Game 2 Golden Knights vs Avalanche Prediction, Betting Odds & Expert Pick (May 22)

• The Colorado Avalanche are favorites to draw even in the Western Conference Final against the Vegas Golden Knights
• See the public betting splits and the why I’m favoring Colorado to win Game 2
• Keep reading for my analysis for the Golden Knights vs Avalanche game, including a player prop bet

Game 1 saw the Vegas Golden Knights shock the hockey world, as they skated away with a 4-2 victory in Colorado. Game 2 goes Friday night, and the NHL odds dictate that the books believe the Avalanche will knot the series up at 1 game apiece. Unsung hero Brett Howden scored the game-winning goal, the sixth straight road playoff game with a snipe, one off matching the all-time record (Brian Propp).

Puck drop for this pivotal Game 2 tilt is scheduled for 5:00 PM PT / 8:00 PM ET on Friday night at Ball Arena. The Avs are the slight favorite in the Stanley Cup odds at +205, while Vegas is the third selection at +330. Keep reading to see my breakdown of the second contest in this Western Conference Final along with my favorite bets.

Golden Knights vs Avalanche Best Bets

Game Pick: Avalanche Moneyline (-184 at FanDuel)

Despite dropping the opening salvo, the Avalanche are in a prime position to bounce back on home ice. The Golden Knights managed to steal Game 1, but playoff hockey is a game of adjustments. Colorado has proven exceptionally resilient when playing from behind and dictates play effectively at 5-on-5.

The Avalanche have won their last six games coming off a loss, and have been victorious in eleven of their last 13 outings. Three times this postseason, the Knights have followed a win with a disappointing defeat.

Even though elite blueliner Cale Makar isn’t suiting up yet again for this one, I still trust Colorado to weather the storm and get back on track in this series tonight.

Player Prop: Mitch Marner Over 0.5 Assists (-154 at Caesars)

Mitch Marner has been an absolute catalyst for the Golden Knights’ offense. His elite vision and playmaking abilities have traveled exceptionally well away from Vegas. He’s already made his mark in this series, logging an assist in the Game 1, which was the eighth time in the last ten affairs he’s registered a helper.

Marner has recorded an assist in 6 straight games on the road, and has an apple in five straight and six of seven duels vs Colorado.

He has also eclipsed his 0.5 assists prop in eight of his last nine games following a win, translating to a dominant 89% success rate. Given his deployment on the top power-play unit and heavy even-strength minutes, banking on Marner to find a teammate for a goal is one of the sharpest props on the board. He also leads the playoffs with 19 points (twelve assists), proving the naysayers wrong who said he wasn’t a playoff performer.

Public Betting Splits & Handle

• Moneyline: In the NHL public betting trends, the public is heavily backing the home squad, with the Avalanche receiving 67% of moneyline wagers, and 82% of the cash flowing in on the Avs.
• Puck Line: The handle favors Colorado at 71% with the ticket count at 56% for the Avs to win by 2+ goals.
• Total (Over/Under): Bettors are anticipating a low-scoring affair. A whopping 94% of bets placed is on less than 6.5 goals.

Golden Knights vs Avalanche Game 2 Odds

Odds as of May 22 from Caesars Sportsbook. Click here for a Caesars Sportsbook promo code before betting on Golden Knights vs Avalanche.

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VGK vs COL Team Stats Comparison

Starting Goalies Matchup & Stats

Projected Lineups & Defensive Pairings

Colorado Avalanche Projected Lineup

Forward Lines

Defensive Pairings

Starting Goalie: Scott Wedgewood

Vegas Golden Knights Projected Lineup

Forward Lines

Defensive Pairings

Starting Goalie: Carter Hart

Injury Report & Updates

Colorado Avalanche Injuries

* Cale Makar (Defenseman) – Undisclosed: Status is Day To Day. He’ll miss the second straight game of this series Friday night.

Vegas Golden Knights Injuries

* Mark Stone (Forward) – Lower-Body: Status is Day To Day. The captain and key winger was held out of Game 1 and has missed four straight contests.
* Jeremy Lauzon (Defenseman) – Upper-Body: Status is Out.

Game Information:

• Matchup: Vegas Golden Knights (Away) vs. Colorado Avalanche (Home)
• Date: Friday, May 22
• Time: 5:00 PM PT / 8:00 PM ET
• Venue: Ball Arena
• TV: ESPN (United States), Sportsnet (Canada)