NHL betting preview (April 8): Golden Knights vs. Avalanche odds
Join Daily Faceoff’s Andy MacNeil as he handicaps Tuesday’s NHL matchup between the Vegas Golden Knights and Colorado Avalanche.
Golden Knights vs. Avalanche Odds
- Golden Knights Moneyline: +115
- Avalanche Moneyline: -135
- Puck Line: Golden Knights +1.5 (-220), Avalanche -1.5 (+180)
- Game Total: 6.0 (Over -105, Under -115)
Game odds via Sports Interaction.
Handicapping the Golden Knights (47-30 SU, 44-33 ATS, 35-38-4 O/U)
Vegas had its six-game win streak snapped, but the Golden Knights have started a new one and will now look for their third win in a row as they close out a three-game road trip in Colorado on Tuesday. Vegas has won eight of its last 10 games and holds a five-point lead over the Los Angeles Kings for top spot in the Pacific Division.
The Golden Knights have been deadly on the man advantage this season, posting the best power play percentage (29.71%), and they’ve been especially effective in 2025. Since Jan. 1, Vegas has converted on 34.5 percent of its power play opportunities. That said, they’ve been among the worst teams on the penalty kill, successfully killing off just 76.1 percent of their penalties.
Since March 1, Vegas ranks second in expected goals share and ninth in shot attempt share at five-on-five, according to Evolving Hockey. The Golden Knights have allowed fewer goals (in all situations) than all but two teams and also rank ninth in goals per 60 minutes.
Forward Tomas Hertl, who has missed the last seven games due to injury, returned to practice last week, albeit in a red non-contact jersey. It’s unclear when Hertl will return to the lineup, as he is currently listed as day-to-day.
Vegas will be at a slight rest disadvantage in this game, as this will be its third game in four days, while Colorado has had two days off. So far this season, home teams have won 59 percent of games in which they have more rest than the road team.
Handicapping the Avalanche (47-31 SU, 34-44 ATS, 36-44-0 O/U)
The Avalanche have been one of the hottest teams in the league since the end of February, but they’ve dropped three of their last five, and the injury bug has hit the team. Colorado currently holds a five-point lead over the St. Louis Blues in the Central Division standings, and with fewer than a handful of games remaining, their position is likely secure.
Forwards Martin Necas and Jonathan Drouin have missed the last two games due to injury, and both are listed as day-to-day. Necas has played 27 games since being traded to the Avalanche, registering 11 goals and 15 assists, while Drouin has recorded 11 goals and 26 assists in 43 games this season. Still, Colorado managed to put up 11 combined goals in the two games without Necas and Drouin. Josh Manson, who last played on March 14, and Samuel Girard are also listed as day-to-day.
According to Evolving Hockey, Colorado ranks fifth in expected goals percentage and fourth in shot attempt percentage at five-on-five since March 1. No team has scored more goals per 60 minutes than Colorado in that span, and only one team has allowed fewer goals (all situations).
Colorado and Vegas haven’t faced off in months. Vegas won the first meeting, 8–4, in the season opener, but Colorado responded with a 2–1 shootout victory on Nov. 27. Tuesday’s matchup will be the final regular-season meeting between the two teams. The Avalanche have won six of the past 10 matchups against Vegas.
Best bet for Golden Knights vs. Avalanche
- Valeri Nichushkin Anytime Goal (+175) at Sports Interaction
Nichushkin has scored in just one of his last nine games despite registering 30 shots on goal. However, he’s skating alongside Nathan MacKinnon on the top line and top power-play unit, and his ice time has increased significantly as a result. Sports Interaction is offering the best odds on his anytime goal prop, making it a good time to buy in on the 30-year-old to score on Tuesday.