Golden Knights vs Wild Picks and Prediction – 5/1/2025

Minnesota and Vegas face off in a huge Game 6 at Xcel Energy Center with the Golden Knights holding a 3-2 series edge. Vegas has won back-to-back games in overtime, including a 3-2 OT thriller in Game 5. Minnesota needs to bounce back after two straight losses to stay alive. The Wild were strong at home all season and will lean on that edge in a do-or-die situation. Hit the ice running with our NHL picks.

The Vegas Golden Knights are riding high with back-to-back overtime wins and a chance to close the series. Jack Eichel has been elite with 94 points, including 66 assists, and Pavel Dorofeyev leads with 35 goals. Vegas has shown up when it matters, with a 3.34 goals-per-game average while firing 30.2 shots per night. They’ve also excelled on the power play, converting at a 28.3% clip. 

Defensively, Vegas has been rock solid, allowing only 2.61 goals per game. Goaltender Adin Hill leads the way with 32 wins and a 2.47 goals against average, supported by a .906 save percentage. Backup Ilya Samsonov has also chipped in with a .891 SV% over 16 wins. The Knights are killing penalties at a 75.7% rate. Staying healthy has been key, and with zero players on the injury list, they're rolling into Game 6 at full strength.

The Minnesota Wild are on the ropes after back-to-back overtime heartbreakers and now trail 3-2 in the series. Matt Boldy has been the engine of the offense with 73 points, including 27 goals and 46 assists. But the team has struggled to match Vegas’ firepower, putting up just 2.74 goals per game on 27.6 shots. The Wild have a weaker 20.9% power play than Vegas.

Defensively, the Wild are giving up 2.88 goals per game and allowing nearly 30 shots. Filip Gustavsson has carried the load with 31 wins, a 2.56 GAA, and a strong .914 save percentage. Marc-Andre Fleury has struggled more, posting a 2.94 GAA. Penalty kill has been shaky too, running at just 72.4%. Injuries haven’t been a factor outside of goalie Troy Grosenick, but Minnesota needs sharper execution across the board to force a Game 7.

Vegas is in the driver’s seat with the confidence of two overtime wins and the better all-around numbers. The Knights have the better offense, a hotter power play, and stronger goaltending. Jack Eichel and Pavel Dorofeyev are difference-makers, and Adin Hill has the edge in net. Minnesota has been tough at home, but the Golden Knights are simply playing better hockey right now. Final Score Prediction: Vegas Golden Knights wins 4-2.