Vegas (3-2) at Minnesota (2-3)
- When: May 1 2025, 7:30 PM
- Where: Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, MN, USA
- TV: ESPN
NHL Playoffs Game 6 Preview: Knights at Wild
Moneyline Favorite: Vegas -160 | Total: 5.5
The Vegas Golden Knights enter Game 6 as -160 moneyline favorites with a total of 5.5, aiming to close out the Minnesota Wild and advance in what has been a tense and tightly contested first-round playoff series.
Vegas Golden Knights Outlook
Vegas has all the momentum heading into Thursday’s clash after back-to-back overtime wins in Games 4 and 5. With a 3-2 series lead and postseason pedigree on their side, the Golden Knights are banking on experience to carry them through in Saint Paul.
Coach Bruce Cassidy praised his squad’s poise under pressure, and it’s showing. The Knights boast a locker room full of seasoned champions, led by Tomas Hertl (3 goals, 2 assists) and Brett Howden (3 goals). That depth and ability to deliver in crunch time makes them a solid bet to close this series out.
Goaltender Adin Hill hasn’t been dominant (3.00 GAA, .865 SV%), but he’s been good enough behind a battle-tested defense. With Vegas’ balanced attack and playoff savvy, expect them to come in sharp, limit turnovers, and put pressure on Minnesota’s net early.
Minnesota Wild Breakdown
The Wild, despite trailing in the series, have actually outscored Vegas 17-15 through five games. However, defensive lapses and missed opportunities in extra time have left them on the brink of elimination. Marcus Foligno and the rest of the locker room remain upbeat, embracing the underdog mentality.
Kirill Kaprizov (5 goals, 4 assists) has been outstanding, and Matt Boldy (5 goals) continues to make an impact. If Minnesota wants to force Game 7, they’ll need another big night from their top line and a near-flawless effort from Filip Gustavsson (2.63 GAA, .919 SV%).
Home ice could be a factor here — Minnesota has played well at Xcel Energy Center and will be feeding off the crowd. Still, they’ve had trouble closing out tight games, and the pressure could tilt things toward the more composed Knights.
Game 6 Prediction
This one has all the makings of another nail-biter, but Vegas’ clutch performances and veteran depth give them the edge. Minnesota will push hard, but ultimately the Golden Knights’ execution and playoff maturity prevail.
Lean: Vegas ML -160
Total: Over 5.5 (-112) (slight lean due to offensive output from both sides)
Score Prediction: Golden Knights 4, Wild 3
- NHL Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
