Minnesota (0-0) at Vegas (0-0)
- When: Apr 20 2025, 10:00 PM
- Where: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV, USA
- TV: ESPN
Wild vs. Golden Knights Game 1 Preview: Betting Outlook & Prediction
Moneyline Favorite: Vegas -205 | Total: 5.5
The Vegas Golden Knights are set to begin their Western Conference first-round playoff series on home ice Sunday night, heavily favored at -205 on the moneyline against the Minnesota Wild. The total is listed at 5.5, suggesting a low-scoring, defense-first opener.
Vegas Golden Knights Betting Outlook
Vegas (50-22-10) comes in with momentum and a championship pedigree, having hit the 50-win mark for the third time in franchise history. Both previous times they reached that milestone, the Golden Knights made it to the Stanley Cup Final — including their title win in 2023. They’ll aim to channel that same hunger and execution in this year’s run.
Jack Eichel, who posted a career-best 94 points, will be a key contributor. He lit up Minnesota with a hat trick the last time they met, and Vegas went 3-0 against the Wild this season by a combined 12-4 score. Between the pipes, Adin Hill is in top form, finishing the regular season with a 2.45 GAA and four shutouts. He looks to pick up where he left off during last year’s dominant playoff stretch.
Vegas has won 9 of the last 11 head-to-head matchups, and their balance on both ends makes them tough to beat — especially at home, where they’ve been a fortress all season.
Minnesota Wild Betting Outlook
Minnesota (45-30-7) barely secured their postseason ticket, needing an overtime win over Anaheim to clinch a spot. The Wild, now in the playoffs for the 11th time in 12 seasons, face a tall task against a deep Vegas squad that has had their number.
The Wild will lean heavily on Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek, both of whom missed much of the regular-season series vs. Vegas but are now healthy. Matt Boldy (team-high 73 points) and rookie defenseman Brock Faber will also play pivotal roles, especially on special teams and in high-pressure defensive situations.
Coach John Hynes knows this series won’t be flashy — he expects tight, physical contests and emphasized that his team has been battle-tested in recent weeks. The question is whether that grit can translate into playoff success against one of the league’s most complete teams.
Betting Prediction
Vegas has been dominant in the matchup, and with their roster fully intact, expect that trend to continue. Minnesota’s injuries and inconsistencies this season make them a risky underdog. Back the Golden Knights to win Game 1 with confidence.
Score Prediction: Vegas 3, Minnesota 1
Best Bets: Vegas ML (-205)
Total: Under 5.5 Total Goals
Jack Eichel to score anytime (if available at plus-money)
Adin Hill over saves if posted (projected high volume from Minnesota playing from behind)
- NHL Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
