Vegas Golden Knights and Colorado Avalanche are set for Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals on Friday night at Ball Arena in Denver.
The Golden Knights took Game 1 by a score of 4-2 and now have an opportunity to take a commanding 2-0 series lead before the series shifts back to Vegas.
However, after suffering just their second loss of the postseason, the Avalanche are sure to put forth a spirited effort looking to tie the series at one game apiece.
Given the sense of urgency for Colorado and the tough defensive edge for Vegas, Game 2 is sure to be a battle from start to finish and puck drop is slated for 8:10 p.m. ET.
Golden Knights vs. Avalanche betting picks and predictions
Avalanche -1.5 (+135)
After dropping Game 1 on home ice, the Avalanche enter Game 2 with a heightened sense of urgency. That could spell bad news for the Golden Knights.
The Avalanche have been great at bouncing back all season long and they have not suffered back-to-back losses since all the way back in the middle of March.
The Avs are still 8-2 in the playoffs and six of those wins have come in regulation, with five coming by multiple goals.
Colorado's track record of success this season is almost overwhelming and, despite an underwhelming result in Game 1, they should still enter Game 2 with plenty of confidence.
In Game 1's 4-2 loss, Colorado still managed to out-shoot Vegas 38-28. It took the offense a while to get going after a week-long break between the first and second round, but they got things going in the 3rd period with multiple goals.
Now that they have had a chance to get more into an offensive rhythm, Game 2 should produce a better result.
It's also worth mentioning Cale Makar's injury situation. The superstar defenseman was held out of Game 1 with an undisclosed injury and it was evident that his absence was felt.
His status for Game 2 is still up in the air, but he seems to be trending in the right direction. His status is worth monitoring, but even without Makar in the mix, Colorado is still wildly talented and still owns plenty of depth.
Look for the Avalanche to play with a vengeance in this one and win Game 2 by multiple goals.
Over 6 (-120)
As previously mentioned, the Colorado offense was slow out of the gate in Game 1. They were held scoreless throughout the first two periods and, despite putting 38 shots on goal in the contest, they weren't able to solve Carter Hart.
However, that could change in Game 2.
Colorado led the NHL by averaging 3.63 goals per game during the regular season and they lead all playoff teams by scoring 3.90 goals per game so far in the postseason.
Even if Makar is sidelined again, all four Colorado lines are capable of doing damage at any time. Vegas is a strong defensive team, but with Colorado looking to bounce back, look for the Avs to come out firing early and often.
Hart will be tested once again and it would be a bit surprising to see him post another game with a save percentage of .947, as he did in Game 1.
On the other side, the Vegas offensive attack was firing on all cylinders in Game 1. The Golden Knights are now scoring 3.69 goals per game in the playoffs, which is the 3rd-best mark among all playoff teams.
Like Colorado, Vegas is an experienced and well-rounded team that is capable of creating offensive pressure with all four lines.
With a total of 6.0, look to the over.
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Golden Knights vs. Avalanche odds
Vegas Golden Knights | +165 |
Colorado Avalanche | -200 |
Puck Line | COL Avalanche -1.5 |
Total | O/U 6.0 |
Golden Knights vs. Avalanche player props
Anytime goalscorer
Nathan MacKinnon (COL Avalanche) | -105 |
Martin Necas (COL Avalanche) | +160 |
Pavel Dorofeyev (VGS Golden Knights) | +210 |
Jack Eichel (VGS Golden Knights) | +220 |
Mitch Marner (VGS Golden Knights) | +220 |
Gabriel Landeskog (COL Avalanche) | +235 |
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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.
