Colorado Avalanche vs Vegas Golden Knights Betting Picks

The oddsmakers keep making Vegas the underdog even though the Golden Knights are on the verge of a sweep in the Western Conference final after winning again, 5-3 in Game 3. The Avalanche jumped out to an early 3-0 lead, but the Knights came storming back with five goals in the next 40 minutes to take a commanding 3-0 series lead. They have won five in a row while allowing only seven goals, with Carter Hart coming up big since being acquired midseason. Hart has a 7.2 goals saved above expected rating in the playoffs, which is fourth best among all postseason netminders. Colorado has been left dazed and confused, unable to figure out how to respond on both sides of the ice. Cale Makar missed the first two games, and Nathan MacKinnon was severely hampered late in Game 3 after blocking a shot. Vegas is even healthier now that Mark Stone is back, and Stone made his presence known early on Sunday, scoring in his first action since Game 3 of the second round. The Knights won't let up in front of their home crowd in Game 4 tonight, and the Avalanche are in desperation mode. Take the Golden Knights on the puckline. 

Normally a team down 2-0 in a playoff series is a good bet due to the opponents's letdown situation, but Vegas essentially dominated the Avalanche the first two games on the road and now the Golden Knights have home ice for Game 3. They won Game 2 on Friday night 3-1 and the Knights came within inches of scoring two more before breaking through with three third-period goals. Carter Hart stopped 29 of 30 shots and the Knights are peaking at the right time with new coach John Tortorella. Vegas has won five of its past six games, nine of 11 against the Western Conference and five straight against the Central Division dating back to the regular season. Take the Golden Knights on the puck line.

Vegas is third in scoring (3.67 goals per game) during the playoffs and No. 1 in shooting percentage, along with 25.7% (fourth) on the power play. They're 4-2 on the road in the postseason, including a 5-1 win at Anaheim as an underdog. The defense is fifth in penalty killing, fifth in goals allowed (2.58 per game), and fourth in save percentage (.915). Carter Hart has taken over as the No. 1 goalie, allowing two or fewer goals in six of the past seven playoff games. Colorado's defense is 11th out of 16 playoff teams in penalty killing, plus ninth in save percentage (.906). These teams last met in April at Colorado, and Vegas won (3-2) as an underdog. In Game 1 of this series, I'm taking the plus-money odds on a hungry, talented road team. Play Vegas. 

Vegas has won four of five and is playing faster and more inspired with the hiring of John Tortorella. The Golden Knights can clinch a playoff spot with a win over the Avalanche, who already have clinched the NHL's top playoff seed, and can rest some players as they prepare for the postseason. Carter Hart has been a good addition in net for the Knights, and he is the expected starter tonight. He is 8-3-3 with a 2.93 goals-against average, and he has won his past five starts, including 2-1 over Vancouver on Tuesday when he stopped 10 of 11 shots. Vegas has allowed only 11 goals in five games since Tortorella took over. The Avalanche has lost six of eight home games. Take the Golden Knights.