NHL Predictions and Best Bets:

Here are tonight’s NHL predictions and best bets for Game 2 between the Vegas Golden Knights and Colorado Avalanche.

Vegas Golden Knights (+170) at Colorado Avalanche (-200) 

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Total 6 (Over, -120)
Golden Knights lead series 1-0

8 p.m. ET

The Golden Knights captured game one of the Western Conference Final following a 4-2 win over Colorado on Wednesday night. When asked post-game about where the Avalanche came up short in game one, Nathan MacKinnon responded, “Execution!” 

Maybe the six days off had the Avalanche out of sync (Vegas had five days off), but I believe it had more to do with the absence of Cale Makar. The world-class blueliner is a game-changer, and, in my opinion, Makar’s absence levels the playing field between the two teams. As of 7 a.m. PT, there is no update on his status, but even if he does return to the lineup, one would have to believe he will be compromised. It’s safe to say that Makar is dealing with a right shoulder injury that is limiting his ability to shoot the puck, for starters. If Makar does play tonight, I would target his shots on goal prop and play the Under. If Makar doesn’t play tonight, then I will look to either Brent Burns or Devon Toews shots on goal prop. 

A couple of shots on goal props that I will be on for tonight include Nathan MacKinnon for at least two shots on goal in the first period. MacKinnon has cashed this prop in nine of the last 13 games. He has also had at least three shots on goal for the full game in six of his seven and 11 of 15. Nazem Kadri has had three shots on goal or more in five of the last six games and at least two shots on goal in six of the last seven games. Pavel Dorofeyev, taking advantage of his bump to the Golden Knights’ top line, has had at least three shots on goal in four straight games.

When it comes to goal props, the Golden Knights’ Brett Howden scored in Game One of the series and now has goals in eight of the last 10 games. Pavel Dorofeyev also scored in game one and has found the back of the net in each of the last four games. Nathan MacKinnon had his six-game goal streak snapped in game one. I do like MacKinnon for a goal tonight, and with that, I will also target MacKinnon for a third period goal. He has scored a third period goal in five of the last seven games. Lastly, Carter Hart has had 29 or more saves in each of his last three games and six of his last nine starts. 

NHL Predictions and Best Bets:
Vegas/Colorado Over 6 (-120) – 1 unit
Carter Hart Over 28.5 saves (-125) – 1 unit
Dorofeyev 2+/Kadri 2+/MacKinnon 3+ shots on goal (-135) – 2 units
Nathan MacKinnon 1st period 2+ shots on goal (+162) – 1 unit
Nathan MacKinnon anytime goal (-110) – ¾ units
Nathan MacKinnon 3rd period goal (+310) – ¼ unit
Brett Howden anytime goal (+300) – ½ unit
Pavel Dorofeyev anytime goal (+200) – ½ unit

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