Vegas Golden Knights - Minnesota Wild predictions and free betting tips [13/04/2024]

Vegas Golden Knights and Minnesota Wild are set to face off today in the regular NHL championship tomorrow morning.

Vegas Golden Knights

The reigning Stanley Cup champions, Vegas Golden Knights, are approaching defining moments towards the end of the season, seeking to secure a spot in the playoffs. The team, with a record of 42-28-8 and 92 points, is on the verge, outpacing St. Louis Blues by 3 points and trailing by one point from LA's 6th place in the Pacific Division. Despite a brilliant start to the season with 11 wins in the first 12 games and leading the division with 30 points after the first 20 matches, the team posted a result of just 28-30 in the subsequent games. The recent three-game losing streak has underscored the team's troubles, especially after they lost a 4:1 lead against Arizona Coyotes, eventually suffering a crushing 7:4 defeat.

The team has average attacking and defensive results, scoring 3.18 pucks per game and admitting 2.99. Following a recent 5:1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers, where the sole goal was scored by Keegan Kolesar, the 'Golden Knights' understand the significant challenges that lay ahead. With matches against Colorado and Chicago on the horizon, Vegas must regroup and bring their best game to secure a postseason presence and aim to replicate past successes.

Minnesota Wild

Minnesota Wild are wrapping up the season, ready to fight to the end despite losing playoff chances after falling to Colorado Avalanche 2:5. Wild's defender, Zac Bogosian emphasised the importance of pride and team culture, affirming their intent to compete in the remaining four games of the season. Wild boast a record of 37-31-10 and 83 points, reflecting their gritty persona throughout the season.

Despite some setbacks, Minnesota shows an average figure in both attack and defence, scoring and admitting an average of 3 and 3.15 pucks per game respectively. Kirill Kaprizov, the team's leading goal scorer, has significantly contributed to the offense with 42 goals and 48 assists. Following a loss to Colorado, the team is looking to turn things around, relying on the efforts of their leaders and young players. Matt Boldy, marked by a goal and an assist in the last match, is a case in point.

Head-to-Head meetings

Minnesota and Vegas have faced off in five recent matches with varying results. On March 30, 2024, Vegas claimed an overtime victory with a 2:1 score. On February 13, 2024, Minnesota triumphed with a 5:3 result. In the game on April 4, 2023, Vegas won in the shoot-out series, with a score of 4:3. On April 2, 2023, Vegas again claimed victory with a 4:1 result. Finally, on February 10, 2023, Vegas again won, this time with a score of 5:1.

Prediction for the match Vegas Golden Knights - Minnesota Wild

Vegas traditionally can play from defence and after scoring goals, they tends to shut down. For the important game for the Knights, I would try a bet on the puck total under 6. Minnesota might come out with a partial reserve, and Russian forward Marat Khusnutdinov could well play in the 2nd or 3rd line.