What The Experts Are Saying About The Minnesota-Vegas Opening Round Series

Tonight, the Golden Knights begin their pursuit of the franchise’s second Stanley Cup. It will start with a seven-game series against the Central Division’s Minnesota Wild, which Vegas is a sizable favorite (-285). So much so that many have forecasted the Golden Knights to make quick work of their opponent.

Yes, the Wild will have Kirill “the Thrill” Kaprizov back. And yes, they defend well, and they have received exceptional goaltending from Filip Gustavsson. They’re no pushover. But. The Knights are too stacked for an upset here. That the Wild keep games close means they’ll probably win at least one, but in the end, Vegas will pull through. –Justin Bourne on Sportsnet.ca

Overall, Vegas is receiving high praise from the pundits and are overwhelmingly expected to advance to the second round and further. Let’s take a look at who VGK believers are and who might infuriate Captain Mark Stone.

First off, Vegas was not the opening favorite to win the Western Conference, nor are they now.

William Hill Sportsbook Stanley Cup Current Odds

1. Colorado: +580
2. Winnipeg: +800
3. Florida: +850
4. Vegas: +850
5. Carolina: +900
6. Edmonton: +950
7. Washington: +1000
8. Toronto: +1100
9. Tampa Bay: +1200
10. Los Angeles: +1400

Before the first couple games were played the Golden Knights were the league’s second favorites to win the Cup. Oddsmakers were high on Colorado and Dallas, but with their matchup against each other, one will be eliminated and the other will likely rise to be the overall favorite.

Now, ESPN has a different take. The Sportsleader suggests that one of VGK’s forwards will lead the conference in goal-scoring. Reading between the lines, Vegas would likely need to participate in three rounds for their forecast to come true.

Their strength in numbers. Winning that title in 2023 was largely made possible by the Golden Knights’ depth. That’s what made last offseason so jarring, because quite a bit of that depth left in free agency. The response? Eleven players finished 2024-25 with 10 or more goals… Not only will Dorofeyev lead the Golden Knights in goals after the first round, but he will lead the Western Conference in goals. –Ryan S. Clark on ESPN.com

Last season, Edmonton’s Zach Hyman led the Western Conference and all players with 16 goals in last year’s playoffs. Hyman also played in the most games (25) by any player last season, reaching the seventh game of the Stanley Cup Finals. For Dorofeyev to lead the West in scoring, chances are the Golden Knights are heading to Stanley Cup Final, or at the very least the Conference Final. However, ESPN also predicts that if the Oilers defeat the Kings again then Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and Hyman will also eliminate the Golden Knights in the second stage. I get it, they’re simply hedging their bets.

The analysts at Sportsnet are also very complimentary of Vegas’ strong dynamic lineup and aren’t giving the Wild much of a chance at an early postseason upset.

Every team loves having the psychological advantage of “nobody believed in us,” so I’m here to be the public face of that stance for the Minnesota Wild. They’ve officially got nothing to lose! The Knights are too stacked for an upset here. That the Wild keep games close means they’ll probably win at least one, but in the end, Vegas will pull through. –Bourne on Sportsnet.ca

Other outlets are sort of giving Minnesota a chance, but they aren’t willing to knock off Vegas for reputation’s sake. Not only are the folks over at Daily Faceoff selecting the Golden Knights to advance over the Wild, but they’re putting their money where their mouths are.

The Minnesota Wild are somewhat of a wild card entering this series. They were on top of the NHL standings on December 1st, but have fallen off quite badly since that point, largely due to a nightmare injury situation. Minnesota is now healthy… Still, it’s pretty hard to make a case for the Wild as they take on an experienced Knights side which looks to be a true Stanley Cup contender… Jack Eichel to lead series in goals +700. –Nick Martin on DailyFaceoff.com

Lastly, NHL.com released its predictions on Friday. Fifteen out of the sixteen Dot com experts chose Vegas to defeat Minnesota. However, only three in the group believe the Golden Knights will win their second Stanley Cup trophy. All three supported Eichel as the 2025 Conn Smythe winner. Yahoo Sports agrees.