Golden Knights vs. Jets: Game 1 Prediction, NHL Playoff Odds
It’s hard to believe, but not even a decade ago, these two Western conference teams did not even exist. Heck, the Golden Knights were not even in the league last season – but what a story. They are the greatest expansion team in sports history, finishing the regular season with 109 points, while the Jets, after missing the post season last year, finished with 114 points. Both teams are just four wins away from the Stanley Cup Final.
Golden Knights vs Jets Stanley Cup Playoffs Betting Analysis
These two franchises have faced each other only three times in history with the Golden Knights winning two of those NHL matchups, including an overtime victory in Winnipeg back on February 1. All three games had totals of six, and two of those games went over the betting number. The way Marc-Andre Fleury and Connor Hellebuyck have played this regular/post season, it might be surprising if those numbers continue on the over. The Jets are 6-1 in their last seven Saturday night games, while the Golden Knights are 11-2 in their last 13 games against teams with a winning record.
Vegas Golden Knights
The Golden Knights have been resting for almost a week, after their six game elimination of the San Jose Sharks in round two. Of the remaining four teams left in the NHL playoffs, there may not be a better candidate for the Conn Smythe Trophy then Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury. Fleury is 8-2 this post season with a save percentage of .951, a goals against of 1.53, and four shutouts. Those numbers are off the charts good, and Fleury will have to play at that pace or close to that if the Cinderella Knights continue playing this post season.
The Knights roll four lines well, but watch out for that top line of William Karlsson, Jonathan Marchessault, and Reilly Smith who have combined for 32 points (9 goals, 23 assists) in ten games this post season. Of note, the Golden Knights boast the leagues number one penalty kill during the post season (85 percent).
Winnipeg Jets
It’ll be interesting to see the level of play from the Winnipeg Jets in the first period of this game Saturday night. They just completed a gruelling seven game series with the Nashville Predators and now, on one day’s rest, will start the conference final. During the regular season, Kyle Connor led all Jets scorers against the Golden Knights, with three goals, and one assist while Mark Scheifele had a goal and three assists over that time. Speaking of Scheifele, he has been incredible this post season leading all NHL goal scorers with 11, and also chipping in with five assists. He is the front-runner on this Jets roster to win the Conn Smythe trophy. Look for his line with Blake Wheeler and Kyle Connor to lead by example on the scoresheet in this series.
Of note, Connor Hellebuyck has had a very good post season to date but there is something to be said when it came to facing Vegas during the regular season. He allowed 12 goals on 84 shots (4.40 goals against average, and a save percentage of .857) in three games with the Golden Knights this season.
