Nathan MacKinnon paces the Colorado Avalanche with 36 shots on goal and 13 points entering tonight's Game 1 of the Western Conference Final vs. the Vegas Golden Knights.
He'll have even more on his plate without Cale Makar in the lineup, so my Golden Knights vs. Avalanche predictions expect the superstar to build upon his incredible production thus far.
Read on for my NHL picks for Wednesday, May 20, and don't miss puck drop at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.
- UPDATE: Added a prediction for who will win tonight.
Golden Knights vs Avalanche Game 1 prediction
Who will win Golden Knights vs Avalanche Game 1?
Avalanche: The Avalanche are a nightmare to deal with at home, particularly when well-rested. Including the playoffs, they are 9-1 in Colorado this season following at least two days off. They have completely steamrolled opponents along the way, out-scoring them 44-25 in aggregate. The Golden Knights have played well since the coaching change, but Colorado is a completely different animal.
Golden Knights vs Avalanche best bet: Nathan MacKinnon Over 4.5 shots on goal (+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.
Note: Would play MacKinnon o3.5 shots to -200.
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Golden Knights vs Avalanche Game 1 same-game parlay
Sam Malinski will take over as the No. 1 offensive defenseman in the absence of Cale Makar. He will see expanded minutes at 5-on-5, and likely replace Makar as the quarterback on the top power play.
That means plenty of ice with MacKinnon and the team's top players in a game the Avalanche have a team total of O/U 3.5, setting him up for success.
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
- Sam Malinski Over 0.5 assists
- Jack Eichel Over 2.5 shots
Golden Knights vs Avalanche Game 1 goal scorer pick
Martin Necas (+145)
Martin Necas has gotten a lot of praise in the playoffs for his playmaking, but he has also threatened as a shooter, ranking second on the Avalanche with 25 shots on goal. He scored three goals over three meetings with the Golden Knights this season and, with last change at home, will get more shifts against weaker competition than on the road.
Golden Knights vs Avalanche odds for Game 1
- Moneyline: Golden Knights +145 | Avalanche -170
- Puck Line: Golden Knights +1.5 (-165) | Avalanche -1.5 (+140)
- 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.
Not intended for use in MA.
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