4/20/25 Western Conference Stanley Cup Playoffs Game Recap

Vegas Golden Knights vs. Minnesota Wild (GAME 1)

The Vegas Golden Knights won Game 1 of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Minnesota Wild. This game took place at T-Mobile Arena and ended with a final score of 4-2. Read about what led to the Knights’ win, the standout players of each team, stats and when their next game is scheduled!

Game Recap

The first period started off with strong goaltending from the Knights’ #33 Aiden Hill and Wild’s #32 Filip Gustavsson who both made a series of great saves up until the last five minutes of the period. The Knights struck first after #48 Tomas Hertl secured the puck and ripped it into the top corner of the net (1-0). This lead did not last too long as #12 Matt Boldy tied the game two minutes and twenty seconds after #48 Hertl’s goal (1-1). The period ended with no penalties being called, multiple hits being delivered, and some impressive saves. 

The second period remained scoreless and disciplined until Wilds’ #14 Joel Eriksson Ek received a high-sticking penalty with seven minutes left in the period. After a Knights’ faceoff win, #27 Shea Theodore faked a shot which stunned the Wilds’ goaltender and gave enough room for #16 Pavel Dorofeyev to slap shot the puck past #32 Gustavsson six seconds into the power play (2-1). The momentum from the Knights power play goal helped them to regain and maintain their one-goal lead throughout the rest of the period. 

The Knights’ momentum carried on into the third period as #21 Brett Howden extended the Knights’ lead two minutes and twenty-eight seconds into the period (3-1). Despite trailing by two goals, the Wild’s persistence remained strong as they powered through the third period with multiple scoring chances. #12 Boldy secured his second point of the game after he scored a wrap-around goal, assisted by #97 Kirill Kaprizov, and made it a one-goal game midway through the period (3-2). The Wilds’ momentum hindered after #12 Boldy received a tripping penalty with one minute and one second left in the period. Like their previous man-advantage, the Knights extended their lead and secured their 4-2 win after #21 Howden successfully scored the team’s power play goal with one second left in the period. 

Standout Players

Vegas Golden Knights

• Forwards: #21 Brett Howden scored two goals during this game. #48 Tomas Hertl also ended with two points by the end of this game (1G, 1A)

• Goaltender: #33 Adin Hill had a save percentage of 0.905% after he saved 19 out of 21 shots on goal

Minnesota Wild

• Forwards: #12 Matt Boldy scored both Minnesota Wild goals (2G) 

• Goaltender: #32 Filip Gustavsson had a save percentage of 0.885% after he had saved 22 out of 26 shots on goal

Stats

• The Knights outshot the Wild (25 SOG vs. 20 SOG)

• The Wild delivered more hits than the Knights (54 hits vs. 29 hits) 

• The Wild had a higher face off win success rate compared to the Knights (60.0% vs. 40.0%)

• The Knights found more success on their power play compared to the Wild (100 PP% vs. 0 PP%) 

SUMMARY: Although the Wild played a more physical game and had a better face off wins success rate, the Knights’ power play and puck possession greatly helped them to secure their 4-2 win against the Wild.  

Upcoming Games

GAME 2

• When: April 22, 2025 at 8:00 PM PST

• Where: T-Mobile Arena

• Watch: ESPN, SN, SN360, TVAS 

GAME 3

• When: April 24, 2025 at 6:00 PM PST

• Where: Xcel Energy Center

• Watch: TBS, truTV, Max, SN360, TVAS 2

GAME 4

• When: April 26, 2025 at 1:00 PM PST

• Where: Xcel Energy Center

• Watch: TBS, truTV, MAx, SNW, SNP, SN1, TVAS

NOTE: Games 5-7 are TBD for each team as they will be scheduled if necessary

The Vegas Golden Knights lead 1-0 in round one of the playoffs against the Minnesota Wild 

Who do you think is going to win Game 2?

Comment down below!