The first-round playoff clash of the Stanley Cup between Minnesota Wild and Vegas Golden Knights will take place on May 2 at the Xcel Energy Center. The series score is 3-2 in favor of Vegas. Minnesota vs. Vegas: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Minnesota Wild
John Hynes' team lost the previous game of the series in overtime with a score of 2-3. The most productive player for Minnesota in this match was Joel Eriksson Ek, who provided two assists. Additionally, the team's goaltender, Marc-André Fleury, set a record by participating in his 18th Stanley Cup playoff, playing in the last game. Notably, the club is among the highest-scoring teams in the current playoffs with 17 goals.
- The team has scored at least two goals in regular time in 6 of their last 9 NHL home games.
- The score was tied after 60 minutes in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 home league games.
- At least six goals were scored in regular time in 4 of the last 5 NHL matches involving John Hynes' team.
Vegas Golden Knights
Bruce Cassidy's team took the lead for the first time in this series, moving one step away from advancing to the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. In the last match, Vegas led twice, with the winning goal scored in the fifth minute of overtime. Jack Eichel stood out for the club, contributing two assists. In this playoff, the team is among those conceding the most goals, with 17 against them.
- Vegas has scored at least three goals in regular time in 5 of their last 7 NHL games at Minnesota's venue.
- The club has not won after three periods in 4 of their last 5 away league games (3 draws, 1 loss).
- No more than six goals were scored in regular time in 6 of the last 8 NHL matches involving Vegas.
Minnesota vs. Vegas: Match Prediction
John Hynes' team was close to taking the lead in the series again in the last match, but their goal in the third period was disallowed. Nevertheless, Minnesota has not yet played to be eliminated in this matchup, especially at home, where the home crowd should provide support. Therefore, I believe the hosts have a chance to level the series.
Minnesota has won 4 of their last 5 home games (3 in OT). Meanwhile, Vegas has lost 3 of their last 5 away league games (2 in shootouts). Additionally, in this series, John Hynes' team has not lost at home in regular time (1 win, 1 draw), and now, with no room for error, they should perform at their best. I think Minnesota is not ready to end their season yet.
Match prediction: Minnesota Wild to win the match
