- What: NHL Western Conference Playoffs First Round Game 1
- When: April 20, 2025
- Who: Minnesota Wild vs. Vegas Golden Knights
- Time: 7:00 p.m. PST
- Where: T-Mobile Arena (Las Vegas, NV)
The Minnesota Wild and Vegas Golden Knights begin their best-of-seven first-round series in the Western Conference of the Stanley Cup Playoffs this Sunday at 7 p.m. PST at T-Mobile Arena. The Golden Knights won the regular-season series 3-0.
Returning to the playoffs after last year’s absence, the Wild posted a 45-30-7 record and aim to end a playoff series win drought dating back to 2014-15.
After battling injuries to key players Joel Eriksson Ek and Kirill Kaprizov, both are now healthy, giving the Wild hope for a successful postseason run.
The Golden Knights finished the regular season with a solid 50-22-10 record, claiming the Pacific Division title for the fourth time in eight years.
Under coach Bruce Cassidy, they’ve maintained depth despite roster changes. Jack Eichel enjoyed a career-best offensive season. Pavel Dorofeyev also made an impact, leading the team with 34 goals.
Goaltender Filip Gustavsson had a strong season, starting 58 games and achieving personal bests in wins and shutouts, but struggled in April and against Vegas this season.
In contrast, Adin Hill also had a standout year, starting 50 games and recording 32 wins with impressive statistics, including two wins against the Wild.
As Game 1 approaches, a tightly contested, low-scoring matchup is expected, with strong goaltending on both sides. The Under has hit in recent matchups for both teams, suggesting a physical opening game in the playoffs.
I’ll take the Under in this one as the best bet.
Best Bet: Under 5.5 Goals at -115 odds
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Tony Reyes is a sports betting analyst and reporter for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X @TonyParlay.
