The Vegas Golden Knights and Minnesota Wild are set to face off in Game 6 of their first-round Stanley Cup Playoff series on May 1, 2025. The game will take place at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, with puck drop scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Vegas leads the series 3-2 and has the opportunity to close it out, while Minnesota is fighting to force a decisive Game 7.
Team Form and Key Players
Vegas Golden Knights:
The Golden Knights have shown resilience, bouncing back from a 2-1 series deficit to win two straight games, including a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory in Game 5. Brett Howden has been a standout performer, scoring the game-winning goal in overtime and tallying three goals in the series. Jack Eichel and Mark Stone have also been pivotal, contributing offensively and leading by example.
Goaltender Adin Hill has been solid, boasting a 2.47 goals-against average (GAA) and a .906 save percentage in the playoffs. His ability to make key saves under pressure has been a cornerstone of Vegas’ success.
Minnesota Wild:
The Wild are in a must-win situation after a heartbreaking overtime loss in Game 5. Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy have been the driving forces for Minnesota, combining for 10 goals and six assists in the series. Kaprizov, in particular, has been a game-changer, showcasing his scoring prowess and playmaking ability.
Goaltender Filip Gustavsson has faced a heavy workload, with 46 shots against him in Game 4 alone. While he has been reliable, the Wild may also turn to veteran Marc-Andre Fleury, who stepped in during Game 5 and delivered a strong performance.
Key Matchups and Strategies
- Special Teams: Vegas has capitalized on Minnesota’s struggles on the penalty kill, scoring four power-play goals in the series. The Wild must tighten up their penalty-killing unit to stay competitive.
- Goaltending Battle: Hill’s consistency versus Gustavsson’s resilience will be a focal point. If Fleury starts for Minnesota, his playoff experience could be a game-changer.
- Physical Play: Both teams have emphasized physicality, but Minnesota’s aggressive forechecking has disrupted Vegas’ zone entries. The Golden Knights will need to adapt to maintain possession.
- Home-Ice Advantage: The Wild will rely on their home crowd to energize them. A strong start will be crucial to set the tone and put Vegas on the back foot.
Game Odds
Vegas Golden Knights – 166
Minnesota Wild 5.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, May 1, 2025
