In this article we will formulate a Golden Knights vs Avalanche prediction for this NHL game on Saturday, December 27th at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Vegas Golden Knights Betting Preview
The Vegas Golden Knights are 17-8-10 this season after they defeated San Jose by a score of 7-2 in their last game. Vegas scored five goals in the first period and they cruised to the easy win. The Golden Knights out shot San Jose by a total of 26-23, won 47.4% of the face-offs, and went 1-4 on the power play in the game. Vegas got goals from Hertl, Howden, Marner (2), Sissons, Smith, and Stone, while Hart stopped 21 out of 23 shots, which was a .913 save percentage.
Prior to that game, Vegas lost to the Oilers by a score of 4-3 and the Flames by a score of 6-3. The Golden Knights have lost three of their last four games and they are currently first in the Pacific standings with 44 points. Vegas has scored 3.11 goals per game and they have allowed 2.86 goals against per game, while also going 25.9% on the power play and 81.4% on the penalty kill this season. Jack Eichel is the leading scorer for Vegas, but he continues to be out with an injury, while Mitch Marner has nine goals and 29 assists. The projected starting goalie for Vegas is Carter Hart, who is 4-1-2 with a 2.48 goals against average and a .904 save percentage this season.
Colorado Avalanche Betting Preview
The Colorado Avalanche are 27-2-7 this year after they defeated Utah by a score of 1-0 in their last game. Colorado played great defense throughout the game and they scored the only goal of the game in the second period for the win. The Avalanche were out shot by a total of 32-26, won 44.8% of the face-offs, and went 0-2 on the power play in the game. Colorado got their lone goal from Girard, while Wedgewood stopped all 32 shots in the shutout victory.
Prior to that game, Colorado defeated the Wild by a score of 5-1 and the Jets by a score of 3-2. The Avalanche have won six games in a row and they are currently first in the Central standings with 61 points. Colorado has scored 3.94 goals per game and they have allowed 2.11 goals against per game, while also going 16.1% on the power play and 85.4% on the penalty kill this season. Nathan MacKinnon has led Colorado with 30 goals and 31 assists, while Martin Necas has added 16 goals and 31 assists. The projected starting goalie for Colorado is Mackenzie Blackwood, who is 11-1-1 with a 2.16 goals against average and a .924 save percentage this year.
Why the Colorado Avalanche will win
- The Avalanche have won each of their last eight night games against Pacific Division opponents.
- The Golden Knights have lost five of their last six home games against opponents on a winning streak.
- The Golden Knights have failed to cover the puck line in 12 of their last 13 home games.
- The Avalanche have covered the puck line in seven of their last eight night games against Pacific Division opponents.
- The Avalanche have won the third period in eight of their last nine games when trailing after the second period.
Total Goals Facts
- Each of the Golden Knights’ last six night games against Western Conference opponents at T-Mobile Arena have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Seven of the Avalanche’s last eight games against the Golden Knights following a win have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Each of the last five Saturday games at T-Mobile Arena have gone OVER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Golden Knights’ last 12 games against opponents on a winning streak.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3’ market has hit in each of the Avalanche’s last 10 road games against the Golden Knights.
Vegas Golden Knights Player Prop Facts
- Tomas Hertl has scored at least one goal in four of his last five appearances with his team as an underdog against the Avalanche.
- Mark Stone has recorded at least one assist in each of his last six home appearances against Western Conference opponents.
- Colton Sissons has scored 13 career goals against the Avalanche – most against any opponent (including playoffs).
Colorado Avalanche Player Prop Facts
- Nathan MacKinnon has scored at least one goal in each of his last 10 Saturday appearances against Western Conference opponents.
- Cale Makar has recorded at least one assist in seven of the Avalanche’s last eight road games against the Golden Knights.
- Nathan MacKinnon ranks 1st in the league for Goals (30) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Vegas Golden Knights rank 6th in the league in power play percentage this season (25.89%).
- The Vegas Golden Knights rank 32nd in the league in penalty minutes this season (244).
- The Colorado Avalanche rank 1st in the league for goals per game this season (3.94).
- The Colorado Avalanche rank 1st in the league for goals against per game this season (2.11).
Golden Knights vs Avalanche Prediction
Both of these teams come into this matchup towards the top of the Western Conference standings, but Colorado is the hottest team in the NHL. The Avalanche are 12-2-5 on the road this year, while the Golden Knights are 8-4-5 at home. Vegas has lost three of their last four games, while Colorado has won six in a row. The Avalanche are elite on both ends of the ice and their goaltending has been fantastic. If Vegas had Eichel, I would consider taking them at home, but give me Colorado to get another win.