Avalanche vs. Golden Knights Game 3: Prediction & Best Bets

The Colorado Avalanche and Vegas Golden Knights hit the ice on Sunday night for Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals. Colorado entered this series as heavy favorites, but Vegas has surprisingly obtained two road victories and a commanding 2-0 series lead.

Game 3 is already a must-win for the Avalanche in the NHL Playoffs, especially with these next two games taking place on the road. The absence of Cale Makar has clearly affected this team, but can they rally to make this a series?

Avalanche vs. Golden Knights Game 3 betting picks and predictions

Colorado Avalanche ML (-150)

Losing is not an option for the Avalanche. Going down 3-0 to a strong and well-run machine like Vegas is a death sentence they cannot get out of, but securing a win to get back in the series at 2-1 would make all the difference.

While they have dominated all season long, Colorado needs to put their best foot forward and work right from puck drop. With the elite talent on this team and the veteran presence throughout, I am counting on it.

Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar has clearly got to make major adjustments in Game 3 and beyond. He is facing a veteran coach in John Tortarella and an excellent team, but I have faith in the former Stanley Cup winning coach, who has amassed a combined 505 wins in the regular season and playoffs.

T-Mobile Arena in Vegas is always a loud building, but hitting the road could play as the reset button Colorado needs, alleviating some pressure from playing in their own building. They were 29-7-5 on the road, so they are no stranger to road success.

I also have faith in the Avalanche's stacked lineup, and the leadership of captain Gabriel Landeskog, as well as Nathan MacKinnon, Devon Toews and Cale Makar - if he can suit up. No team can run through the playoffs without adversity, and this lineup has all the tools to win the Stanley Cup. It starts here with a Game 3 win.

Over 6.0 (-105)

The Golden Knights have shown no struggles in the offensive department during this series so far. They are averaging 3.5 goals per game, as well as a consistent 25.5 shots per game. They are now tied with Colorado for the highest goals per game average of the remaining teams (3.64), which is second overall in the playoffs.

It really comes to no surprise given the absolute depth and talent on the team, and as they are riding with momentum and confidence, I see this production continuing.

Colorado was an absolute offensive juggernaut in the regular season, averaging 3.63 goals per game over 82 games. Previously to this series they showed an even better rate in the playoffs, until they scored 3 goals in the 2 games so far against Vegas.

Vegas goaltender Carter Hart has elevated his game to an elite level as these playoffs have progressed, but any goaltender can be on the receiving end of Colorado’s offense. In what should be Colorado’s best effort all playoffs, I expect a massive uptick in offense.

Martin Necas anytime goal (+175)

Martin Necas was elite during the regular season, scoring 38 goals and 100 points, both career highs by a large margin. He has produced a strong 11 points in 11 playoff games, although goal scoring has been a problem as he has just 1. In fact, Necas has just 2 playoff goals in 18 career playoff games with Colorado.

This is a shocking record for one of the elite forwards in the NHL, and is not ideal as his team is down 0-2 in the series. With Cale Makar possibly missing the third-straight game, it is absolutely critical that Necas becomes is a major factor.

He has averaged 22:23 time on ice and 2.5 shots per game during this series, but has yet to find the scoresheet in any capacity and is -4. In a do or die effort from Colorado, I expect him to show his worth and produce as everyone expects.

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Avalanche vs. Golden Knights Game 3 odds

Avalanche	-150
Golden Knights	+125
Puck Line	COL Avalanche -1.5
Total	O/U 6.0

Avalanche vs. Golden Knights Game 3 player props

Anytime goalscorer

Nathan MacKinnon (Avalanche)	+100
Martin Necas (Avalanche)	+175
Pavel Dorofeyev (Golden Knights)	+210
Jack Eichel (Golden Knights)	+220
Mitch Marner (Golden Knights)	+220
Gabriel Landeskog (Avalanche)	+265

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.