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UPDATE: Added a prediction for who will win this game.
The Colorado Avalanche may be stuck in a 2-0 series deficit against the Vegas Golden Knights, but play hasn’t been as lopsided as all that.
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My Avalanche vs. Golden Knights predictions and NHL picks are buying the visitors, particularly star Nathan MacKinnon, on Sunday, May 24.
Avalanche vs Golden Knights Game 3 prediction
Who will win Avalanche vs Golden Knights Game 3?
Avalanche: The Colorado Avalanche have won the high-danger chance battle 26-14 through two games. They have a clear edge in quality scoring chances but converted on only 4.41% of their shots, which is a big reason why they trail 2-0. Healthy Cale Makar or not, the Avalanche have too much firepower to continue converting at such a low rate.
Avalanche vs Golden Knights best bet: Nathan MacKinnon Over 3.5 shots (-135)
We’ve seen a dip in Nathan MacKinnon‘s shot outputs against the Vegas Golden Knights, but a lot of that stems from missing the target.
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MacKinnon hit the net on 58.66% of his attempts during the regular season and 46% over the first two rounds. He’s sitting at 33% against Vegas, a low number that is not going to sustain itself.
MacKinnon leads the Avalanche in offensive zone starts this series, putting him in favorable situations to generate shots.
I like him to fire away in essentially a must-win Game 3, and would play the Over up to -160.
Avalanche vs Golden Knights Game 3 same-game parlay
The Avalanche hold edges in attempts, shots, chances, and high-danger looks. They’ve scored on 4% of their shots, Vegas has scored on 13%, and that’s the difference.
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Cale Makar‘s injury definitely factors in, but Colorado was the highest-scoring team in the league during the regular season, and both of their goaltenders drastically out-performed Carter Hart.
The tide should turn if the Avalanche continue to generate the bulk of the chances, which is to be expected with their backs up against the wall.
Eight of the last nine Avalanche games have featured 6+ goals, and shooting regression should help push this one Over.
Avalanche vs Golden Knights SGP
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Nathan MacKinnon Over 3.5 shots
Avalanche vs Golden Knights Game 3 goal scorer pick
Nathan MacKinnon (+105)
I’m backing MacKinnon to have a strong volume game, and his shot outputs correlate heavily with his goal scoring.
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MacKinnon found the back of the net in 62% of his games when attempting seven shots or more this season, and he has attempted at least seven shots in five of his last six.
The Avalanche desperately need a win, and will rely heavily on MacKinnon to lead the charge. That means a ton of offensive zone starts, and extra ice time, for the Rocket Richard winner.
Avalanche vs Golden Knights odds for Game 3
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Moneyline: Avalanche -135 | Golden Knights +115
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Puck Line: Avalanche -1.5 (+180) | Golden Knights +1.5 (-220)
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Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-135) | Under 5.5 (+115)
Avalanche vs Golden Knights trend
Nathan MacKinnon has recorded 4+ shots in 11 of his last 14 games against the Golden Knights. Find more NHL betting trends for Avalanche vs. Golden Knights.
How to watch Avalanche vs Golden Knights Game 3
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Location |
T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV |
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Date |
Sunday, May 24, 2026 |
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Puck drop |
8:00 p.m. ET |
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TV |
ESPN, Sportsnet |
Avalanche vs Golden Knights latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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