The NHL Conference Finals begin Wednesday night with the Colorado Avalanche hosting the Vegas Golden Knights for Game 1 in the Western Conference Finals. The Avalanche captured the Presidents’ Trophy after recording 121 points during the regular season to secure the NHL’s best record, but the Golden Knights shouldn’t be viewed as an easy opponent.
Since joining the NHL in the 2017-18 season, the Golden Knights have made the playoffs in eight of their nine seasons, including two Stanley Cup Final appearances and one championship. Colorado has also been one of the league’s top teams during that span, making the playoffs in each of the last nine seasons, winning the Presidents’ Trophy twice, and capturing the Stanley Cup in 2022-23.
Colorado has lost just one game so far this postseason, so it’s important for Vegas to get off to a fast start if it wants a realistic chance of advancing to the Stanley Cup Final.
Golden Knights vs. Avalanche Game 1 Odds
The Avalanche are listed as home favorites at Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook for Wednesday night’s Game 1:
- Moneyline: Avalanche -170, Golden Knights +140
- Puck Line: Avalanche -1.5 (+140), Golden Knights +1.5 (-185)
- Total (Goals): Over 6.5 (+105), Under 6.5 (-130)
With just one playoff loss this postseason, the Avalanche are significant betting favorites at -300 odds to win the Western Conference Finals and advance to the Stanley Cup Final.
Golden Knights vs. Avalanche Picks & Predictions for Game 1
It may only be Game 1, but there’s already plenty at stake in this Western Conference Finals matchup. Make sure to get in on the hockey betting action by signing up with Hard Rock Bet and checking out the Stats Hub for betting insights and trends for Golden Knights vs. Avalanche.
Here are two picks for Wednesday night’s game via the Stats Hub:
Golden Knights vs. Avalanche Best Bet: Martin Nečas Over 1.5 Points
This pick is based largely on who Martin Nečas shares the ice with. Playing alongside 2025-26 Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy winner Nathan MacKinnon is a major reason why Nečas’ points prop stands out for Wednesday night.
Nečas has had an outstanding season of his own, totaling 100 points during the regular season while recording a team-high 10 assists and the second-most points (11) for Colorado in the playoffs. He has gone over 1.5 points in four of his last five games, thanks in large part to assists to his linemates, including several to MacKinnon, who enters Game 1 riding a six-game goal streak.
- Golden Knights vs. Avalanche Game 1 Player Prop Pick: Martin Nečas Over 1.5 Points (+155)
Golden Knights vs. Avalanche Best Bet: Brett Howden Over 0.5 Points
Brett Howden is another name to watch in the points prop market for Game 1. The veteran center has recorded at least one point in seven of his last nine games, including two multi-point performances.
Most of his production has come through goal scoring, as his eight goals are the second-most on the Golden Knights this postseason. Howden has also scored in five consecutive road games, adding another layer of intrigue with Vegas opening the series in Colorado.
- Golden Knights vs. Avalanche Game 1 Player Prop Pick: Brett Howden Over 0.5 Points (+140)
Top 5 Most-Bet Player Props for VGK-COL
This Western Conference Finals matchup features elite talent on both sides, making player props a popular focus in hockey betting markets:
- Nathan MacKinnon – Goals Over 0.5
- Nathan MacKinnon – Shots Over 3.5
- Pavel Dorofeyev – Goals Over 0.5
- Jack Eichel – Shots Over 2.5
- Jack Eichel – Goals Over 0.5
Golden Knights vs. Avalanche Game 1 Info
- 📍 Where: Ball Arena, Denver, CO
- 📅 Date: Wednesday, May 20
- ⏰ Puck Drop: 8:00 PM ET
- 📺💻 TV/Streaming: ESPN
- 🏒 Series: 0-0
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Referenced odds are subject to change.
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