Florida (29-18-3) at Vegas (30-15-4)
- When: Jan 26 2025, 8:00 PM
- Where: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV, USA
- TV: SCRIPPS
Game Preview
The Vegas Golden Knights are looking to snap out of their recent slump as they host the reigning Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers on Sunday in Las Vegas. Both teams are battling for the top spot in their divisions, with Vegas sitting one point behind the Pacific Division-leading Edmonton Oilers and Florida trailing Atlantic Division leader Toronto by just one point.
Vegas enters this matchup struggling, having dropped five of their last six games (1-4-1). Their latest setback was a 4-3 road loss to Dallas on Friday, where Jack Eichel led the offense with two goals, bringing his season total to 61 points. Eichel remains on track for his first 100-point season, but frustration is mounting within the team.
“It’s frustrating,” Eichel admitted. “We’ve been in the losing column too much lately. Every night is a battle, and no one is going to hand us wins. We know we have what it takes; now it’s about putting it together.”
The Golden Knights return to T-Mobile Arena for a critical three-game homestand before the break, including a rematch with Dallas on Tuesday and a clash with Columbus on Thursday. With Vegas being a -128 Moneyline favorite, the pressure is on to deliver results on home ice.
Meanwhile, the Florida Panthers are coming off a dominant 7-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks on Saturday, a game where Matthew Tkachuk posted three points and Aaron Ekblad returned from injury to contribute a goal and an assist. The Panthers have gone 2-1 on their current western road trip and will be looking to finish strong in Las Vegas.
Florida’s coach, Paul Maurice, is optimistic. “We’re in position now to have a really good road trip,” he said. However, the Panthers face the challenge of playing on the second night of a back-to-back after traveling from San Jose.
The first meeting between these teams this season went to Florida, who secured a 4-3 overtime win at home in October. The Panthers will need another big effort to secure the sweep, especially with Vegas desperate to regain form.
Prediction and Betting Tips:
Moneyline Pick: Take Vegas (-128). The Golden Knights are back on home ice, and their urgency to snap out of their losing streak should fuel a strong performance.
Total Goals: Lean towards the Over (6.0). Both teams feature high-octane offenses capable of putting up big numbers, especially with Eichel and Tkachuk leading the way.
Player Props: Consider betting on Jack Eichel to record over 1.5 points or Matthew Tkachuk to register an assist, as both players have been critical to their teams’ offensive output.
Expect a hard-fought game with Vegas pushing to turn things around and Florida battling fatigue from a back-to-back. The Golden Knights’ home advantage and desperation to stay in the playoff hunt could give them the edge in this showdown.
- NHL Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
