Colorado Avalanche vs Vegas Golden Knights Picks and Prediction for Sunday May 24 2026
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The Colorado Avalanche and Vegas Golden Knights continue the Western Conference Final on Sunday, May 24, 2026, with Game 3 scheduled for 8:00 PM ET at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Vegas enters the matchup holding a 2-0 series lead after winning the opening two games on the road in Colorado. The game will air on ESPN as the Avalanche attempt to climb back into the series while the Golden Knights look to stay in control on home ice. According to the latest betting odds, Colorado is listed as a -148 favorite on the moneyline while Vegas sits at +124. The total for the game is set at 5.5 goals. Get in the net with our free NHL picks.
Previous Game Recap
Vegas secured a 3-1 victory over Colorado in Game 2 on Friday night to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the Western Conference Final. The Avalanche struck first in the opening period and carried a 1-0 lead into the second intermission, but the Golden Knights completely shifted momentum in the third period by scoring three unanswered goals. Vegas tightened defensively late in the game while capitalizing on key opportunities offensively to complete another road victory in the series.
The Golden Knights received a major performance from Jack Eichel, who finished with one goal and one assist while recording two shots on goal. Ivan Barbashev also delivered offensively with two goals and an assist, helping Vegas take over during the final period. Pavel Dorofeyev contributed two assists, and Carter Hart was excellent in net with 29 saves and a .967 save percentage. Vegas blocked shots consistently and limited Colorado’s chances during the final stages of the game.
Colorado’s lone goal came from Ross Colton, who scored in the opening period to give the Avalanche an early advantage. Nazem Kadri added an assist, while Brent Burns contributed offensively from the blue line with five shots on goal and one assist. Nathan MacKinnon generated pressure throughout the game despite being held without a point, and Scott Wedgewood finished with 22 saves in net. Colorado created opportunities early but could not maintain offensive momentum after the first period.
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Avalanche Searching for a Road Response
Colorado enters Game 3 with a 55-16-11 overall record and an impressive 29-7-5 road record this season. The Avalanche have split their last five games overall after recently winning over Minnesota twice in the previous playoff round before dropping the opening two games of this series against Vegas. Colorado recently lost to Vegas by scores of 4-2 and 3-1 after previously recently won over Minnesota in overtime and also picked up a 5-2 road victory in that series.
The Avalanche have been one of the stronger offensive teams in hockey this season, averaging 3.63 goals per game while allowing only 2.40 goals against per contest. Colorado averages 33.7 shots per game and allows just 26.1 shots against, showing the ability to maintain offensive pressure while limiting opportunities defensively. The Avalanche power play has scored 45 goals this season, while the penalty kill has operated at 84.6 percent efficiency.
One major strength for Colorado entering this matchup is its ability to generate offense consistently through shot volume and scoring production. The Avalanche continue to create chances with an average of 33.7 shots per game, and their defensive numbers remain among the better marks in this matchup. However, Colorado will need stronger finishing after scoring only three total goals through the opening two games of the series despite maintaining offensive pressure.
Golden Knights Carry Momentum Back Home
Vegas comes into Game 3 with a 39-26-17 overall record and a 20-12-9 mark at home this season. The Golden Knights have won four of their last five games overall and recently won over Colorado twice to open this series. Vegas also recently won over Anaheim twice during the previous playoff round, including a 5-1 road victory and a 3-2 overtime win at home before advancing into the conference final.
The Golden Knights average 3.22 goals per game while allowing 2.95 goals against this season. Vegas averages 29.0 shots per game and allows only 24.4 shots against opponents. Special teams have also been important for the Golden Knights, who have scored 58 power-play goals while operating at a 24.6 percent success rate. Vegas has also produced six shorthanded goals this season.
One of the biggest strengths for Vegas right now is its ability to capitalize on key moments offensively while receiving strong goaltending support. Carter Hart delivered an outstanding performance in Game 2 with 29 saves, and the Golden Knights have now held Colorado to two goals or fewer in both games of the series. Vegas has also shown balance offensively with contributions from multiple players during this postseason run.
Colorado Avalanche vs. Vegas Golden Knights Picks and Prediction
Side Pick:
- Colorado Avalanche Moneyline
Colorado enters Game 3 in an important bounce-back situation after dropping the opening two games of the series. The Avalanche still hold the stronger overall record and road record entering this matchup, and their season-long numbers continue to stand out offensively and defensively. Colorado averages 3.63 goals per game while allowing only 2.40 goals against, and the team continues to generate heavy shot volume offensively. After recently winning over Minnesota twice on the road earlier in the playoffs, the Avalanche look capable of responding with a stronger effort Sunday night.
Total Pick:
- Under 5.5 Goals
The under stands out based on how the opening two games of this series have played out. Vegas won 4-2 in Game 1 and followed it with a 3-1 victory in Game 2, while both teams have received solid goaltending throughout the postseason. Colorado allows only 2.40 goals against per game, and Vegas gives up just 2.95 goals against per contest. Carter Hart’s performance in Game 2 also highlighted how difficult scoring chances have become in this series. With both teams tightening defensively and every goal carrying extra importance, another lower-scoring battle looks likely.
Final Score Prediction: Colorado Avalanche 3 – Vegas Golden Knights 2
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