The Vegas Golden Knights will attempt to even the series and reclaim home ice with a Game 4 win against the Minnesota Wild at the Xcel Energy Center on Saturday, April 26, 2025. After dropping consecutive games by 5-2 scorelines, the Golden Knights find themselves in a precarious position trailing 2-1 in this best-of-seven series. The stakes are high, and the pressure is on for Vegas to bounce back.
In the previous two games, the Wild have showcased their offensive prowess, scoring ten goals while limiting the Golden Knights to just four. Kirill Kaprizov has been a standout player for Minnesota, netting two goals in Game 3, which included a power-play goal that set the tone for a dominant performance. The 2025 playoffs have seen Kaprizov elevate his game, providing energy and skill that has revitalized the Wild, especially after he missed a significant portion of the regular season due to injury.
Golden Knights' coach Bruce Cassidy acknowledged the challenges his team has faced, stating, "We’ve got to be better at taking away the goalie’s eyes once we get our action at the net. We need to be ready for rebound chances." With their top line of Mark Stone, Jack Eichel, and Ivan Barbashev yet to register a point in the series, the Golden Knights will need to find a way to generate more offensive opportunities if they hope to level the series.
Despite the setbacks, the Golden Knights have shown glimpses of their potential. They have out-shot the Wild 74-54 during five-on-five play and have a 56.09% expected goals share, generating 7.28 expected goals while yielding just 5.7. However, their finishing has been lackluster, converting only 5.41% of their five-on-five shots. In contrast, the Wild have thrived, scoring at a rate of nearly 15% during the same situation.
As the Golden Knights prepare for Game 4, they will rely heavily on their key players to step up. Jack Eichel, who finished the regular season with 94 points, has yet to find the scoresheet in the playoffs. His performance will be crucial for Vegas, as they cannot afford to fall further behind in the series. Eichel played nearly 25 minutes in Game 3, and Cassidy is expected to increase his ice time in hopes of igniting the offense.
For the Wild, the momentum is palpable, and they are keen to push the Golden Knights to the brink of elimination. Minnesota's coach, John Hynes, has emphasized the importance of staying focused and not looking ahead. "It's that time of year where every goal, every play, every puck matters," Wild forward Matt Boldy remarked, highlighting the team's determination to capitalize on their current lead.
In Game 3, the Wild's scoring was complemented by a solid performance from goaltender Filip Gustavsson, who made 30 saves to secure the victory. The Wild's offensive depth has been evident, with contributions from players like Marco Rossi, who scored his first career postseason goal, and Marcus Foligno, who added an empty-netter. The Wild's first line, featuring Boldy and Kaprizov, has combined for 13 points in the series, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure.
As the teams gear up for Game 4, the Golden Knights will need to make strategic adjustments to counter the Wild's aggressive play. The absence of Marcus Johansson, who suffered an injury in Game 3, may impact Minnesota's lineup, with Vinnie Hinostroza stepping in for his first playoff game since 2020. This change could alter the dynamics of the Wild's attack, but they remain confident in their ability to adapt.
The Golden Knights are aware of the historical implications of falling behind 3-1 in a playoff series. Teams that hold a 2-1 lead in a best-of-seven series have advanced 68.8% of the time. The Golden Knights are determined to avoid becoming another statistic and will look to leverage their experience and depth to turn the tide in their favor.
With the puck set to drop at 4:00 PM ET, fans can catch the action on TBS and truTV, or stream it through various platforms like Sling and FuboTV. The atmosphere in the Xcel Energy Center is expected to be electric as the Wild look to capitalize on their home-ice advantage, while the Golden Knights aim to reclaim control of the series.
As the series progresses, both teams will be looking for key performances from their star players. For the Golden Knights, the time is now for Eichel, Stone, and Barbashev to break through and deliver the offensive spark needed to even the series. On the other hand, the Wild will look to Kaprizov and Boldy to continue their scoring streak and keep the momentum rolling. The stakes couldn't be higher, and the excitement of playoff hockey is palpable as these two teams battle for supremacy in the Western Conference.
