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Game Preview: Vegas Golden Knights vs Colorado Avalanche
The Vegas Golden Knights return home for their annual Nevada Day celebration game, hosting the Colorado Avalanche on Friday afternoon at T-Mobile Arena. Vegas (6-1-3) opens a six-game homestand following a productive three-game Southern road trip, while Colorado (6-1-4) arrives fresh off a scoring explosion in New Jersey.
Jack Eichel headlines the storyline for Vegas, leading the NHL with 19 points (8G, 11A) through ten games. His two-goal, one-assist performance against Carolina helped the Golden Knights snap a short skid and reclaim first place in the Pacific Division. Meanwhile, Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar powered the Avalanche to an 8-4 win Tuesday, combining for seven points in one of the league’s wildest games this season.
Check real-time odds and betting splits on the NHL odds board and compare expert insights in the NHL picks hub.
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All Angles, All Stats, One Place
Opening Lines and Market Snapshot
- Moneyline: Avalanche -110 | Golden Knights -107
- Puck Line: Avalanche -1.5 (+216) | Golden Knights +1.5 (-273)
- Total: 6.0 (Over -122 | Under +100)
Market movement has been minimal, reflecting two balanced teams with elite offenses and top-tier goaltending. View current prices via the expert betting guide.
Colorado Avalanche Outlook
The Avalanche snapped a four-game skid with an emphatic 8-4 victory over the Devils, led by Victor Olofsson’s first career hat trick and Nathan MacKinnon’s 56th multi-goal performance. Colorado’s offense ranks top-three in both goals (41) and shots per game, while their power play continues to create mismatches anchored by Makar’s puck movement from the blue line.
Despite a 6-1-4 record, Colorado’s biggest challenge has been defensive inconsistency. The Avs have allowed 3.3 goals per game across their last four but remain lethal in transition, ranking second league-wide in high-danger scoring chances created.
Avalanche Injury Report
- Samuel Girard – Out (Upper Body)
- Joel Kiviranta – Out (Lower Body)
- Jacob MacDonald – Out (Hip)
- Logan O’Connor – Out (Hip)
- Nikita Prishchepov – Out (Personal)
For a full divisional perspective, read the NHL Central Division odds predictions.
Vegas Golden Knights Outlook
Vegas wrapped up its road swing with a 6-3 win over Carolina, sparked by Eichel’s heroics and Pavel Dorofeyev’s two-goal outing. Dorofeyev enters Friday tied for the league lead in goals (9) and continues to complement Eichel’s elite playmaking. The Golden Knights have scored 3.6 goals per game while allowing just 2.7, ranking fifth in defensive efficiency.
Bruce Cassidy’s squad remains strong at home, riding an 11-2 run at T-Mobile Arena dating to last season. Their special teams also stand out — a 27% power play success rate and 84% penalty kill.
Golden Knights Injury Report
- Mark Stone – Out (Wrist)
- Alex Pietrangelo – Out (Personal)
- Noah Hanifin – Out (Undisclosed)
- Adin Hill – Out (Lower Body)
- Colton Sissons – Questionable (Undisclosed)
- Trevor Connelly – Out (Lower Body)
Get the Pacific outlook in the NHL Pacific Division odds predictions.
Key Storylines
- Eichel vs MacKinnon: Two Hart contenders face off; both rank top-five in total points.
- Nevada Day Tradition: Vegas has won three of its past four Nevada Day matinees, scoring 19 total goals.
- Makar’s Magic: The Avalanche blueliner leads all NHL defensemen in assists and is the x-factor in neutral-zone breakouts.
Betting Trends
- Vegas is 8-1 straight up in its last nine home games.
- Colorado is 5-2 on the puck line as a road favorite this season.
- The under has hit in four of the Golden Knights’ last six games.
- Eichel has 12 points (5G, 7A) in his past five home appearances.
Review extended market angles in the NHL conference odds predictions and Stanley Cup odds updates.
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Prediction
Expect a playoff-caliber pace with both teams’ stars producing highlight moments. Eichel’s hot streak, home advantage, and Vegas’ defensive discipline give them a slight edge — but Colorado’s top line ensures a close finish.
Projected Score: Golden Knights 3, Avalanche 2 (OT)
Best Bet: Under 6.0 (+100)
Moneyline Lean: Vegas -107
Scores and Stats Handicappers
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