Wild vs Golden Knights Picks and Prediction – 4/30/2025

The Minnesota Wild (45-30-7) will clash with the Vegas Golden Knights (50-22-10) in Game 5 of the West's first-round series at T-Mobile Arena. The series is tied 2-2 after Vegas pulled out a 4-3 overtime win last time out. Minnesota won the two games before that, both by 5-2 scores, but now heads back to Vegas, where the Golden Knights have been a powerhouse all year. Hit the ice running with our NHL picks.

Minnesota dropped Game 4 in a heartbreaker but overall has competed hard in this series, splitting the two games played in Vegas so far. Matt Boldy continues to carry the offense, leading the team with 73 points off 27 goals and 46 assists. Offensively, Minnesota averages 2.74 goals per game but allows 2.88. Filip Gustavsson has been solid in goal with a 2.56 GAA and a .914 save percentage, but veteran Marc-Andre Fleury struggled slightly in his appearances. Marcus Johansson remains questionable, which could hurt the Wild's depth.

Defensively, Minnesota faces a tall task containing the Golden Knights’ attack. The Wild's penalty kill has been a weak point, sitting at 72.4%, and they’ve committed 612 penalty minutes this season, which could be dangerous against a strong Vegas power play. Overall, Minnesota allows 29.6 shots per game while generating just 27.6 shots on goal themselves, so puck possession will be critical for them to steal this game on the road.

Vegas rebounded big with the overtime win in Game 4 to even the series and defend home ice. Jack Eichel has been the biggest star for the Golden Knights, putting up 94 points on 28 goals and 66 assists. Offensively, Vegas has a major edge, scoring 3.34 goals per game while allowing just 2.61. Adin Hill anchors the net well, posting a 2.47 GAA and .906 save percentage, giving Vegas a reliable backstop heading into this pivotal matchup.

The Golden Knights' defense has been even more impressive at T-Mobile Arena, allowing only 26.1 shots per game while putting up 30.2 of their own. The penalty kill sits at 75.7%, stronger than Minnesota’s, and with no injuries, Vegas has the full lineup ready. 

Vegas has home ice, better scoring depth, stronger defensive stats, a healthier lineup, and the best player in the series in Jack Eichel. Minnesota’s penalty kill woes and heavy reliance on Matt Boldy will catch up to them here. Look for the Golden Knights to control the puck, dominate the special teams battle, and grind out a win in front of their fans. Final Score Prediction: Vegas Golden Knights wins 4-2.