The Vegas Golden Knights and Minnesota Wild are set to face off in Game 4 of their first-round series in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. Puck drop is scheduled for 4:00 PM ET, and the game will be broadcast on TBS, truTV, and Max. The Wild currently lead the series 2-1, and the Golden Knights will look to even the series in this pivotal matchup.
Team Overview:
Minnesota Wild (45-30-7, 2-1 in series):
The Wild have seized momentum in the series, winning Games 2 and 3 by a combined score of 10-4 after dropping Game 1. Their offense has been firing on all cylinders, led by Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy, who have combined for eight goals and five assists in the series. Kaprizov scored two power-play goals in Game 3, while Boldy has scored in three consecutive games. Filip Gustavsson has been solid in net, stopping 60 of the last 64 shots he has faced. Minnesota’s special teams have also been a key factor, with the power play converting on 25% of its opportunities in the series.
Vegas Golden Knights (50-22-10, 1-2 in series):
The Golden Knights, who entered the playoffs as the Pacific Division champions, find themselves in a challenging position after back-to-back losses. Their top line of Mark Stone, Jack Eichel, and Ivan Barbashev has yet to record a point in the series, putting pressure on the rest of the lineup to step up. Vegas’ defense has struggled to contain Minnesota’s high-powered offense, and goaltender Adin Hill was pulled after allowing four goals on 21 shots in Game 3. The Golden Knights will need a more disciplined defensive effort and contributions from their star players to turn the tide.
Key Players to Watch:
Minnesota Wild:
- Kirill Kaprizov: The dynamic forward leads the team with four goals in the series, including two power-play tallies in Game 3.
- Matt Boldy: Boldy has been a consistent offensive force, scoring in each of the last three games.
- Filip Gustavsson: The goaltender has been a steady presence in net, providing key saves to preserve Minnesota’s leads.
Vegas Golden Knights:
- Jack Eichel: The star center needs to find his offensive rhythm to spark Vegas’ attack.
- Mark Stone: The captain’s leadership and two-way play will be crucial as the Golden Knights look to bounce back.
- Adin Hill: After a rough outing in Game 3, Hill will need to regain his form to give Vegas a chance.
Matchup Analysis:
Offense vs. Defense:
Minnesota’s balanced scoring and effective power play have been the difference-makers in the series. Vegas will need to tighten up defensively and generate more high-danger scoring chances to challenge Gustavsson.
Momentum:
The Wild enter Game 4 with confidence, having outscored the Golden Knights 10-4 in the last two games. Vegas, on the other hand, must regroup quickly to avoid falling into a 3-1 series deficit.
Special Teams:
Special teams have played a significant role in the series, with Minnesota’s power play converting key opportunities. Vegas will need to improve its penalty kill and capitalize on its own power-play chances.
Game Odds
Vegas Golden Knights – 155
Minnesota Wild 5.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 25, 2025
