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Read Article Avalanche vs. Golden Knights prediction: Colorado favored to win Game 3 [2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs]
Updated: | First published:
Written by Jason Bevilacqua, Head of Content and Communities
Get Colorado Avalanche vs Vegas Golden Knights predictions for NHL Sunday.
NHL Playoffs action continues on Sunday at 8:00 PM ET as the Colorado Avalanche take on the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 1 of the 2026 Eastern Conference Final at T-Mobile Arena.
Based on updated simulation results, Dimers' proven NHL model projects the Avalanche as the most likely winner of the Avalanche vs. Golden Knights Game 3 matchup.
This article offers further insights into Sunday's matchup, including projected goal scorers, best bets and player prop picks.
Avs vs. Golden Knights prediction: Who will win Game 3?
Using trusted machine learning and data analysis, we have simulated the outcome of Sunday's NHL Playoffs matchup between the Avalanche and Golden Knights, forming part of our NHL predictions coverage.
Our leading predictive model gives the Avalanche a 55% chance of beating the Golden Knights in Game 1 of the 2026 Eastern Conference Finals.
According to our model, the Golden Knights (+1.5) have a 67% chance of covering the puck line, while the over/under total of 5.5 goals has a 55% chance of going over.
Avalanche vs. Golden Knights Game 1 odds
We have researched the best NHL odds in America for this game, which are listed here:
| Bet Type | Avalanche | Golden Knights |
|---|---|---|
| Puck Line | -1.5 (+170) | +1.5 (-200) |
| Moneyline | -144 | +124 |
| Total | o5.5 (-134) | u5.5 (+114) |
All odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Avalanche vs. Golden Knights picks and best bet for Game 3
After matching our predictions against the best current odds, we can reveal our picks for each of the major markets. Plus, find our best bet for the game below:
| Bet Type | Pick | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|
| Puck Line | Golden Knights +1.5 | -200 |
| Moneyline | Golden Knights | +124 |
| Total | Under 5.5 | +114 |
According to our NHL best bets, the top play to make on this game is Golden Knights to win.
These picks are based on our probabilities matched against the implied probabilities from the sportsbook odds.
Avalanche vs. Golden Knights player props
Who will score a goal in Avalanche vs. Golden Knights?
According to our model, Nathan MacKinnon is most likely to score an anytime goal in Avalanche vs. Golden Knights.
Our projections give MacKinnon a 34.6% chance of scoring a goal at T-Mobile Arena, while the star is a 6.9% chance of netting the first goal the game.
Anytime goal scorer predictions
Colorado Avalanche
| Player | Anytime Goal Probability |
|---|---|
| Nathan MacKinnon | 34.6% |
| Gabriel Landeskog | 31.0% |
| Martin Necas | 28.5% |
| Nazem Kadri | 24.0% |
| Valeri Nichushkin | 22.5% |
Vegas Golden Knights
| Player | Anytime Goal Probability |
|---|---|
| Pavel Dorofeyev | 33.7% |
| Mitch Marner | 28.9% |
| Jack Eichel | 27.8% |
| Brett Howden | 27.1% |
| Ivan Barbashev | 24.2% |
First goal scorer predictions
Colorado Avalanche
| Player | First Goal Probability |
|---|---|
| Nathan MacKinnon | 6.9% |
| Gabriel Landeskog | 6.6% |
| Martin Necas | 5.6% |
| Artturi Lehkonen | 4.4% |
| Valeri Nichushkin | 4.3% |
Vegas Golden Knights
| Player | First Goal Probability |
|---|---|
| Pavel Dorofeyev | 7.0% |
| Mitch Marner | 5.5% |
| Brett Howden | 5.3% |
| Jack Eichel | 5.3% |
| Ivan Barbashev | 4.8% |
Avs vs. Golden Knights Game 3 updates and essential details
Sunday's Game 3 between the Golden Knights and Avalanche in the Stanley Cup Playoffs is scheduled to start at 8:00 PM ET.
- Who: Colorado Avalanche vs. Vegas Golden Knights
- Date: Sunday, May 24, 2026
- Time: 8:00 PM ET/5:00PM PT
- Venue: T-Mobile Arena
The winner of the NHL Eastern Conference Final will advance to the Stanley Cup Final. Game 1 of the best-of-seven series between the Avalanche and Golden Knights is at Vegas' T-Mobile Arena.
Conclusion
We predict the Avalanche, with a 55% win probability, will likely beat the Golden Knights in Game 1 of the 2026 Eastern Conference Finals.
Additional tools and information for betting safely can be found in our Responsible Gambling hub.
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Jason Bevilacqua, an expert in MLB, NHL, NBA, MLS, and NFL, delivers game previews, best bets, and props. Since 2020, as Head of Social and Community at Dimers, he has contributed insightful articles utilizing data-driven models and simulations.
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