Sam Malinski is one of the more underrated defensemen in the sport, and he'll have a bigger opportunity to shine without Cale Makar tonight.
My Golden Knights vs. Avalanche props and NHL picks expect Malinski to make the most of an expanded role in the series opener.
Be sure to read our full Golden Knights vs. Avalanche predictions on Wednesday, May 20.
Best Golden Knights vs Avalanche props for Game 1
| Player | Pick |  |
|---|---|---|
 Sam Malinski |
Over 2.5 shots on goal | +130 |
 Mitch Marner |
Over 0.5 assists | -145 |
| Brock Nelson |
Over 1.5 shots on goal | -160 |
Game 1 Prop #1: Sam Malinski Over 2.5 shots on goal
Sam Malinski is one of the most efficient shot-generating defensemen in the NHL, and he’s getting plenty of ice.
Malinski has logged at least 19 minutes of ice in every playoff game he has suited up for this year, and will be heading for more with Cale Makar sidelined.
Malinski averaged 2.8 shots on goal on 6.6 attempts in games he played at least 19 minutes, going Over 2.5 shots in 50% of them. Taking things a step further, he generated 7.3 attempts per game without Makar.
A +130 price point is generous for those outputs.
Game 1 Prop #2: Mitch Marner Over 0.5 assists
Mitch Marner has scored seven goals through two rounds, but he is averaging only one more shot attempt per 60 minutes than he did in the regular season. The scoring surge stems from red-hot shooting (he owns a 24% SH%) rather than an uptick in volume.
He is still a playmaker first, producing 11 assists through 12 games while taking ~23% of the on-ice attempts. There are a lot of shots he has a hand in facilitating.
Marner had assists in all three games against the Colorado Avalanche this season, and the Vegas Golden Knights will need his playmaking to keep up.
Game 1 Prop #3: Brock Nelson Over 1.5 shots on goal
Brock Nelson is not expected to center Valeri Nichushkin, who was his most common linemate through the first two rounds. That’s a big plus for his shot volume.
Nelson averaged just 9.17 shot attempts, and 3.53 shots on goal, per 60 minutes of 5-on-5 play with Nichushkin by his side.
For comparison, he's averaged 12.37 attempts with Nic Roy and 13.90 attempts with Artturi Lehkonen — his new projected linemates.
Nelson recorded multiple shots on goal in all three regular season meetings with Vegas, and is now well-positioned to do so again in Game 1.
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Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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