The puck drops on Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals between the Vegas Golden Knights and Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday night in Denver.
My Golden Knights vs. Avalanche predictions expect superstar Nathan MacKinnon to set the tone with his shooting in the series opener.
Let's break it all down with my NHL picks for Wednesday, May 20.
Golden Knights vs Avalanche Game 1 prediction
Golden Knights vs Avalanche best bet: Nathan MacKinnon Over 4.5 shots (+115)
Nathan MacKinnon averaged 5.66 shots on 11 shot attempts over three meetings with the Vegas Golden Knights.
The Colorado Avalanche had just six power plays in total, so his output wasn't inflated by special teams. The tight whistle aligned with what we should see in a Conference Finals series, and MacKinnon still produced elite volume.
Expect more of the same in Game 1 at home. MacKinnon has generated five shots per game on 10.4 attempts through five contests in Colorado, and he has attempted 10+ shots in three of the last four.
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Golden Knights vs Avalanche Game 1 same-game parlay
Quality defensive teams haven't been able to slow Cale Makar down. He has averaged exactly one assist over 21 meetings with Top-10 shot suppression teams, picking up a helper in 16 of them.
Carter Hart is not a goaltender the Avalanche should worry about. Home ice, coupled with an abundance of rest, should allow them to test him early and often in Game 1.
It's all about Jack Eichel on the Vegas side. He cleared 2.5 shots on goal in both appearances against Colorado this season, and has gone Over in eight of the last nine against the Avalanche.
Golden Knights vs Avalanche SGP
- Nathan MacKinnon Over 4.5 shots
- Cale Makar Over 0.5 assists
- Jack Eichel Over 2.5 shots
Golden Knights vs Avalanche odds for Game 1
- Moneyline: Golden Knights +155 | Avalanche -180
- Puck Line: Golden Knights +1.5 (-155) | Avalanche -1.5 (+135)
- Over/Under: Over 6.5 (+110) | Under 6.5 (-130)
Golden Knights vs Avalanche trend
Colorado has hit the moneyline in 13 of the last 15 games (+10.35 units, 36% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Golden Knights vs. Avalanche.
How to watch Golden Knights vs Avalanche Game 1
| Location | Ball Arena, Denver, CO |
| Date | Wednesday, May 20, 2026 |
| Puck drop | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN |
Golden Knights vs Avalanche latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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