NHL: Knights vs Avalanche Game 1 Picks and Odds | May 20, 2026
Written by: Nick Zanghi
Published: Wed May 20, 2026, 8:00 am ET
Read Time: 5 minutes
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Our Western Conference Finals matchup is finally ready to kick off! The Vegas Golden Knights will take on the Colorado Avalanche in this seven-game series. Colorado won the season series 2-1, with the last two games going to overtime.
Colorado just finished off a 4-1 series win over the Minnesota Wild. They come into this game after a Game 5 where they came back down 3-0 to force overtime and win the game to end the series. Forward Nathan MacKinnon sent the game to OT and Brett Kulak at the series clincher.
Both first and second rounds, Colorado was completely in control, only losing one game. We all thought Minnesota would be a test for them and the Avs didn't falter one bit. Vegas will pose a threat, but do they have what it takes to beat Colorado?
Goaltending has been very good for the Avs. Goalies Scott Wedgewood and Mackenzie Blackwood have been an outstanding tantum for Colorado. We'll see who gets the start for Game 1 tonight at home.
Check out the odds for this matchup and other NHL games at the best online sportsbooks.
Vegas comes in ready for battle after beating Anaheim
Knights forward Mitch Marner and Brett Howden celebrate after scoring a goal last round.
The Knights come in off a 4-2 series win over the Ducks in round two. They come into this game off a dominating Game 6 win on the road. Once they took the 3-2 series lead, you knew they were ready to get the job done.
Forward Mitch Marner has really stepped up for the team. He currently leads the playoffs with 16 points. The team needs it with guys like forward Mark Stone day-to-day with a lower body injury. Forward Pavel Dorofeyev ended the series on fire with 5 goals in the last three games.
Defense is going to have their work cut out for them. The Avalanche has the best offense in the league and so many weapons to turn to. Vegas is going to need to clamp them down and keep that shot count down to give the goalie a chance.
We should see Carter Hart get the start. He has started every game these playoffs and been great going 8-4 in the two series. Let's check out the odds and get into the Knights vs. Avalanche Game 1 picks.
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Colorado Avalanche Betting Odds and Game Information
Knights vs Avalanche Betting Odds – May 20
| Team | Puck Line | Moneyline | Over/Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vegas Golden Knights | +1.5 (-155) | +165 | Over 6.5 (+100) |
| Colorado Avalanche | -1.5 (+130) | -195 | Under 6.5 (-120) |
Odds courtesy of Lucky Rebel – Get a $1,250 deposit bonus & 50 Slot Spins when you sign up
Knights vs. Avalanche Game Information
- Venue: Ball Arena, Denver, CO
- Date: Wednesday May 20, 2026
- Puck Drop: 8 p.m. EST
- TV: ESPN
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Anaheim Ducks Picks and Prediction
Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon celebrates his goal during a playoff game earlier this year.
Knights vs. Avalanche Game 1 Picks and Predictions: Colorado Avalanche Spread -1.5 (+130) Get a $1,250 deposit bonus & 50 Slot Spins when you sign up with Lucky Rebel
I'm taking the home team here and I think they cover the spread. This could be an empty netter to seal the two-goal lead needed, which is total fine. I don't think that that's going to be the case though.
Colorado has had the hardest path so far and only lost one game. I can see this as their easiest opponent so far and they absolutely unleash on them. They've had a week of rest and practice, and I think they come out and make a statement in Game 1.
With that being said, I like a few Avs to get their shots on goal. Give me Nate Dog to start with 4 or more shots on goal. He's hit in five of his last six games and is coming off a 9 shots on goal game. I also like Nazem Kadri to get 3 or more shots on goal. Kadri missed his last game but hit in all other four games vs. Minnesota.
Another play I like is for the Knights goalie to get over his saves line. It will most likely be Carter Hart and he'll get peppered. All we need is the line to be lower than 30 and we're sending it – he's going to easily see over 30 shots.
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Nick Zanghi
Nick Zanghi is an avid hockey fan who loves to bet on the NHL Props. He has also found a liking for the WNBA. Born and raised on LI, NZ is a lifelong Islanders #isles fan and a new NY Liberty fan #LIGHTITUPNYL. When not watching or attending sporting events, he enjoys grilling and time with his wife and kids.
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