The early window of Sunday’s NHL slate features a Western Conference tilt with the Vegas Golden Knights hosting the Colorado Avalanche. NHL odds have this game as a pick ‘em while the total sits at 6.5.
Find out my NHL picks for this affair in my Avalanche vs. Golden Knights predictions on April 14.
Avalanche vs Golden Knights prediction
My best bet
Over 6.5 (+106 at FanDuel)
My analysis
Whenever the Colorado Avalanche hit the ice, the Over is in play. Entering this matchup, the Avs rank Top 5 in goals scored per game, shots on goal per game, power play percentage, and shooting percentage.
Based on their underlying metrics, regression is unlikely as the Avalanche rank third in expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60). However, things have not gone nearly as well on the defensive end of the ice as they rank 23rd in expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60).
It's not surprising there's been seven or more total goals scored in each of the Avs’ past five games. There have also been seven or more total goals scored in four of the Vegas Golden Knights' past five games — a trend that exists due to multiple variables.
First, the offense is on fire at 4.2 goals scored per game over that stretch. On the season, the Knights rank in the top half of the league in goals scored per game, shots on goal per game, and shooting percentage.
However, the blue line has not been as good at preventing high danger scoring chances as they hover around the league average in xGA/60. Goaltender Logan Thompson is slated to back up that defense on Sunday, and he's now allowed four or more goals in two of his past three starts, going 1-2 over that stretch with a fade-worthy .864 SV% and 4.05 GAA.
There were seven or more total goals scored in all three of those outings.
Avalanche vs Golden Knights same-game parlay (SGP)
Over 6.5
Nathan MacKinnon anytime goalscorer
If we're betting on there to be seven or more total goals scored, then we obviously need some pucks to find the back of the net. A good option to back in that department is Colorado forward Nathan MacKinnon, who leads the team in goals with 51.
MacKinnon is starting to run away in the Hart Trophy race as the season winds down, and for good reason as he continues his offensive domination. This success could continue against Vegas, a team he's scored agaisnt in four of the past six meetings.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Avalanche vs Golden Knights odds
Avalanche vs Golden Knights live odds
Avalanche vs Golden Knights opening odds
- Puck line: Colorado -100 | Vegas -112
- Moneyline: Colorado +1.5 | Vegas -1.5
- Over/Under: Over 6.5 | Under 6.5
Avalanche vs Golden Knights moneyline and Over/Under analysis
- This game opened as a pick ‘em and remains at that price at the time of writing. I don't expect much movement leading up to puck drop
- The total opened at 6.5 and also remains at that price at the time of writing
- Both teams have been on fire offensively, and I think it's more likely this line moves closer to seven rather than six
Avalanche vs Golden Knights trend
There have been seven or more total goals scored in each of Colorado’s past five games. Find more NHL betting trends for Avalanche vs. Golden Knights.
Avalanche vs Golden Knights game info
| Location: | Ball Arena, Denver, CO |
| Date: | Sunday, 4-14-2024 |
| Puck drop: | 3:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | TNT |
Avalanche vs Golden Knights latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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