The Vegas Golden Knights (1-4-0) and Colorado Avalanche (2-3-0) meet Tuesday night in Denver. Puck drop at Ball Arena is slated for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Golden Knights vs. Avalanche odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.
Vegas has lost four of its first five games. Injuries have been a problem, and the Golden Knights have struggled offensively. F Max Pacioretty (shoulder) and F Mark Stone (lower body) are out, and that makes for 251 points from the last two seasons on the shelf. What’s left is averaging just 2.0 goals per game (28th NHL).
The Avs have been dealing with injuries and COVID-19 protocols. However, they got star F Nathan MacKinnon back from the COVID-19 list on a recent three-game road trip. McKinnon had a goal and 2 assists in a shutout win over the Tampa Bay Lightning Saturday.
Golden Knights at Avalanche odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:48 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Golden Knights +155 (bet $100 to win $155) | Avalanche -190 (bet $190 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Golden Knights +1.5 (-170) | Avalanche -1.5 (+133)
- Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -135 | U: +110)
Watch: ESPN+ has become a must-have for hockey fans. Get access to more than 1,000 out-of-market NHL games, 75 weekly national games, and more all season. Sign up for ESPN+ now!
Golden Knights at Avalanche projected goalies
Robin Lehner (1-4-0, 3.28 GAA, .908 SV%) vs. Darcy Kuemper (2-2-0, 3.51 GAA, .894 SV%)
Lehner stopped 24-of-26 in a 2-0 loss against the New York Islanders Sunday. He’s facing the Avs for the first time since Colorado got to him for 7 goals (5 even-strength, 2 power-play) in a May 30 playoff game.
Kuemper is off to a bit of a slow start. The 31-year-old clocked a .922 SV% over the last three seasons in Arizona. Kuemper has a solid history of performing well at home (.921 SV%).
Golden Knights at Avalanche odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Avalanche 4, Golden Knights 2
Money line
Both teams are struggling, however, puck-possession and shot analytics indicate Colorado as at least playing a more representative brand of hockey thus far.
The Avs are returning home after a three-game road trip. Colorado was 8-0 last season in home games on the heels of multi-game trips.
BACK THE AVALANCHE (-190).
Against the spread
Consider splitting action on the Avs, going with a half-unit on the money line and a half-unit on the puck line. In those eight return-home victories last season, four wins were by margins of 3 goals or more. One of those — a 5-1 triumph — was against the Vegas Golden Knights.
TAKE COLORADO -1.5 (+133).
Over/Under
Respecting what looks to be a well-constructed number here: PASS.
If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.
Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]