The Minnesota Wild and Vegas Golden Knights are set to face off in Game 1 of their Western Conference First Round playoff series on April 20, 2025, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. This matchup marks a rematch of their 2021 first-round battle, which Vegas won in seven games. The Golden Knights enter the series as Pacific Division champions, while the Wild secured the top wild-card spot in the Western Conference.
Team Overview & Season Performance
Vegas Golden Knights (50-22-10, 110 points, No. 1 Seed)
- The Golden Knights finished atop the Pacific Division, securing home-ice advantage.
- Jack Eichel led the team with 94 points (28 goals, 66 assists), proving to be Vegas’ offensive catalyst.
- Mark Stone and Tomas Hertl each surpassed 60 points, adding depth to Vegas’ attack.
- Vegas boasts a +53 goal differential, ranking third in the Western Conference.
- The Golden Knights swept the season series 3-0, outscoring Minnesota 12-4.
Minnesota Wild (45-30-7, 97 points, Wild Card No. 1)
- The Wild battled injuries throughout the season but secured a playoff berth with a late push.
- Kirill Kaprizov returned from injury in April and finished with 56 points in 41 games, proving to be Minnesota’s most dynamic player.
- Matt Boldy and Marco Rossi led the team in scoring, with 73 and 60 points, respectively.
- Minnesota’s goaltending, led by Filip Gustavsson (2.56 GAA, .910 SV%), will be crucial in this series.
Key Matchups & X-Factors
Jack Eichel vs. Wild’s Defense
- Eichel has been dominant against Minnesota, including a hat trick in their last meeting on March 25.
- The Wild will rely on Jared Spurgeon and Jonas Brodin to contain Vegas’ top scorer.
Kirill Kaprizov vs. Golden Knights’ Blue Line
- Kaprizov is Minnesota’s best offensive weapon, but Vegas’ defense is built to neutralize star players.
- Expect Alex Pietrangelo and Shea Theodore to match up against Kaprizov.
Goaltending Battle: Adin Hill vs. Filip Gustavsson
- Hill has been stellar at home, posting a 2.40 GAA and .910 SV% at T-Mobile Arena.
- Gustavsson will need to be sharp, as Vegas ranks fifth in the NHL in goals per game (3.33).
Game Odds
Minnesota Wild 5.5
Vegas Golden Knights – 205
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, April 19, 2025
