Here are tonight’s NHL predictions and best bets for Game 1 between the Vegas Golden Knights and Colorado Avalanche.

Vegas Golden Knights (+165) at Colorado Avalanche (-195)

Total 6 (Over, -128)Game 1- Western Conference Final

Embed from Getty Images

8 p.m. ET

Game One of the Western Conference Finals kicks off tonight in Denver. The Vegas Golden Knights are making their fifth trip to the Western Conference Finals, while the Avalanche are returning for the first time to the Conference Finals since winning the Stanley Cup in 2022. The Golden Knights are coming off a pair of six-game series, knocking off the Utah Mammoth in round one and the Anaheim Ducks in round two. The Avalanche swept the LA Kings in their opening round series and then took out the Minnesota Wild in five games. These teams met three times in the regular season, with Vegas winning the most recent meeting (April 11), 3-2 in overtime, and the Avs taking both meetings in Vegas (4-2 and 6-5 in a shootout). 

Eight of the Knights’ 12 playoff games have had a combined six goals or more, while each of the last seven Colorado games has had a combined six goals or more. Four of their five games against the Wild had a combined seven goals or more. Colorado is on a 6-1 1st period Over 1.5 goals run, and the Knights have cashed the first period Over 1.5 goals in four consecutive games. 

On to the player props. VGK defenseman Shea Theodore has picked up a point in six of his last nine games. Brett Howden scored a goal in seven of his last nine games. Goalie Carter Hart has made 29 or more saves in five of his last eight games and in both meetings versus the Avs this season (30,34). 

On the Colorado side, Cale Makar did not practice on Tuesday, as he is dealing with an injury he suffered in the clinching game against the Minnesota Wild. Makar did not have a shot on goal in game five versus Minnesota (just one attempt) and appeared to defer to his teammates and pass up “Grade A” scoring chances. I am betting that Makar is still compromised and will play his shot on goal Under 2.5. Martin Necas has had two points or more in four of the five games against the Wild and in two of the three games this season versus the Golden Knights. Nathan MacKinnon has had six shots on goal or more in four of the last five meetings against the Golden Knights and in six consecutive home games versus Vegas. He has also had at least two first period shots on goal versus Vegas in six of the last seven and nine of the last twelve head-to-head meetings.

NHL Predictions and Best Bets: Shea Theodore Over ½ point (+106) – ½ unit1st period Over 1.5 goals (-125) – 1 unitVegas/Colorado Over 6 (-128) – 1 unitBrett Howden anytime goal (+370) – ½ unitCarter Hart Over 28.5 saves (-105) – 1 unitCale Makar Under 2.5 shots on goal (-105) – 1 unitMartin Necas 2+ points (+168) – 1 unitNathan MacKinnon 2+ 1st period shots on goal (+162) – 1 unitNathan MacKinnon 5+ shots on goal (+150) – 1 unit

7:30 p.m. ET

The post Vegas Golden Knights vs. Colorado Avalanche Game 1: NHL Expert Picks on Wednesday, May 20 appeared first on VSiN.