NHL: Knights vs. Avalanche Game 2 Picks and Odds | May 22, 2026
Written by: Nick Zanghi
Last Update: Sat May 23, 2026, 7:57 pm ET
Read Time: 5 minutes
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Well, we had a big surprise in game one of this Western Conference Finals. The Vegas Golden Knights went into Ball Arena and stole game one vs. the Colorado Avalanche. Winning a game on the road is absolutely necessary, but getting game one is a statement.
The game started off slow with both teams playing safe hockey. It took until the second period for someone to light the lamp. Knights defenseman Dylan Coghlan got his first goal of the playoffs twelve and half minutes into the period. Two and half minutes later, Pavel Dorofeyev made it 2-0 with a power play goal.
POD Sneak Peak: Game Total Under 6.5 Goals (-130)
Keep reading for analysis!
When the third period started, Vegas wasted no time scoring again. Just a minute and a half into the period, defenseman Brett Howden made it a 3-0 game. Naturally, this was not a familiar spot for the Avs and time to dig in if they wanted to win.
Almost six minutes into the third period and the best team in the league finally got on the board. Forward Valeri Nichushkin scored his second goal of the playoffs off a pass from Ross Colton. Colorado started pouring it on, scoring again on the power play, this time from Gabriel Landeskog. They started a comeback, but it was too late and the Knights ices the game with an empty netter.
Check out the odds for this matchup and other NHL games at the best online sportsbooks.
Colorado needs to get game two and go to Vegas tied at 1-1
Knights defenseman Brett Howden moves the puck past Avalanche forward Ross Colton in the offensive zone.
Colorado poured the shots on in game one, they just couldn't get to Vegas goalie Carter Hart. They outshot the Knights by 10 shots with a final count of 38-28. Hart saved 36 of those 38 shots he faced and was definitely the X factor in game one.
The Avalanche were the best home team in the league this season. They cannot afford to drop both games at home, which would also be a mouth dropper. Serious adjustments will be made after watching hours of tape from game one.
Expect an extremely skilled Colorado team to come out right from the start. I think Vegas may even play back a little with the expectation of needing to try and slow down the Avs offense. Let's check out the odds and get into the Knights vs. Avalanche picks.
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Colorado Avalanche Betting Odds and Game Information
Knights vs Avalanche Betting Odds – May 22
| Team | Puck Line | Moneyline | Over/Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vegas Golden Knights | +1.5 (-150) | +170 | Over 6.5 (+110) |
| Colorado Avalanche | -1.5 (+125) | -200 | Under 6.5 (-130) |
Odds courtesy of Lucky Rebel – Get a $1,250 deposit bonus & 50 Slot Spins when you sign up
Knights vs. Avalanche Game Information
- Venue: Ball Arena, Denver, CO
- Date: Friday May 22, 2026
- Puck Drop: 8 p.m. EST
- TV: ESPN
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Colorado Avalance Picks and Prediction
Avalanche defenseman Brent Burns and Knights forward Tomas Hertl fight for the puck in front of the Avalanche net.
Knights vs. Avalanche Game 2 Picks and Predictions: Game Total Under 6.5 Goals (-130) Get a $1,250 deposit bonus & 50 Slot Spins when you sign up with Lucky Rebel
Both teams played quiet hockey to start the game. Even though Vegas went up 3-0, it didn't feel like a beatdown. Then the Avs made that little comeback where you felt like overtime was coming. That aside, I think we see a better game from Avs goalie Scott Wedgewood.
Wedgewood is 7-2 these playoffs with a 2.32 GAA and a .911 save percentage. He needs to get sharpen up against this Vegas offense. His defense is doing their part by keeping the shot count down, but can always get more help.
With that being said, we see another good game from Hart and improvement from Wedgewood to get this game to go under the 6.5 goals again. I could see another 4-2 finish, but this time the Avs get the win. They should notch this at 1-1 but there's not value on the moneyline.
I like for Carter Hart to get over his saves line. The Avalanche are going to fire that puck again and his line will come out under 30 saves. This is a perfect spot because I don't see how the Avs don't put up over 30 again. They're going to come out extremely hungry.
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Nick Zanghi
Nick Zanghi is an avid hockey fan who loves to bet on the NHL Props. He has also found a liking for the WNBA. Born and raised on LI, NZ is a lifelong Islanders #isles fan and a new NY Liberty fan #LIGHTITUPNYL. When not watching or attending sporting events, he enjoys grilling and time with his wife and kids.
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