Wild vs. Golden Knights Predictions, Odds, Preview

May 16, 2021

Thom Cunningham
VI Betting Expert
VegasInsider.com

Minnesota Wild vs. Vegas Golden Knights Game 1 Predictions

Score Prediction Golden Knights 3 Wild 2

It's very tempting to take the OVER in this game. Minnesota is 34-22 on the O/U this season, while Vegas slightly goes OVER in more games instead of going UNDER. However, Vegas has gone UNDER the goal total in six of its last seven games during the daytime - while three of the last four meetings have also gone UNDER.

Minnesota has covered the puck line in five straight games when facing Vegas, but the +1.5 for Minnesota is too expensive. What about a winner? Minnesota has owned Vegas this season, including winning five of its last six games against the Knights. Vegas has won seven straight home games after a road win, however.

Minnesota has won the third period in five of six games as the underdog. Consider taking Minnesota to win the third period for plus-value, which can be hedged with Vegas bettors who fancy the Knights money-line. Minnesota has repeatedly beaten Vegas this season, however, so any Minnesota plus-value bet can be considered good in this one.

Minnesota Wild vs. Vegas Golden Knights Game 1 Best Bets

• Wild 3P ML (+112)
• Kirill Kaprizov Goal +160
• Mark Stone Goal +170
• Reilly Smith Goal +230
• Alex Pietrangelo Goal +295

The Vegas Golden Knights have won seven straight home games after winning on the road the game prior. (AP)

Minnesota Wild vs. Vegas Golden Knights Game 1 Odds

First Round Series Odds

• Wild +135
• Golden Knights -160
• Wild (+1.5) -190
• Golden Knights (-1.5) +155
• Over 5.5 -120
• Under 5.5 +100

Minnesota Wild vs. Vegas Golden Knights Game 1 Betting Analysis

• Venue: T-Mobile Arena
• Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
• TV-Time: NBC - 3:00 p.m. ET

Minnesota Wild: 35-16-5 SU, 29-27 ATS, 34-22 O/U
Vegas Golden Knights: 40-14-2 SU, 27-29 ATS, 28-26-2 O/U

Despite Minnesota's success against Vegas this year, the Wild have lost -$186 when playing on the road. Vegas is slightly profitable when playing at home this season, netting $377 inside T-Mobile Arena. Minnesota is 14-11-3 on the road while Vegas is 21-5-2 at home this season.

Minnesota Wild vs. Vegas Golden Knights Series History

• 05/05/2021 - Vegas 3 at Minnesota 2 (+1.5) (Under 6)
• 05/03/2021 - Vegas 5 at Minnesota 6 (+1.5) (Over 5.5)
• 04/03/2021 - Minnesota 2 (+1.5) at Vegas 1 (Under 5.5)

The goal total has gone UNDER in three of the last four meetings between both clubs. Minnesota performs well against Vegas, winning five of its last eight games against the Golden Knights. The Wild have also covered the +1.5 puck line in five straight games when facing Vegas.

Projected Goalies

Minnesota: Cam Talbot (19-8, 2 SO, 2.63 GAA, .915 SV%)

Vegas: Marc-Andre Fleury (26-10, 6 SO, 1.98 GAA, .928 SV%)

2021 NHL Playoff First Round Betting Resources

• Stanley Cup Playoff Central
• NHL Futures
• Stanley Cup History
• 2020 NHL Playoff Results
• Point Totals Odds
• Playoff Prop Odds

Odds per BetMGM - Subject to Change