The Colorado Avalanche sent the Kings packing in four games, and Cale Makar is rested ahead of tonight's opening salvo against the Minnesota Wild.
My Wild vs. Avalanche predictions expect Makar to pick up where he left off as an elite shot-maker.
Let’s break it all down with my NHL picks for Sunday, May 3.
- UPDATE: Added a prediction for who will win tonight and a Nathan MacKinnon goal-scorer prop.
Wild vs Avalanche Game 1 prediction
Who will win Wild vs Avalanche Game 1?
Colorado: The Colorado Avalanche led the NHL with a 64% goal share at 5-on-5 when playing on home ice. Their speed and skill are almost impossible for teams to slow down at altitude, and they’re very well rested after making quick work of Los Angeles in the first round.
Wild vs Avalanche best bet: Cale Makar Over 3.5 shots (+130)
Cale Makar generated a ton of volume against the Minnesota Wild during the regular season, piling up 45 attempts over four meetings.
That's no coincidence. The Wild allowed the second-most shots to defensemen over the course of the year, and that's held true in the playoffs.
Top defenseman Miro Heiskanen had a field day, averaging 3.5 shots on goal and leading the Stars in shot attempts — and he’s not nearly as strong a shot-generator as Makar.
Makar has also done his best work at home come playoff time, producing 3.8 shots and 9.3 attempts over his last 10 in Colorado.
Enjoying Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account
Wild vs Avalanche Game 1 same-game parlay
Makar led the Avalanche in time on ice during the opening round. Given his elite talents, it should be no surprise he was also on for more scoring chances and expected goals than any player on the roster.
He has his hand in everything offensively, and his chances of hitting the scoresheet only grow if the shot volume is there.
For Minnesota, it’s hard not to get excited about Matt Boldy’s shooting. He averaged 5.5 shots on goal in the first round, and the Avalanche have allowed the third-most shots to wingers in these playoffs.
Wild vs Avalanche SGP
- Cale Makar Over 3.5 shots
- Cale Makar Over 0.5 points
- Matt Boldy Over 3.5 shots
Wild vs Avalanche Game 1 goal scorer pick
Nathan MacKinnon (-115)
Sometimes the boring pick is the right one, and I think that’s the case here.
Nathan MacKinnon averaged 0.80 goals per game following two days of rest this year and scored five goals over five games when having at least three days off in between games.
He is lethal at any point, but his goal scoring ramps up even further when the tank is full.
Wild vs Avalanche odds for Game 1
- Moneyline: Wild +150 | Avalanche -175
- Puck Line: Wild +1.5| Avalanche -1.5
- Over/Under: Over 5.5 | Under 5.5
Wild vs Avalanche trend
Nathan MacKinnon has scored in seven of his past 10 games against Minnesota. Find more NHL betting trends for Wild vs. Avalanche.
How to watch Wild vs Avalanche Game 1
| Location | Ball Arena, Denver, CO |
| Date | Sunday, May 3, 2026 |
| Puck drop | 9:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | TNT |
Wild vs Avalanche latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
