Golden Knights vs Avalanche 2026: NHL Playoff Series Tied 1-1 – Game 3 Preview | TryOneRead
The Western Conference Finals are heating up. The Vegas Golden Knights and Colorado Avalanche are locked in a tight series after splitting the first two games in Denver. Game 3 shifts to Las Vegas on Friday night. TryOneRead has everything you need to know about this thrilling playoff matchup.
🏒 Series Recap: Game 1 and Game 2
The Avalanche took Game 1 at home, 4-2, behind a stellar performance from goaltender Carter Hart. Hart stopped 37 of 39 shots, including several highlight-reel saves. Nathan MacKinnon scored twice. The Golden Knights bounced back in Game 2, winning 3-1. Vegas goaltender Adin Hill made 32 saves. Jack Eichel scored the game-winner in the second period. The series is now tied 1-1 heading to Las Vegas.
⭐ Players to Watch
- Carter Hart (Avalanche): The former Flyers goaltender has a .935 save percentage in the playoffs. He is the Conn Smythe favorite if Colorado advances.
- Jack Eichel (Golden Knights): The superstar center has 14 points in 12 playoff games. He is the engine of Vegas's offense.
- Valeri Nichushkin (Avalanche): The power forward leads Colorado with 7 playoff goals. His net-front presence creates chaos.
- Brock Nelson (Golden Knights): Acquired at the trade deadline, Nelson has 5 goals in the postseason. He provides secondary scoring.
- Dylan Coghlan (Golden Knights): The defenseman leads Vegas in ice time. He has been shutting down MacKinnon effectively.
📊 Key Stats
📍 Game 3 Details
- Where: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada
- When: Friday, May 22, 2026 – 8:00 PM ET
- TV: ESPN, SN, CBC
- Streaming: ESPN+, Hulu, FuboTV
- Betting Line: Golden Knights -140, Avalanche +120
🏆 Series Prediction
Analysts are split. FiveThirtyEight gives the Avalanche a 54 percent chance to win the series. The Golden Knights have home-ice advantage for the next two games. If Vegas wins both, the series is effectively over. If Colorado steals one, they will close it out at home in Game 6. The most likely outcome: Avalanche in 7 games, with Hart winning Conn Smythe honors.
📺 Where to Watch
Every game of the Western Conference Finals is broadcast on ESPN in the United States and on Sportsnet and CBC in Canada. Streaming options include ESPN+, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and FuboTV. International viewers can watch on the NHL's official streaming service.
📢 Who Will Win?
Will Carter Hart lead the Avalanche to the Stanley Cup Finals? Share your predictions at panjabprideshop@gmail.com.
Written by Alex Ven
Senior Sports Editor at TryOneRead
Alex has covered the NHL for over a decade. He correctly predicted the Avalanche's 2022 Stanley Cup run.