Golden Knights vs. Avalanche Prediction & Odds: Game 2 NHL Picks for Today, May 22
The Colorado Avalanche look to even the Western Conference final when they host the Vegas Golden Knights on Friday at Ball Arena in Denver (8 p.m. ET, ESPN).
I'm backing Colorado to secure the split in a game with six goals or fewer in my Golden Knights vs. Avalanche prediction. The Golden Knights have played sound defensive hockey recently, thanks in large part to Carter Hart's heroics. The Avs, meanwhile, will be hellbent on avoiding allowing the opening goal for a fifth straight game. I'm featuring Martin Necas for my player prop.
🏒 Golden Knights vs. Avalanche picks & odds today: May 22
See all of our experts' NHL picks based on the latest NHL odds.
| 💰 Pick | ⚖️ Bet size (units) | 🧠 Why I bet this |
|---|---|---|
| Avalanche -1.5 (+140 via DraftKings) | 0.5u → 0.7u | The Avs won 2 of 3 at home against the Wild last series |
| Under 6.5 (-130 via DraftKings) | 1u → 0.77u | Carter Hart has been sensational recently, and the Avs will clamp down defensively |
| Martin Necas Over 2.5 shots (-120 via FanDuel) | 1.5u → 1.25u | Necas hit the Over on this total in 6 of the last 7 |
Total wagered: 3 units | Max profit: 2.72 units
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🏆 Who will win Golden Knights vs. Avalanche?
The Avalanche lost their first game at home in Game 1 despite accumulating 4.07 expected goals. The Golden Knights played a perfect road game, but I expect the Avalanche to rebound and acquit themselves as they did in the third period of Game 1 throughout tonight's Game 2.
Like Game 1, it will be tight and close throughout, but I'm backing the Avs to win 4-2, thanks to a late insurance marker, possibly into an empty net.
Score prediction: Avalanche 4, Golden Knights 2
💰 Golden Knights vs. Avalanche prediction & best bet
Under 6.5 (-130)
Carter Hart is playing at the peak of his powers, conceding more than two goals once in the previous eight contests. He turned aside 36 of 38 shots in Game 1 and finished with 2.07 goals saved above expected.
I expect him to maintain that level in Game 2, with the Avs clamping down defensively. Colorado played a loose opening period in Game 1, which I expect will be rectified for tonight's critical battle.
The Avalanche have conceded the first goal in four straight games. Making sure they're airtight defensively will be the top priority for Jared Bednar and Co.
🔥 Best Golden Knights vs. Avalanche player prop bet
Martin Necas Over 2.5 shots (-120)
The Avs will be in a sour mood, and I expect them to match their 38 shots from Game 1. Necas hit the Over in six of the previous seven games, and he attempted 7 shots in Game 1.
He's failed to hit the Over on this total in just three of 10 games. Necas ended the series against the Minnesota Wild just as he started against the Golden Knights, with 7 attempted shots in the Game 6 clincher. In addition, he fired at least 3 shots on goal in five of six home games.
FanDuel offers the best price of the best sports betting sites.
🚀 Golden Knights vs. Avalanche same-game parlay
I'm going with the Avs moneyline rather than the spread, as it's a play I'm much more confident in. The odds don't suffice for a standalone bet, though.
I like the second and third legs, with the Hart seeing the puck regardless of how much traffic impedes his vision. The Avs average the most shots per game in the playoffs, which will likely be amplified in Game 2.
💵 Golden Knights vs. Avalanche SGP picks
- Avalanche ML (-190)
- Under 6.5 (-130)
- Martin Necas Over 2.5 shots (-130)
Best odds: +378 via DraftKings (0.2u -> 0.76u)
💵 My betting record for NHL picks
All NHL picks, including SGPs, have been tracked since March 1.
| Bet type | Record | Net profit | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 116-120-4 | +30.47 units ✅ | 13.7% ✅ |
| Game picks | 17-12 | +2.57 units ✅ | 9.9% ✅ |
| Player props | 75-89 | +3.94 units ✅ | 2.5% ✅ |
| Parlays | 5-25 | -.10 units ❌ | -2.7% ❌ |
💡 How I'm betting Golden Knights vs. Avalanche
Follow all of our NHL analysis and expert predictions this season.
As previously mentioned, I'd prefer to lock in the Avs on the moneyline, but the -190 odds are too expensive to pull the trigger. DraftKings offers decent odds for the Under 6.5. It's the only one of the best sports betting apps still offering 6.5, with the others at 6.
With Necas' shot total, FanDuel offers a considerably better price (-120) than the others. I'm happy with those odds, considering how consistently Necas is hitting the Over in these playoffs.
That's why I'm investing 1.5 units on Necas. I'm not as assured about the Avs -1.5, so I'm only investing 0.5 units.
📊 Live Golden Knights vs. Avalanche odds: Game 2
📈 Golden Knights vs. Avalanche betting trends
| Golden Knights | Statistic | Avalanche |
|---|---|---|
| 9-4 | W-L record | 8-2 |
| 7-6 | ATS record | 5-5 |
| 6-6-1 | O/U record | 5-5 |
| 4-1 | Last 5 games | 3-2 |
🚑 Golden Knights vs. Avalanche injuries
📺 How to watch Golden Knights vs. Avalanche Game 2
- Date: Friday, May 22
- Puck drop: 8 p.m. ET
- Location: Ball Arena (Denver)
- TV: ESPN
- Streaming: ESPN+
🎟️ Most-bet NHL goalscorer props today
Here are the most-bet NHL goalscorer props today, via BetMGM.
- Nathan McKinnon (-110)
- Jack Eichel (+220)
- Mitch Marner (+230)
- Pavel Dorofeyev (+200)
- Martin Necas (+150)
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