Hockey returns to Sin City for another season when the Vegas Golden Knights welcome the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday, October 9.
Jonathan Drouin finds himself paired on the top line with Nathan MacKinnon, and my Avalanche vs. Golden Knights predictions anticipate the winger to light the lamp in his season opener.
Get all the deets in my NHL picks ahead.
Avalanche vs Golden Knights prediction
My best bet
Jonathan Drouin Over 0.5 goals (+320 at bet365)
My analysis
Jonathan Drouin is the perfect example of "this shit ain't easy" when discussing making the jump to the NHL. A third-overall pick who once tore up the minors found himself scoring a career-high 56 points with the Colorado Avalanche last year... in his 10th season.
Drouin seemingly fit like a glove with the Avs, and he's now projected to get top-line and PP1 minutes for tonight's game against the Vegas Golden Knights.
Playing a full game with Nathan MacKinnon at center will do wonders for the 29-year-old winger, who finished last season with 19 tallies. Nate had 89 assists and is one of the greatest playmakers in the game.
If you want to know what playing with him does for a player, look no further than Mikko Rantanen's goal totals.
Playing on the power play's first unit will also create more chances for Drouin to score, especially when sharing the ice with the reigning MVP and former Norris winner, Cale Makar.
Drouin found the back of the net in his lone preseason game — against the Golden Knights might I add — and I expect him to kick off the regular season with a bang. I've seen this prop as short as +212, so we're also getting a great price at +320.
Avalanche vs Golden Knights same-game parlay (SGP)
Jonathan Drouin Over 0.5 goals
Nathan MacKinnon Over 0.5 assists
Avalanche win in regulation
MacKinnon had 89 apples during his MVP campaign and centers the top line with two very capable scorers. Not to mention, he also played significant minutes on a PP ranked in the Top 5 in 2023-24.
Vegas lost significant pieces during the offseason, including Jonathan Marchessault and goalie Logan Thompson. It's going to take the Knights time to adjust, and Colorado's explosive offense won't make the season opener easy.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Avalanche vs Golden Knights odds
Avalanche vs Golden Knights live odds
Avalanche vs Golden Knights opening odds
- Puck line: Colorado +1.5 (-250) | Vegas -1.5 (+205)
- Moneyline: Colorado -110 | Vegas -110
- Over/Under: Over 6.5 (+100) | Under 6.5 (-120)
Avalanche vs Golden Knights moneyline and Over/Under analysis
- This game opened as a pick'em and remains there as of Wednesday afternoon.
- The total opened at 6.5 across the market and hasn't budged.
- Slight money came in at bet365 to push the Over to -105, but it was quickly bumped back to +100.
Avalanche vs Golden Knights trend
Drouin scored four goals in his final seven games last year. Find more NHL betting trends for Avalanche vs. Golden Knights.
Avalanche vs Golden Knights game info
| Location: | T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV |
| Date: | Wednesday, 10-9-2024 |
| Puck drop: | 10:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | TNT |
Avalanche vs Golden Knights latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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