Golden Knights vs Avalanche Odds, Picks, and Predictions Tonight: Injury-Riddled Offenses Lead to Under

There is a Western Conference tilt with the Central Division’s Colorado Avalanche hosting the Pacific Division’s Vegas Golden Knights. Despite the injuries plaguing each team, they both currently hold spots in the playoff picture.

Will the Avalanche hold the fort, or can the Golden Knights pull off the upset as a road underdog? Find out in our free NHL picks and predictions for Golden Knights vs Avalanche on Monday, January 2.

Golden Knights vs Avalanche best odds

Golden Knights vs Avalanche picks and predictions

Low-scoring games are typically in-store when these clubs meet as there have been six or fewer total goals scored in eight of their last nine meetings. Considering the injury report for this game, we should expect more of the same on Monday evening.

Vegas is expected to be without Jonathan Marchessault, Shea Theodore, and Jack Eichel. All three are key contributors to the offense and average around a point per game.

Meanwhile, Colorado is expected to miss Valeri Nichushkin, Gabriel Landeskog, and Bowen Byram, who also contribute to the Avs’ scoring operations. Missing key pieces of the offense has been a massive problem for Colorado all season, which is why the Under has cashed in 21 of their 34 games.

At 5-on-5, the Avs rank just 22nd in the league in expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60). However, the defense continues to thrive as Colorado ranks fifth in the league in expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60) at 5-on-5.

Backing up this elite defense is goaltender Alexandar Georgiev, who has been a strong presence in net this season. Through 26 starts, Georgiev is 15-8-3 with a .915 save percentage (SV%) and 2.66 goals-against average (GAA).

This strong season is likely to continue against Vegas, a team he has dominated over the last few seasons. Over his five career starts against the Knights, Georgiev boasts a .929 SV% and 2.37 GAA.

Across the ice, goaltender Logan Thompson is projected to get the start for Vegas, and he has extremely comparable numbers to Georgiev’s at 17-9-1 with a .915 SV% and 2.64 GAA.

Also similar to Colorado, the Golden Knights' blue line has been tremendous as they rank ninth in xGA/60. With all of the key injuries to both sides and two strong goaltenders backing up two elite defenses, expect a low-scoring affair between these two teams once again.

My best bet: Under 6.5 (-120 at BetMGM)

Golden Knights vs Avalanche moneyline analysis

I would lean towards the Golden Knights moneyline but am not confident enough to pull the trigger. While Colorado’s defense is slightly better than Vegas’, their offense has struggled far more.

Goaltending is likely a wash, and I made this game closer to a pick ‘em. That being said, it makes sense why the Knights are hovering between +130 and +140 as their injury list continues to mount at a faster rate than the Avs’.

The blue line is thin without Alec Martinez, Shea Theodore, Zach Whitecloud, or Daniil Miromanov. Meanwhile, they are missing two of their most dynamic playmakers in Eichel and Marchessault.

This team is too thin for my liking against the defending champions, although +140 is worthy of consideration as a pure value play.

Golden Knights vs Avalanche Over/Under analysis

Typically, the Knights are a tough group to take totals on because they are elite offensively and defensively. However, the injuries plaguing this group on offense makes the Under more intriguing.

Meanwhile, the Under has been a good bet for Colorado all season with its combination of elite defense and an injury-riddled attack. Entering this matchup, there have been six or fewer total goals scored in nine of the Avs’ last 12 games.

Both goaltenders are good enough to help ensure that this game stays under the total.

Golden Knights vs Avalanche betting trend to know

There have been six or fewer total goals scored in eight of the last nine meetings between these two clubs Find more NHL betting trends for Golden Knights vs Avalanche.

Golden Knights vs Avalanche game info

Golden Knights vs Avalanche key injuries

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