The Colorado Avalanche (27-2-7) and Vegas Golden Knights (17-8-10) meet Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Puck drop is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Avalanche vs. Golden Knights and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
Season series: Avalanche lead 1-0; Colorado won 4-2 in Las Vegas on Oct. 31 as a moderate favorite (-131) as the Under (6.5) cashed.
The Avalanche have just shown no signs of slowing down. They’re coming off a 1-0 win over the Utah Mammoth last time out on Tuesday, cashing as a huge favorite (-244) as the Under (6) cashed. Avs G Scott Wedgewood turned aside 32 shots to help Colorado to a sixth straight win and improve to 8-0-1 in its past nine outings. The goal by D Sam Girard was all the Avs needed.
The Golden Knights roasted the San Jose Sharks 7-2 as big favorites (-198) as the Over (6) cashed. G Carter Hart received all the offensive assistance he would need as VGK netted 5 first-period goals. F Mitch Marner ended the night with 2 goals. VGK is still just 1-2-1 in the past 4 games, however.
Avalanche at Golden Knights odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 4:47 p.m. ET.
Moneyline (ML): Avalanche -150 (bet $150 to win $100) | Golden Knights +125 (bet $100 to win $125)Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Avalanche -1.5 (+155) | Golden Knights +1.5 (-190)Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: -120 | U: +100)Avalanche at Golden Knights projected goalies
Scott Wedgewood (16-1-4, 2.01 GAA, .923 SV%, 2 SO) vs. Carter Hart (4-1-2, 2.48 GAA, .903 SV%)
Wedgewood started the season as the G1 with Mackenzie Blackwood nursing an injury. He has put together an All-Star season, losing just once in regulation while posting a pair of shutouts (including his last time out against the Mammoth). He stopped 21 of 23 shots in a 4-2 win in Vegas on Oct. 31.
Hart allowed just 2 goals on 23 shots against the Sharks in his last outing. He has been a little bit erratic, but Hart has allowed 2 or fewer goals in 4 of his past 6 outings.
Avalanche at Golden Knights picks and predictionsPrediction
Avalanche 4, Golden Knights 2
AVALANCHE (-150) are the safe play as moderate favorites on the road. Hart has been a little less dependable than Wedgewood, and that Colorado offense is an absolute buzzsaw. The Avs won the first meeting 4-2, and with their high-octane offense, solid defense and red-hot goaltending, that’s a score that makes sense here. VGK just hasn’t been nearly as consistent lately.
If you’re a little more adventurous, AVALANCHE -1.5 (+155) is a strong play at plus-money. Colorado did produce just a single goal last time out, so nothing is a given. But, in the team’s 6-game win streak, 4 of the victories have come by 2 or more goals.
So, if you like Colorado to win, you should like the club to get the job done on the puck line as a plus-favorite.
AVOID.
I expect the total to come right down on the number of 6 total goals.
If you REALLY want action on the total, the best bet is to buy an extra goal and go OVER 5.5 – ALTERNATE TOTAL (-155). But, I, personally, wouldn’t pay for that.
For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
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