Golden Knights vs Avalanche Odds, Picks, and Predictions Tonight: Too Many Injuries on Defense

The last two Stanley Cup champs will meet tonight at altitude as the Vegas Golden Knights take on the Colorado Avalanche who have taken 15 of a possible 18 points over their last nine games and have moved from -140 to -150 in the NHL odds. 

With a ton of injuries on the Vegas blueline and the Avs playing perfect Over hockey of late, is hitting a slightly inflated total on the Over still the best move for bettors even if Adin Hill returns?

I break down the odds and offer my free NHL picks for Golden Knights vs. Avalanche on Wednesday, January 10.  

Golden Knights vs Avalanche odds

Golden Knights vs Avalanche predictions

The Colorado Avalanche will face a different Vegas Golden Knights team tonight than the one that beat them 7-0 in Nevada back in early November. 

The Knights, who enter tonight 3-7 SU over their last 10, are already without defensemen Shea Theodore, Kaedan Korczak, and Ben Hutton while Zach Whitecloud is questionable after missing Saturday’s game. These are on top of injuries to forwards William Karlsson and William Carrier.

It’s also a little confusing in net as Adin Hill has played one game since the beginning of December but has been practicing and is questionable to start tonight. His backup — and the goalie who has been holding the fort in Hill’s absence — Logan Thompson, is also questionable with an illness and it’s being reported that he won’t dress. 

There is a chance that rookie Jiri Patera and his 3.98 GAA will get the start. If he is announced, the Over would get some money. 

The Avs are moving on the moneyline, but these injuries and goalie uncertainties have me getting on that Over 6.5 at even money.

Colorado has been playing great Over hockey, hitting the public bet in four straight, and has been one of the more profitable Over teams at 23-16-2 O/U on the year. The top lines are getting big minutes and their No. 4-ranked power play has a big advantage vs. the Knights’ No. 27 PK since December 1. 

The game script can go either way for Colorado to cash this Over. The Avs have proven to be a great come-from-behind team with a recent 5-4 win over the Islanders coming to mind, but they can also let leads slip away as they did vs. the Bruins on Monday.

This is also a team that has some injuries on the blueline with Bowen Byram out and Josh Manson questionable. It will be more minutes for Cale Makar, who has been very productive and played over 30 minutes vs. the Bruins. 

Even if Hill does come back, I don't expect him to be in the elite form he showcased early in the year. Altitude isn’t great and he has been off for basically six weeks. 

I like goals here and two-way scoring. Both teams to score three-plus goals is +170, which is also a play I like here in the nightcap. 

My best bet: Over 6.5 (+100 at bet365)

Golden Knights vs Avalanche same-game parlay

Both teams to score 3+ goals

Cale Makar Over 3.5 shots on goal

Jack Eichel Over 0.5 points

+550 at bet365

Both teams have the top-line talent to put up goals and the Avs have seen both teams to score 3+ in each of their last four and six of their last nine games.

Makar has a great shooting matchup tonight and is coming off a game where he logged over 30 minutes. He is one of the best skaters in hockey, which allows him to get into great shooting locations. Only one other D-man takes more shot attempts/60 on the power play than Makar.

Jonathan Marchessault has been put back up to the top line with Jack Eichel and that line should have some great scoring opportunities tonight vs. an injured Colorado blueline.  

Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.

Golden Knights vs Avalanche moneyline and Over/Under analysis

Colorado opened at -140 on the moneyline but has taken some money, moving this ML to as short as -150. The total is taking some Over money but there is still some room for both the side and total to move as the Golden Knights have some goalie issues.

All three of their goalies are theoretically in play to start tonight as of early Wednesday afternoon. Hill would be the best for the visitors but he has been off for a long time and although he has been practicing, he is not a lock to dress. Logan Thompson is dealing with an illness and it’s been reported that he won’t dress tonight. 

That could mean Patera will start and if he does, Colorado and Over money would come in. I feel this number is a median between Patera and Hill. 

Vegas has struggled of late and a lot of that has to do with the culminating injuries — especially on the blueline. They’re unable to be the great defensive team that bettors have seen in the past and the amount of shot attempts they are allowing over the last six weeks at even strength is a Bottom-7 mark. Missing a lot of their key shot-blockers isn't helping either with all the shot attempts allowed. 

The visitors are also struggling to stop opposing power plays with the No. 27 PK since December 1. The Knights have allowed multiple power-play goals in five of their last nine games.

I think there is some value in taking the Avs in this spot early at -140 (or in regulation at +115). If Hill doesn’t start, this could close at -165 but if he does go, the move towards the Knights will be slightly less — possibly to -135 at the most. 

I’m projecting two-way scoring in this game and just see the Colorado offense having the better matchup thanks to special teams. The injuries to Vegas are significant and have been the reason for their poor play of late, and the altitude won't help matters.

Golden Knights vs Avalanche betting trend to know

The Avalanche have only hit the 1P Total Under in 37 of their last 92 games (-12.65 Units / -14% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Golden Knights vs. Avalanche.

Golden Knights vs Avalanche game info

Golden Knights vs Avalanche latest injuries

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