Golden Knights Aim for Sweep as Avalanche Face Must-Win Situation in Game 3

Golden Knights Aim for Sweep as Avalanche Face Must-Win Situation in Game 3

The Vegas Golden Knights have emerged as a formidable force in the NHL, especially after parting ways with coach Bruce Cassidy in March. Under the guidance of John Tortorella, they stunned the top-seeded Colorado Avalanche, taking a 2-0 lead in the 2026 NHL Western Conference Finals. As the series transitions to Las Vegas for Game 3, the Golden Knights have a prime opportunity to push the Avalanche into a precarious situation. Cale Makar, the star defenseman for Colorado, has been sidelined with an upper-body injury, contributing to the Avalanche's struggles in the opening games. His status remains uncertain as the teams prepare for the pivotal matchup at T-Mobile Arena at 8 p.m. ET. In the latest betting odds, the Avalanche are favored at -145 (risk $145 to win $100), while the over/under for total goals is set at 6. Before placing any bets on this matchup, it is crucial to consult the expert predictions from the SportsLine Projection Model. The model, which simulates every NHL game 10,000 times, has previously shown a +668 return on top-rated money-line picks. Key betting insights include: Avalanche vs. Golden Knights money line: Avalanche -145, Golden Knights +121 Over/under: 6 goals Puck line: Avalanche -1.5 (+173) The model predicts a total of 6.3 combined goals, suggesting that betting on the Over may present a valuable opportunity. Historically, 53% of the Golden Knights' home games have gone Over, along with 57% of the games started by Carter Hart in goal. This trend, combined with both teams averaging 3.64 goals per game this playoff season, points to an increase in scoring potential. To stay updated on the predictions and betting strategies for this critical Game 3, fans are encouraged to visit SportsLine for comprehensive analysis.

Source: CBS Sports - 2026-05-24