The first-round playoff encounter in the Stanley Cup between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Minnesota Wild will take place on April 21 at T-Mobile Arena. Vegas vs. Minnesota: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Vegas Golden Knights
Bruce Cassidy's team finished second in the Western Conference in the regular season and topped the Pacific Division with 110 points. This season, the club scored a total of 275 goals, one of the best results in the entire league. Additionally, Vegas ranked second in power play performance this season, only behind Winnipeg (28.3%), but was among the worst in penalty killing (75.7%). Notably, at the end of the 2024/25 regular season, Vegas was tied with Washington and Winnipeg for the fewest regulation losses (22).
Jack Eichel emerged as the main leader for Vegas this season, recording 94 points (28+66), while Pavel Dorofeyev concluded the regular season with 35 goals, becoming the club's top scorer.
Last season, Vegas exited the playoffs in the first round, losing to Dallas in seven games despite being the reigning Stanley Cup champions. This upcoming tournament marks their seventh playoff appearance in the past eight years, during which the club has reached the finals twice.
- Vegas has scored at least three goals in regulation time in their last seven NHL home games against Minnesota.
- The team has won in regulation in 10 of their previous 13 home league matches.
- No more than five goals were scored in regulation time in 8 of Vegas's last 10 NHL games.
Minnesota Wild
John Hynes' team finished the regular season in seventh place in the Western Conference standings, failing to make the top three in the Central Division. Notably, Minnesota conceded the most goals (239) among the eight teams that qualified for the playoffs in the West, while also having the lowest scoring rate (228) among these teams in the conference. Additionally, the club ranked among the worst in penalty killing, finishing third from the bottom (72.4%). Key players include Matthew Boldy, who was the team's top scorer with 73 points (27+46), and Kirill Kaprizov, who recorded 56 points (25+31) in 41 games.
Last season, Minnesota did not participate in the Stanley Cup chase. Prior to that, they reached the playoffs four consecutive times but failed to advance past the first round in each instance.
- Minnesota has not scored more than two goals in regulation time in 5 of their last 7 NHL games at Vegas.
- The team has lost 6 of their previous 7 away league matches (1 in OT, 1 in shootout).
- No more than six goals were scored in regulation time in 5 of Minnesota's last 6 NHL games.
Vegas vs. Minnesota: Match Prediction
Compared to last year, where Vegas was eliminated in the first round, this season the club performed more consistently and now looks like one of the main contenders for the Stanley Cup. The team's only weak spot is penalty killing; otherwise, Vegas appears very convincing on paper and should reclaim their status as a team ready to reach the finals.
Minnesota, on the other hand, does not possess the same strengths as Vegas. A strong start to the season gave hope for success, but the second half was rather inconsistent. The team heavily relies on its leaders, particularly Kirill Kaprizov, who has been exceptionally productive. However, against an opponent ready to compete for top honors, I believe Minnesota will struggle to advance far.
Perhaps against another opponent, Minnesota could have a chance, but Vegas, especially after last year's disappointing run, will not allow it. Relying solely on their leaders against such an opponent is futile. For me, this series has an obvious outcome, and Vegas should start it with a home victory. As home ice hosts, the team has won in regulation in 6 of their last 7 NHL meetings against Minnesota.
Match prediction: Victory for Vegas Golden Knights
