Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day our writers here at Last Word on Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. For this edition, we will look at the Minnesota Wild taking on the Vegas Golden Knights. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
NHL Predictions
New Jersey Devils vs Carolina Hurricanes
Series Head-to-Head: Devils 1-3 Hurricanes
Time: 7:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: TNT, SN 360, TVAS2, MSGSN; Max; Fan Duel Sports South
We open up NHL predictions with the New Jersey Devils trying to stave off elimination with the Carolina Hurricanes. New Jersey is expected to go with Jacob Markstrom in between the pipes for this important game. Injuries have ravaged the Devils, so keep an eye on the lineup to see who’s in and out of the lineup. Timo Meier, Nico Hischier and Jesper Bratt are tied for the team’s lead in points with three.
Carolina’s situation in goal might be a little more uncertain. Frederik Andersen is the projected starter, but left the last game due to an injury. We could see Pyotr Kochetkov get the call in this game for the Hurricanes. Andrei Svechnikov recorded a hat trick in the last game and he’s tied with Sebastian Aho is tied in points with him with five.
The Devils have been hurting and the the injuries are just too much to overcome. Carolina should close out the series in five games.
Prediction: Hurricanes win 4-2.
Minnesota Wild vs Vegas Golden Knights
Series Head-to-Head: Wild 2-2 Golden Knights
Time: 9:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: ESPN, SN East, SN 360, TVAS; Fan Duel Sports North; Scripps Vegas
Our last game of NHL predictions has the Wild taking on the Golden Knights in a pivotal Game 5. Filip Gustavsson is the likely starter for Minnesota, which was a goal away from a 3-1 series lead. Kirill Kaprizov has been great this series with eight points. However, Matt Boldy and Joel Eriksson Ek have also been solid this post-season. The Wild have been able to take advantage of mistakes from the Golden Knights. However, Vegas was able to fight back to tie the series.
Adin Hill is the starter for the Golden Knights, who are looking to build momentum and take control of the series. Ivan Barbashev scored the overtime-winner in Game 4 that could be the turning point in the series. Tomas Hertl has registered five points so far in the series to lead Vegas. Jack Eichel finally registered a point in the last game. However, the Knights will need more production from him if they want to get over the top.
This is a critical game that could decide the path of the series. However, Vegas gets momentum and wins Game 5.
Prediction: Golden Knights win 4-3.
Prop Bets of the Night
We round of NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. Let’s stay with our featured game for our preferred props. The over/under for the Minnesota and Vegas game is 5.5 and we think the over is the correct play.
For individual props, take Kaprizov to get the over on 1.5 points for the Wild. On the Golden Knights end of things, go with Mark Stone to get a point in this game.
Main photo by: Bruce Fedyck-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: April 29 Minnesota Wild vs Vegas Golden Knights appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.