.