FORWARDS
The Avalanche’s top line had nine goals and 24 points in the four-game sweep of St. Louis. If center Nathan MacKinnon and wingers Gabe Landeskog and Mikko Rantanen come close to that production in this series — even if it goes six or seven games — Colorado will win. Depth scoring will be important, however, and second-line sniper Andre Burakovsky (one assist against the Blues) needs to contribute. Vegas can be an explosive offensive team, but first-line center Chandler Stevenson is no MacKinnon (Who is?). Stevenson’s wingers, Mark Stone and Max Pacioretty, are elite playmakers, and Pacioretty had six of the Knights’ 18 goals against the Avs in the regular season.
Colorado Avalanche vs. Vegas Golden Knights: Who has the edge, five things to watch and predictions
