The series kicks off on Sunday afternoon
Despite the frantic pace to the 2021 NHL season, the Vegas Golden Knights qualified for their fourth-straight playoff appearance.
A first-round meeting with the St. Louis Blues was on the table, but the Colorado Avalanche stole the top seed – and the Presidents’ Trophy – away from Vegas with their 5-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday.
Now, the Golden Knights know who their postseason opponent will be in the first round; the upstart Minnesota Wild.
The Wild have been one of the league’s most surprising teams this season. The Golden Knights were 3-4-1 against the Wild in 2021 and are 5-10-1 against them all-time.
Star rookie Kirill Kaprizov has been an offensive spark plug in Minnesota. The crafty Russian forward produced 27 goals and 24 assists during his inaugural season in the NHL.
Kevin Fiala and Mats Zuccarello provide some extra scoring punch, helping the Wild to the ninth-best offense in hockey.
Make no mistake about it, the Golden Knights should win this series. They have a more complete roster with one of the best top lines in the league.
Nevertheless, this is no David vs. Goliath matchup. The Wild are a solid team and hungry to make their mark. The Golden Knights need to bring their best effort if they want to advance.
Here is a full breakdown of the series schedule:
Game 1: Sunday, May 16 – 12:00 p.m. in Vegas
Game 2: Tuesday, May 18 – 7:00 p.m. in Vegas
Game 3: Thursday, May 20 – 6:30 p.m. in Minnesota
Game 4: Saturday, May 22 – 5:00 p.m. in Minnesota
Game 5: Monday, May 24 – TBD in Vegas *
Game 6: Wednesday, May 26 – TBD in Minnesota *
Game 7: Friday, May 28 – TBD in Vegas ** if necessary
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