Published May 21, 4:52am ET by
Alex Dudley - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated May 21, 4:52am ET
Credit: Shutterstock
Updated May 21, 4:52am ET
The stakes increase in the NHL Playoffs this weekend, as Game 2 in the Western Conference Finals will see the Colorado Avalanche aiming to strike back against the Vegas Golden Knights.
Vegas were huge outsiders in Game 1, but they produced an excellent display to power to a 4-2 success. Another win on Friday would put the Golden Knights within touching distance of the Stanley Cup Finals.
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|
|---|---|
| Avalanche | -180 |
| Golden Knights | +158 |
For the first time this season, the Colorado Avalanche will have serious questions to answer. Jared Bednar’s side had little answer to the Vegas offense on Wednesday, leading to their first home defeat in this season’s postseason.
However, confidence can be gained from the fact that the Avalanche have bounced back impressively following setbacks this season. Gabriel Landeskog and Valeri Nichushkin scored the goals in the defeat in Game 1.
The Vegas Golden Knights are an experienced outfit when it comes to games in the postseason. But, it could be argued that their 4-2 win on Wednesday was one of their best playoff displays in recent memory.
The Golden Knights scored twice in each of the second and third period, showing their efficiency to convert chances when they were created. Dylan Coghlan, Brett Howden, and Nic Dowd all scored goals. Ben Hutton and Brandon Saad both ended the night with assists.
| TOTAL | Avalanche | Golden Knights | DRAWS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reguation WINS | 53 | 26 | 27 | - |
| GOALS | 300 | 141 | 159 |
The Golden Knights flexed their muscles in Game 1, but there is likely to be a response by the Avalanche on Friday. Therefore, we expect Colorado to level the series ahead of the clash moving to the T-Mobile Arena next week.
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Pick
Colorado Avalanche (-180)
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