Not many people likely thought the NHL Playoffs Game 1 of Wild vs Golden Knights would feature a shootout. At the same time, nobody thought that there would only be one goal between the two teams. Marc-Andre Fleury and Cam Talbot were absolutely incredible, and it’s unfortunate that one of them had to lose. Talbot saved all 42 shots sent his way while Fleury saved 29-of-30. We’ll likely see some more red lights going off in Game 2. Just how much and on which side of the ice still remains to be seen. This NHL betting preview for the Wild vs Golden Knights NHL Playoffs matchup will provide game info, betting trends, odds and a prediction for Game 2 of this series.
Wild vs Golden Knights Betting Preview and Prediction | NHL Playoffs
NHL West Division Semifinals NHL Playoffs Game 2 (MIN Leads 1-0)
Minnesota Wild (35-16-5, 14-11-3 Away) vs. Vegas Golden Knights (40-14-2, 21-5-2 Home)
Date: Tuesday, May 18th, 2021
Time: 10:00 pm EST
Venue: T-Mobile Arena – Las Vegas, NV
Coverage: NBCSN
The Wild were the one team that had consistent success against Vegas during the regular season, and that success carried over into Game 1. They were able to limit their giveaways to only five while also blocking 23 shots. This team was the definition of grit in Game 1 and will need a similar performance if they want to take a commanding 2-0 series lead. The two problem areas for Minnesota, however, were shots and faceoffs. While 30 shots isn’t horrible, they’ll need to be closer to Vegas and certainly can’t be outshot by 10+ and expect to win. Their putrid 38% faceoff win percentage must improve too, if they want to steal a second in Las Vegas.
The Golden Knights might find themselves feeling more unlucky than sad. The only measurable stat where they were beat was giveaways. While Minnesota did have half the giveaways as Vegas did, 10 over the course of a game isn’t a back breaker. For Vegas to flip the script, they just have to play the same way, except take their chances. While Fleury made some marvelous saves, any betting man would bet on this being an unlucky result for Vegas as opposed to a statement win for Minnesota. The Golden Knights simply have to make their opportunities count.
Wild vs Golden Knights NHL Betting Odds
Moneyline: MIN: +140 | VGS: -160
Spread: MIN: +1.5 (-190) | VGS: -1.5 (+165)
Total: 5.5 — Over: (+105) I Under: (-125)
Odds to Win Series: MIN: -105 | VGS: -115
Wild vs Golden Knights Betting Trends
- Minnesota is 6-1 straight up in their last seven against Vegas
- Minnesota is 5-2 straight up in their last seven road games
- The total has gone under in six of Vegas’ last nine games
- The total has gone under in four of Vegas’ last five against Minnesota
Wild vs Golden Knights Prediction
This NHL prediction uses NumberFire’s probability model. They give Vegas a 63.1% chance to win Game 2 of this NHL Playoffs matchup.
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