- The Golden Knights are -238 moneyline favorites over the Wild in Game 5 of their 1st Round playoff series
- The best-of-seven series is tied 2-2
- See my Wild vs Golden Knights Game 5 predictions and picks, plus the best odds below
When it comes to the Wild vs Golden Knights series, the cream is eventually going to rise to the top. I’m predicting we finally see that tonight. Online sportsbooks agree, favoring Vegas as they look to take a 3-2 series lead in the NHL playoff bracket.
Puck drop is scheduled for 6:30pm PT / 9:30pm ET at the T-Mobile Arena, in Las Vegas, NV, with ESPN providing the broadcast coverage.
Minnesota Wild vs Vegas Golden Knights Predictions
My prediction is that the Golden Knights take care of business tonight in regulation. Simply put, Minnesota can’t keep getting away with how they’re playing.
Vegas has thoroughly outplayed the Wild in Games 2 through 4, but have just a 1-2 record to show for it. The lone victory during that stretch was an overtime win in Game 4, a contest that should have never gotten to the extra frame.
The Golden Knights dominated puck possession, and generated 3.17 expected goals. That was the highest mark of any contest this series. Vegas produced 19 high danger chances, which is also the series high mark, but were stymied by Filip Gustavsson.
The Minnesota netminder has vastly outplayed his counterpart Adin Hill so far. He boasts a superior goals against average and save percentage, stopping 92% of the high danger chances he’s faced.
Filip Gustavsson vs Adin Hill Playoff Stats
Hill on the other hand, looked better in Game 4, but still has to elevate his play further for Vegas to be a Stanley Cup odds contender.
His .854 save percentage won’t cut it. This is a guy who’s career save percentage is .909, while he posted a .931 and .932 mark in his first two postseasons with Vegas. He’s a Stanley Cup champion, with 21 career playoff starts on his resume, and it’s time his play reflects that.
Wild vs Golden Knights Picks
- Vegas Golden Knights to Win in Regulation (-145 at DraftKings)
There are two more reasons why I’m picking the Golden Knights to win in regulation tonight. First off, they appear to have finally forged a strategy for slowing down Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy. Prior to Game 4, the duo had accounted for 8 of the Wild’s 12 goals. They were held in check on Saturday however, recording only a single point between them, while creating just 0.28 expected goals.
The rest of Minnesota’s depth just isn’t strong enough to compete with Vegas’. In the case of Kaprizov and Boldy, cut off the head of the snake, and the body will die.
Secondly, Jack Eichel is going to have a breakout game soon. The Golden Knights leading scorer has only 1 point through 4 games. He averaged over a point per outing in the regular season, and leads the team in shot attempts this series, while ranking second in chances created.
Positive regression is on deck for Eichel, and I’m betting he leads the charge tonight versus the Wild in Game 5.
Minnesota Wild vs Vegas Golden Knights Odds
The best price we can find on Vegas to win in regulation is -145 at DraftKings. The Golden Knights are -238 on the moneyline, and are laying 1.5 goals at +114 odds on the puck line. Minnesota comes back as a +195 underdog, while the total sits at 5.5.
Odds as of April 29th at Caesars. Check out SBD’s Caesars Sportsbook review to see the available sign-up bonuses.
Per the NHL public betting trends, the over has hit in all four games so far this series. Minnesota is 3-1 on the puck line, with their lone loss by more than 1 goal coming in Game 1.
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The Minnesota Wild and the Vegas Golden Knights are set to face off in Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on April 29th. The series is currently tied at 2-2, making this game crucial for both teams as they look to gain the upper hand and take control of the series.
The Wild have been a strong team all season, finishing third in the West Division with a record of 35-16-5. They have a potent offense led by Kirill Kaprizov, who has been a standout rookie this season with 27 goals and 24 assists. In goal, Cam Talbot has been solid, posting a .915 save percentage and a 2.63 goals against average.
On the other hand, the Golden Knights finished second in the West Division with a record of 40-14-2. They have a balanced attack with players like Mark Stone, Max Pacioretty, and Jonathan Marchessault leading the way. In goal, Marc-Andre Fleury has been outstanding, with a .928 save percentage and a 1.98 goals against average.
In terms of predictions for Game 5, it’s expected to be a close and hard-fought battle between these two teams. The Wild will look to continue their strong play and take advantage of home ice, while the Golden Knights will be looking to bounce back after a tough loss in Game 4.
As for picks, it’s tough to say who will come out on top in this game. Both teams have shown they are capable of winning, and it could come down to which team can capitalize on their opportunities and make the most of their chances.
In terms of best odds, the Golden Knights may have a slight edge heading into Game 5. They have been the more consistent team throughout the season and have the experience of making deep playoff runs in recent years. However, the Wild have shown they are a resilient team and won’t go down without a fight.
Overall, Game 5 between the Wild and Golden Knights is shaping up to be an exciting and intense matchup. Both teams will be giving it their all as they look to take control of the series and move one step closer to advancing to the next round of the playoffs. Fans can expect a thrilling game with plenty of action and drama on the ice.