The first-round playoff clash in the Stanley Cup between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Minnesota Wild will take place on April 30 at the T-Mobile Arena. The series is tied at 2-2. Vegas vs. Minnesota: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Vegas Golden Knights
After two consecutive defeats, Bruce Cassidy's team managed to secure a 4-3 victory in overtime in an away game. In the current Stanley Cup run, Vegas ranks among the league's worst in penalty killing (67.2%) and is also one of the top three teams conceding the most goals (15 goals).
- Vegas has not lost in 9 of their last 11 league games after three periods (4 draws, 5 wins).
- The team has scored at least three goals in 60 minutes in 8 of their last 9 home face-offs in the NHL.
- At least six goals have been scored in regulation time in the last four NHL games involving Vegas.
Minnesota Wild
John Hynes' team, after two consecutive victories, lost to Vegas in overtime with a score of 3-4. In this playoff, the club ranks among the worst in penalty killing (67.9%), but it is among the top three in scoring with 15 goals.
- Minnesota has not scored more than two goals in regulation time in 4 of their last 5 away NHL games.
- The team has not lost in 5 of their last 6 league games after three periods (3 draws, 2 wins).
- At least six goals have been scored in regulation time in the last four NHL games involving Minnesota.
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Minnesota Wild
The upcoming match will determine which team gains the upper hand in the series. Vegas adheres to an active style of play and successfully executes sharp attacks: the team has scored at least three goals in 5 of their last 7 NHL games in 60 minutes. However, there is room for improvement in their defense, as Vegas has conceded at least three goals in 5 of their last 7 league matches in regulation time.
Minnesota faces a similar situation, scoring a lot but also conceding heavily. The team has allowed at least three goals in 6 of their last 8 direct NHL encounters in 60 minutes. Notably, head-to-head matches between these clubs are often high-scoring: at least six goals have been scored in the last five direct league encounters in regulation time. I believe the upcoming game will be no exception.
My prediction: Total over 5.5
