The Vegas Golden Knights are gearing up for their first-round playoff series against the Minnesota Wild, with the excitement palpable in Las Vegas. This highly anticipated matchup kicks off at T-Mobile Arena, where the Golden Knights hold home ice advantage, a crucial factor as they seek to assert their dominance in the postseason.
Head coach Bruce Cassidy has made it clear that the team’s mindset is crucial for success. "At the end of the day hunger is what is required to win... You have to be hungrier and more competitive than the other team... We’re hungry again like we were two years ago," Cassidy stated, emphasizing the need for a fierce competitive spirit. The Golden Knights swept the season series against the Wild, winning all three encounters, but Cassidy knows the playoffs present a different challenge.
In the regular season, the Golden Knights showcased their prowess, finishing with a record of 50-22-10, capturing the Pacific Division title. Their home record was particularly impressive, going 29-9-3 at T-Mobile Arena. This season, they also achieved a franchise-best power play success rate of 28.3%, scoring 53 goals while a man up, which could prove pivotal in the playoffs.
As the Golden Knights prepare for Game 1, the Minnesota Wild are also ready to make their mark. The Wild, who finished the regular season with a record of 45-30-7, secured the first wildcard seed in the Western Conference. This series marks a significant opportunity for the Wild, especially with the debut of their promising prospect, Zeev Buium.
Buium, the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, will take the ice for his first NHL game paired with veteran defenseman Zach Bogosian. Head coach John Hynes expressed confidence in Buium’s abilities, noting, "He has played some big moments... I think it’s a good opportunity for him. He’s got some really good attributes. He’s a smart player and he’s competitive." Buium’s impressive college career at the University of Denver saw him tally 48 points, including 13 goals and 35 assists in just 41 games.
As the Wild enter the playoffs, they are looking to shake off the memories of their past postseason struggles against the Golden Knights. In their last playoff meeting in 2021, the Wild fell to Vegas in a seven-game series. Additionally, the Wild lost all three regular-season matchups this year, being outscored 12-4 in the process. Despite this, players like Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek are rounding into form after injuries, which could be crucial for Minnesota's success.
Kaprizov, who missed 41 games this season, made a strong return with six points (two goals, four assists) in his last six regular-season games. Eriksson Ek also made an impact, scoring the tying goal in Minnesota’s final game against the Anaheim Ducks, helping secure their playoff berth. This resurgence of key players could provide the spark the Wild need to compete with the high-flying Golden Knights.
On the other hand, Vegas is counting on their solid defensive play and exceptional goaltending from Adin Hill, who posted a 2.18 goals-against average and a .915 save percentage in his last 15 starts. Hill has been particularly effective against the Wild this season, boasting a 1.00 GAA and a .950 save percentage in two games. The Golden Knights have built a reputation as one of the league's best defensive teams, allowing only 2.4 goals per game at home.
As both teams prepare for the opening game, the stakes are high. The Golden Knights are favored as -225 moneyline favorites, reflecting confidence in their ability to navigate the playoff bracket successfully. Puck drop is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET, with the game broadcasted on FDSNNO, SCRIPPS, ESPN, SN360, SN, and TVAS.
With the Golden Knights’ offensive depth, highlighted by players like Jack Eichel, who led the team with 94 points, and the scoring prowess of Pavel Dorofeyev and Tomas Hertl, who netted 35 and 32 goals respectively, they pose a significant threat to the Wild. However, Minnesota’s strong defensive record, ranking sixth in expected goals against, gives them a fighting chance.
As the series unfolds, all eyes will be on the ice as the Golden Knights look to capitalize on their home advantage and the Wild aim to defy the odds. With the playoffs underway, the excitement of hockey at its finest is about to take center stage.
