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Cale Makar finished tied for the team lead in shot attempts and shots on goal during the first round of the playoffs.
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My Wild vs. Avalanche predictions see Makar picking up where he left off against a team that has bled shots to defensemen all year.
Let’s break it all down with my NHL picks for Sunday, May 3.
Wild vs Avalanche Game 1 prediction
Wild vs Avalanche best bet: Cale Makar Over 3.5 shots (+130)
Cale Makar generated a ton of volume against the Minnesota Wild during the regular season, piling up 45 attempts over four meetings.
That’s no coincidence. The Wild allowed the second-most shots to defensemen over the course of the year, and that’s held true in the playoffs.
Top defenseman Miro Heiskanen had a field day, averaging 3.5 shots on goal and leading the Stars in shot attempts — and he’s not nearly as strong a shot-generator as Makar.
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Makar has also done his best work at home come playoff time, producing 3.8 shots and 9.3 attempts over his last 10 in Colorado.
Wild vs Avalanche Game 1 same-game parlay
Makar led the Colorado Avalanche in time on ice during the opening round. Given his elite talents, it should be no surprise he was also on for more scoring chances and expected goals than any player on the roster.
He has his hand in everything offensively, and his chances of hitting the scoresheet only grow if the shot volume is there.
For Minnesota, it’s hard not to get excited about Matt Boldy’s shooting. He averaged 5.5 shots on goal in the first round, and the Avalanche have allowed the third-most shots to wingers in these playoffs.
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Wild vs Avalanche SGP
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Cale Makar Over 3.5 shots
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Cale Makar Over 0.5 points
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Matt Boldy Over 3.5 shots
Wild vs Avalanche odds for Game 1
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Moneyline: Wild +150 | Avalanche -175
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Puck Line: Wild +1.5| Avalanche -1.5
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Over/Under: Over 5.5 | Under 5.5
Wild vs Avalanche trend
Nathan MacKinnon has scored in seven of his past 10 games against Minnesota. Find more NHL betting trends for Wild vs. Avalanche.
How to watch Wild vs Avalanche Game 1
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Location |
Ball Arena, Denver, CO |
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Date |
Sunday, May 3, 2026 |
|
Puck drop |
9:00 p.m. ET |
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TV |
TNT |
Wild vs Avalanche latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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