Golden Knights vs Avalanche Odds and Picks on March 27th

• The Colorado Avalanche are strong favorites as they face the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday, March 27th, 2021
• Colorado took the first meeting in this miniseries between the two teams
• Colorado is 13-4-1 in this 2021 season at home, but Vegas is a respectable 9-6-2 on the road

The Colorado Avalanche was opportunistic on Thursday night against the Vegas Golden Knights. They were able to absorb an early Max Pacioretty goal and turn a solid goaltending performance from Philipp Grubauer into a 5-1 win. The puck drops Saturday, March 27th, 2021 at 3 PM EST, with Colorado listed as significant favorites in the Golden Knights vs Avalanche odds.

Overall, Colorado has won three of the five matchups so far this season. That being said, aside from Thursday night, Vegas had been able to keep the games close — losing the other two matchups by just a 3-2 score.

Vegas Golden Knights vs Colorado Avalanche Odds

Odds taken March 26th at DraftKings

Philipp Grubauer Holds Down Fort

It is fascinating to see Philipp Grubauer play so well this season without much of a safety net behind him. Keep in mind, Pavel Francouz has been out all year due to injury. Quietly, Grubauer has not only saved Colorado’s season but has to be under Vezina Trophy consideration. He is currently 20-7 on the season with a 1.69 goals-against average, and a .931 save percentage.

Philipp Grubauer has given up 9 goals in his last 10 games……

— alex blum (@blumquist30) March 26, 2021

Grubauer is enjoying a ridiculous run currently, and in most games, he has not been overworked either. He faced just 19 shots in Thursday night’s game. He makes the saves he has to. More importantly, some questions about his sustainability pop up. Most forget his quality save percentage was close to 70% for three seasons. This year, it is at 73.1%.

Grubauer has faced 35+ shots just once this season and that was nearly two months ago. Also, the Colorado goaltender has seen pucks better, and has carried increased focus in games even when pucks have not been coming his way. Maybe, last year was the fluke.

Cale Makar Provides Colorado Stability

One of the biggest X-Factors in the Colorado season has been Cale Makar. It is not just about the points, but the Avalanche have looked better with his return to the lineup. This is more than wins and losses. It has been about seeing a contending team appear more poised. There is a reason why Makar remains among the contenders to win the Norris Trophy.

There are some highlights, and then there is this!

You know already:

ALL
HAIL
CALE#GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/Oi2DbloXGW

— x – Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) March 26, 2021

Makar was carving up a team defense that is one of the five best in the NHL, and he did it with ease. When he increases the intensity, few can keep up with the defenseman or Colorado for that matter.

Impactful Injuries

The good news for both teams is that there are not too many injuries of significance and no one is on COVID protocol.

Alex Pietrangelo has been out since March 20th due to an upper-body injury. His precise timetable is a question mark, but he is getting closer to a return.

Alex Pietrangelo will not travel with the Golden Knights to Colorado and is now considered day to day, according to Pete DeBoer.

Max Pacioretty skated on his own this morning and is expected to make the trip. #VegasBorn

— David Schoen 🗞 (@DavidSchoenLVRJ) March 24, 2021

As for Colorado, Erik Johnson remains out since March 10th with what is maybe a head injury or concussion. Jarred Bednar is convinced this and the Pavel Francouz injuries are “long term“.

Golden Knights vs Avalanche Best Bet

While both teams have been playing great hockey, Colorado turned it on Thursday night with a four-goal second period that showed the Avalanche’s strengths. The Avalanche were able to carry the play and expose the Golden Knights’ defense with speed and quick puck movement.

Expect Vegas and Peter DeBoer to go with Robin Lehner as the starting goalie on Saturday, March 27th, for his ability to help Vegas bounce back.

Please take 2 minutes to listen to Robin Lehner, this is some really powerful stuff #EndTheStigma pic.twitter.com/SkwgoZ3EXX

— The Hockey News (@TheHockeyNews) March 20, 2021

Vegas again normally is able to stay in these division clashes. Their only problems are the transition scenarios on defense. If Robin Lehner makes a few saves early and the defense holds up, this could be a closer game. If not, then the Colorado Avalanche will be able to pull away once again.

Pick: Colorado Avalanche ML (-175), U 5.5 (-107)