Vegas Golden Knights vs Colorado Avalanche Betting Pick & Prediction for Game 1 on 5/20

bangthebook nhl game preview

The NHL playoffs continue with Game 1 between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche. The series is tied at 0-0 in this best-of-7 round. The game takes place at Ball Arena on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 8:00 PM, and fans can watch it on ESPN.

The Golden Knights come into the game with an 8-4 postseason record. They have won their last two games. The Avalanche, coached by Jared Bednar, have an impressive 8-1 postseason record. They have been perfect at home, winning all five games played at Ball Arena so far.

Golden Knights vs Avalanche Game Day Info

  • Sport: NHL
  • Teams: Vegas Golden Knights vs. Colorado Avalanche
  • Venue: Ball Arena
  • Date: Wednesday, May 20, 2026
  • Betting Odds: Colorado Avalanche -196, Vegas Golden Knights +167

Vegas Golden Knights Team Preview

The Vegas Golden Knights have been on a strong run in the postseason. They recently won against the Anaheim Ducks in Game 6 with a score of 5-1. Carter Hart, the goalie, made 31 saves on 32 shots in that game.

Mitchell Marner, Pavel Dorofeyev, and Shea Theodore have been key players for the Golden Knights. Marner has 18 points in 12 games, while Dorofeyev has scored 9 goals. Theodore has contributed with 9 points and 35 blocks.

The Golden Knights have shown strong stats in the postseason. They lead in goals scored with 44 and have 71 assists. Their goaltending has also been solid, with 322 saves, ranking second in the league.

Colorado Avalanche Team Preview

The Colorado Avalanche have been strong in the postseason. They have won four of their last five games. The team scored 37 goals, ranking them fifth in the playoffs.

Nathan MacKinnon leads the Avalanche with 13 points. He has scored seven goals and provided six assists in nine games. Martin Necas has been a key playmaker with ten assists.

In goal, Scott Wedgewood has been reliable. He has seven wins and only one loss. Wedgewood made 171 saves with 16 goals against in the playoffs.

BTB Betting Pick

The Colorado Avalanche are favored to win against the Vegas Golden Knights with a MoneyLine of -196. The Avalanche have strong postseason stats, ranking 5th in goals and assists. Given their overall performance and the odds, picking Colorado to win straight up is a reasonable choice.

The over/under for this game is set at 6.5. The Golden Knights lead in goals scored this postseason, while the Avalanche have a solid defense with fewer goals against. With both teams showing strong offensive and defensive stats, the game is likely to stay under 6.5 total goals.