Monday’s Minnesota Wild vs Vegas Golden Knights showdown was a goal fest that needed to be settled in overtime. An extra period may not be necessary tonight, but there will be plenty of goals once again.
Minnesota Wild vs Vegas Golden Knights Preview
Road Success Key for Wild
The Wild (12-6-1) had a two-week COVID pause last month, but they have played well since returning to action. Their first game back was a 4-0 loss to the Los Angeles Kings, but then they won six games in a row.
However, that streak came to an end on Monday in the first meeting against the Golden Knights. And it ended in rather disappointing fashion, as they could not hold a late lead in a 5-4 loss. The Wild led 4-2 with under 10 minutes left, but they surrendered two late goals and then fell in overtime.
Still, it has been a solid start for the Wild. Their success on the road is largely responsible for it. The Wild are 7-3-1 on the road, and four wins in their six-game win streak came on the road. In their last five road games, the Wild have scored 24 goals, with four or more goals in each game.
If they win tonight, it will be without veteran Zach Parise. In Monday’s game, Parise chose to stay on the ice during a late line change and ended up playing a part in the Golden Knights’ game-tying goal. That decision did not sit well with the coaching staff, and he is a healthy scratch for only the second time in his NHL career.
Knights Look to Keep Rolling
The Golden Knights (13-4-1) were perhaps fortunate to win Monday night, but wins are wins. And winning is something that the Golden Knights like to do a lot, especially at home. The win was their third in a row, and it took their home record to 9-2-1 this season. While the Wild are flourishing offensively on the road, the Golden Knights are flourishing in attack at home. Monday’s win was the eighth time this season that Vegas has scored four or more goals, and all eight times have come at T-Mobile Arena.
The Golden Knights are a tough team to beat at home, and that should be the case again tonight. However, it will be interesting to see how the Wild respond after a tough loss and to the clear message from the coaching staff that subpar or selfish play are not going to be tolerated.
Whatever the outcome tonight, there will be goals. There are plus odds on the over tonight, but consensus picks lean in favor of the over. Given the results of Monday’s matchup and how each team matches up at home and away, that lean is worth backing.
