Vegas Golden Knights Just Made History, And The Avalanche's Stanley Cup Odds Are Still Bonkers

Alright, hockey fans, buckle up because the Western Conference Finals matchup is SET. We're talking the Central Division champ Colorado Avalanche versus the Pacific Division titlist Vegas Golden Knights. This isn't just any series, folks, this is for a ticket to the Stanley Cup Final itself! Both these squads know what it takes, with the Avs hoisting the Cup in 2022 and the Knights getting it done in 2023. This is a clash of recent champions, and it's gonna be wild.

The Avs' Offensive Firepower Is Unreal Right Now

Look, the Avalanche are coming in hot, ripping through the Kings in four games and then shutting down the Wild in five. That's a serious path to the WCF, and it's no surprise given their regular season dominance, winning the Presidents' Trophy with a whopping 121 points. But here's the kicker: they're trying to be the first Presidents' Trophy winner to snag the Cup since the Blackhawks did it back in 2013, which is a tough task. Nathan MacKinnon is an absolute beast, putting up 7 goals and 6 assists for 13 points this postseason. His 1.44 points-per-game average this year is just ridiculous, and it’s bumped his career playoff PPG up too. And it's not just him, 17 different players have scored a goal for Colorado this postseason, a stat we've barely seen in almost 40 years! Plus, Scott Wedgewood in net has been solid, rocking a 2.21 goals-against average that's second-best among remaining goalies. This team is a machine.

Vegas Is Making History, And Nobody's Ready For It

The Golden Knights are no slouches either, battling through the Mammoth in six games and then the Ducks in another six. This marks their fifth time advancing to the round before the Stanley Cup Final since their inaugural season. Think about that for a second: they've made it to the WCF in 2018, 2020, 2023, and now 2026. This team is literally making history, becoming only the fourth club in the modern era to hit five "final four" berths in its first ten seasons. That's insane! Mitch Marner is leading their charge with 7 goals, 11 assists, and 18 points. These guys know how to win when it counts, especially after their 2023 Cup run. They've got a 2-2 record at this stage of the playoffs, and you know they're hungry for another shot at the chalice.

It's Time For Round One, Get Ready For Chaos!

This series kicks off Wednesday, May 20, with Game 1 at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN, live from the Avalanche's barn. Game 2 is also in Colorado on May 22, then it's off to Vegas for Games 3 and 4. The odds have the Avs as a heavy favorite at -240 for the series and +130 to win the Cup, while the Knights are +200 for the series and +700 for the Cup. But don't sleep on Vegas, they've got history on their side, and remember, the Avs are 0-1 against the Golden Knights in their playoff history, losing in six games in the second round back in 2021. This isn't just a series, it's a showdown, and the winner will be representing the Western Conference in the Stanley Cup Final. Get your popcorn ready, because this is going to be epic!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.