Avalanche vs Golden Knights Western Conference Finals Game 4 Picks

The Colorado Avalanche and Vegas Golden Knights are set for Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals tonight. Puck drop is slated for 9:00 PM ET at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The Golden Knights have a chance to wrap up the series in front of their home fans, as their 3-0 series lead has them one win away from the Stanley Cup Final. On the other side, the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Avalanche have lost three straight postseason games after starting 8-1. They are searching for any positivity while trying to stay alive.

Avalanche vs Golden Knights Game 4 predictions

• Pick #1: Golden Knights ML (-105)
• Pick #2: Over 6 (-120)
• Pick #3: Gabriel Landeskog (COL) anytime goalscorer (+280)

Pick #1: Golden Knights ML over Colorado Avalanche (-105)

It wasn’t a series-clinching game, but the Golden Knights may have delivered a knockout punch to the Avalanche in Game 3 on Sunday night. Vegas trailed 3-0 after the 1st period and looked like they were going to suffer their first loss of the series and give some momentum back to the Avalanche. But then, Vegas rallied to score 5 consecutive goals in the 2nd and 3rd period to claim a 5-3 victory. As a franchise, it was the first time that the Golden Knights won a playoff game after trailing by 3+ goals. The win gave Vegas even more momentum heading into Game 4.

On the other hand, the loss in Game 3 was extremely demoralizing for the Avalanche. Colorado was looking for any semblance of positivity after dropping the first 2 games at home, and thought they found some with a 3-0 lead after 20 minutes in Game 3. But their historic collapse delivered yet another devastating blow. Before Game 3, Colorado was 74-1 as a franchise in playoff history when leading by 3+ goals. Now, the Avs limp into Game 4, dealing with significant injuries to a pair of playmakers.

Nathan MacKinnon is dealing with a lower-body injury after blocking a shot in Game 3, and his status for Game 4 is in serious doubt. Val Nuchushkin is also dealing with a lower-body injury, and after undergoing treatment on Monday, it would be a bit surprising to see him suit up. Vegas has all the momentum, is playing on home ice, and is going up against a depleted Colorado team. Back the Golden Knights to complete the sweep in Game 4. 

Pick #2: Over 6 (-120)

Even potentially being without MacKinnon and Nichushkin, look for Colorado to come out firing. With their backs against the wall, the Avs will want to try to do what they do best: Play fast and aggressive through the neutral zone and put pressure on the opposing goaltender. The Avs have put 35, 31, and 38 shots on goal through three games in this series, and while Vegas goaltender Carter Hart has stood tall in net, he could have his hands full in this one.

Colorado goaltender Scott Wedgewood has stopped 64 of the 73 shots in this series, which equates to a less-than-ideal .877 save percentage. He is not on his sharpest game right now, which is a problem for the Avalanche. The Golden Knights have a well-rounded forward group with plenty of postseason experience, and they are playing with a ton of confidence right now. Like Hart, Wedgewood should also have a tough assignment on his hands in this one. Look to the Over.

Pick #3: Gabriel Landeskog (COL) anytime goalscorer (+280)

MacKinnon leads the Avalanche with 7 goals so far this postseason, but Gabriel Landeskog isn’t far behind with 5 of his own. Landeskog is also tied for second on Colorado with 35 shots on goal in the postseason, so he is seeing plenty of scoring chances. 

Landeskog’s role in Game 4 could be enhanced if MacKinnon and Nichushkin aren’t able to play. The Colorado captain has already had a strong postseason, but with his team facing elimination, don’t be surprised if they lean on him even more in this one. With odds of +280, it’s worth backing Landeskog as a goal scorer in Game 4.