For the fourth time in their relatively short history, the Vegas Golden Knights have emerged from the regular season as Pacific Division champions. The Minnesota Wild are back in the playoffs after a year`s absence, aiming not just for an upset, but to break a decade-long drought of playoff series wins.
The Wild are accustomed to reaching this stage, having qualified for the playoffs in eight of the last ten seasons and achieving 100-point regular seasons four times. However, their last series victory was in 2014-15. This season began promisingly for Minnesota, who were among the league`s top teams in the first half. Injuries tested their depth, but they managed to secure a playoff spot in their final regular season game.
While there`s optimism for the Wild to advance, their mid-season slump led to a tough first-round matchup against the Golden Knights, the 2023 champions and a top contender.
Vegas is known for consistently fielding a strong team, led by coach Bruce Cassidy, considered one of the best. Despite roster changes over the years, they remain one of the deepest teams in the NHL.
Their star players are well-known: Jack Eichel, with a career-best offensive season, could be a Selke Trophy contender; Mark Stone, a top defensive forward; and Shea Theodore and Alex Pietrangelo, elite defenders. But players like Pavel Dorofeyev, who scored 34 goals this season, are also crucial.
Historically, these teams haven`t played each other much in the playoffs. Their last meeting was in the 2020-21 season, with Vegas winning 4-3 in the first round. With the Wild at full strength, this series could be more competitive than expected.
Head-to-head record
- Vegas Golden Knights: 3-0-0
- Minnesota Wild: 0-3-0
The Breakdown
Minnesota started the season exceptionally well, matching Winnipeg`s strong pace. By December 3rd, 25 games into the season, they were the NHL`s top team. However, a series of key injuries followed.
Joel Eriksson Ek, their top center, was first to be sidelined, and the team went 5-6-0 without him. Shortly after, MVP Kirill Kaprizov was injured twice, missing a significant portion of the season. From January 27th to April 8th, while Kaprizov was out, the Wild`s record was 13-12-3.
Other players like Ryan Hartman, Mats Zuccarello, Jake Middleton, Jared Spurgeon, and Jonas Brodin also faced injury limitations. These injuries, combined with a significant dead cap space, made roster management challenging.
Now at full health, the Wild are in better shape but face a formidable opponent in Vegas. The Golden Knights, dominant in the Pacific Division, present a difficult matchup. Their strong defense and deep forward lines pose a challenge to Minnesota, especially in protecting Kaprizov from top defensive players.
Vegas is among the top teams in both offense and defense, boasting a strong power play, although their penalty kill is weaker. However, Minnesota`s special teams are generally less effective.
The Golden Knights have advantages across the board, making an upset by the Wild in 2025 seem unlikely, despite Minnesota`s potential for future improvement.
Advanced Stats
(5-on-5 totals from Natural Stat Trick)
Regular Season Team Stats
Golden Knights X-Factor: Tomas Hertl
Tomas Hertl, acquired at last year`s trade deadline, didn`t significantly impact Vegas` playoff performance against Dallas. However, this year Hertl has been more effective, reaching 30 goals and strengthening Vegas` center depth. The Golden Knights need a stronger playoff contribution from Hertl this year, especially after a recent injury concern. He returned from injury towards the end of the regular season, showing good form.
Wild X-Factor: Kirill Kaprizov
Minnesota`s future outlook is tied to Kirill Kaprizov, whose contract is expiring soon. His decision to stay with the Wild is crucial for the team`s direction. The Wild`s playoff success could influence his decision. Kaprizov`s performance is key to their playoff hopes, especially against a tough opponent like Vegas.
Early in the season, Kaprizov was a top scorer and a Hart Trophy contender. For the Wild to challenge Vegas, he needs to deliver a standout series.
Broadcast details
- Game 1: Sunday, April 20, 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT (Sportsnet, SN360)
- Game 2: Tuesday, April 22, 11 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT (Sportsnet, SN360)
- Game 3: Thursday, April 24, 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT (SN360)
- Game 4: Saturday, April 26, 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT (SN West, SN Pacific, SN One)
- * Game 5: Tuesday, April 29, Time TBD
- * Game 6: Thursday, May 1, Time TBD
- * Game 7: Saturday, May 3, Time TBD
* if necessary
Tristan Blackwood