Golden Knights vs Avalanche Prediction, Odds & Picks

Feb 27, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) controls the puck under pressure from Vegas Golden Knights left wing William Carrier (28) in the second period at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY SportsWednesday night hockey pits the Golden Knights against the Colorado AvalancheVegas won the first meeting this season by a staggering 7-0 score on Nov. 4Read below for our expert Golden Knights vs Avalanche prediction, odds and picks

Two NHL Western Conference juggernauts clash Wednesday night, as the Vegas Golden Knights (23-12-5) travel to Denver to face the Colorado Avalanche (26-12-2). Puck drop is set for 10pm EST, with TNT carrying the broadcast from Ball Arena.

The Golden Knights are priced as road underdogs despite blowing out Colorado in the first meeting this season. The over/under is listed at 6.5 for a matchup featuring superstars Jack Eichel and Nathan MacKinnon.

Let’s delve into the Golden Knights vs Avalanche prediction as we break down the Wednesday NHL odds.

Golden Knights vs Avalanche Odds

In the Golden Knights vs Avalanche odds for Wednesday, the Avalanche are -145 favorites, giving them 59.2% implied probability.

Odds as of Jan. 10 at ESPN Bet. Sign up at the newly launched ESPN Sportsbook using promo code DIME to unlock a $150 bonus for Avs vs Knights!

Golden Knights vs Avalanche History

The Golden Knights and Avalanche are no strangers to one another, having faced off six times over the past two seasons. Colorado is 5-2 in that span, although the Golden Knights blew out the Avalanche by a 7-0 score in the first meetings of the 2023-24 season.

There is also a developing “under” trend in the NHL odds, as the Avs and Knights have gone under the posted game total in six of the past seven meetings dating back to 2021. The “over”, however, cashed in the first meeting of 2023-24.

Golden Knights Betting Trends

Vegas had a strong start to the season, winning 11 of their first 12 games. However, their performance dipped recently. After a successful streak in early December, they’ve lost seven out of their last 10 games. They did, however, manage a victory against the New York Islanders last Saturday.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aX9nL3TD1x8

The Knights’ recent struggles are partly due to injuries. Key players like defenseman Shea Theodore, plus forwards William Karlsson and William Carrier, are all out of action. Theodore has been sidelined since November 22, which is significant considering he plays over 23 minutes a night and quarterbacks PP1.

Another defenseman, Zach Whitecloud, missed the recent victory against New York due to an injury. There is some hope, as Hill has resumed practicing and should be ready to play on Wednesday.

UPDATE: Bruce Cassidy told reporters on Monday afternoon that Hill will start in goal against Colorado. The 27-year-old Stanley Cup Champion is 10-2-0 with a .933 save percentage and 1.93 GAA.

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Avalanche Betting Trends

Despite being hampered by consistency issues this season, Colorado enters Wednesday Night Hockey with an impressive 7-2-1 record in their past 10 games. The Avs are scoring an average of 3.66 goals per contest, which ranks 2nd in the entire NHL.

The Avalanche have also been dealing with injuries. Forward Miles Wood has missed two games due to illness but might be back for the upcoming game. Defenseman Josh Manson was out in their last game against the Bruins.

Josh Manson takes the ice for morning skate as Coach Landeskog looks on. pic.twitter.com/oxqCXvoNCu

— Evan Rawal (@evanrawal) January 10, 2024

Colorado called up Jason Polin from the AHL, and he debuted in their recent 4-3 shootout victory over Boston. Defenseman Sam Malinski, filling in for Manson, scored his second goal of the season. Bowen Byram (lower body) remains on injured reserve.

Star forward Nathan MacKinnon remains a consistent force for the Avalanche. As of Tuesday, he’s second in the NHL in scoring with 66 points. If he scores in the game against Vegas, he’ll match Joe Sakic’s record for the longest home point streak in team history (23).

In net, the Avalanche will be turning Wednesday to Alexander Georgiev, who is 22-9-2 on the season with an underwhelming .895 save percentage and 2.97 GAA.

Golden Knights vs Avalanche Prediction

Despite how the first meeting went this season, there’s no doubt which team is playing better hockey right now. Colorado has a 52.81 CF% at even strength over the past 10 games, while the Golden Knights possess a 46.46 CF% in that same span.

While the November matchup was played in Sin City, this showdown is taking place at Ball Arena, where the Avs have gone 17-5-0 this season. The Golden Knights are 9-8-3 on the road in 2023-24 this season but have dropped five straight games away from T-Mobile Arena.

This NHL moneyline is a bit inflated for our liking, but we’re still taking Colorado in this spot. MacKinnon is simply on another level right now, and this Avalanche offense should exploit a Vegas defense missing one of its most reliable pieces in Shea Theodore.

Pick: Avalanche ML (-145 at ESPN Bet )

 

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