Western Conference Finals Game 1 Preview: Jets Host the Golden Knights
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Who is considered the favorite entering the Western Conference Finals?
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Will the Jets continue to ride their momentum?
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What to expect in Game 1: Betting Odds and Predictions
The Western Conference Final matchup is set; the Winnipeg Jets (2) will host the Vegas Golden Knights (1) at Bell MTS Place in Winnipeg on Saturday, May 12th. Puck drop is at 8pm EST.
Sports are wonderful, aren’t they? At the beginning of the season, who would have forecasted a Western Conference Finals matchup between the Winnipeg Jets – a team that’s never gotten out of the second round – and the Vegas Golden Knights – who are in their inaugural season. I’ll assume no one’s crystal ball projected this one.
While the playoff road traveled by each team was vastly different, their efforts landed them at the same destination.
Team Comparisons
| 3.27 | Goals per Game | 3.33 |
| 32.8 | Shots on Goal | 32.2 |
| 21.4 | Power Play Percentage | 23.4 |
| 48.9 | Faceoff Percentage | 52.4 |
| 2.74 | Goals Allowed | 2.63 |
| 81.4 | Penalty Kill Percentage | 81.8 |
Current Western Conference Finals Series Price
| VGK Series Price | WPG Series Price |
|---|---|
| +130 | -150 |
The Vegas Golden Knights have continued to impress, sweeping the Kings and making short work of the Sharks. For a team whose average odds to win the Cup in October were +18500, they’ve come a long way now sitting at +300 odds to be crowned Stanley Cup champs. Place your bets.
The Winnipeg Jets have all but scraped and clawed their way through the opening rounds of the playoffs, but have legitimized themselves as contenders after sending the top-seeded Predators packing. Opening the season with average odds of +4700 to win the Cup, the Jets are now the favorites at +200 to win it all.
I Hereby Dub Thee’ Gestalt Golden Knights
As individual pieces, this roster seems fairly lack-luster. Over 82 games and two playoff matchups, this team has shown the perceived whole is definitely greater than the sum of its parts.
William Karlsson had a breakout campaign, almost stealing the Rocket Richard award with 43 goals and 35 assists. It’s worth noting that Karlsson only tallied 18 goals in his first four seasons.
The Golden Knights are a team who have clearly developed chemistry, and it’s always nice to have a three-time Stanley Cup champion between the pipes. Marc-Andre Fleury has been sensational this year, playing with a high level of confidence in what most would call a “fresh start” after leaving the Penguins this summer.
Vegas plays a very up-tempo style of hockey. Defensively, they’re tough on the puck and do a great job of maintaining structure. Vegas finds exceptional success in transitioning quickly and catching opposing teams off guard.
The Jets are Fueled and Ready for Takeoff
Winnipeg has learned a lot throughout this season, and furthermore, the playoffs. After knocking off the President’s Trophy-winning Nashville Predators, the Winnipeg Jets are most definitely battle tested.
It’s likely they believe they’ve faced their hardest test and are well equipped to move forward.
The Jets franchise is now navigating uncharted territory as they’re playing in the Western Conference finals for the very first time.
Leading the charge for Winnipeg has been Mark Scheifele, scoring 11 post-season goals including two pivotal ones in Game 7 against Nashville. He continues to fuel the Jets’ offense and provides motivation and encouragement for his teammates.
[Hellebuyck is] recording a .927 [SV%] and a 2.26 [GAA] in the playoffs
Complementing Scheifele’s offensive prowess, Connor Hellebuyck has been equally impressive on the back end. The Jets’ net-minder is a difference maker for the club, recording a .927 save percentage and a 2.26 goals against average in the playoffs. Oh, and Hellebuyck is doing “all this” in just his first trip to the playoffs.
Game 1 Betting Odds
| Vegas Golden Knights | Winnipeg Jets |
|---|---|
| VGS +1.5 – (-240) | WIN -1.5 – (+200) |
| VGS Money Line – (+125) | WIN Money Line – (-145) |
| VGS/WIN Over 6.0 – (-105) | VGS/WIN Under 6.0 – (-115) |
The Series Opener: What to Expect
The Vegas Golden Knights are going to have to do something they haven’t done so far in the playoffs: win the opening game of a series on the road.
The Jets look primed to make a statement in game 1 and you know Jets fans will have the Bell MTS Place rockin’. If Winnipeg intends to ride their momentum to victory, they’re going to have to slow down the Golden Knights.
Theoretically, the Jets need to get the puck deep in the Vegas zone and force their forwards to defend. If the Jets allow the Golden Knights to play their brand of up-tempo, quick transitioning hockey, I don’t like their chances of coming out on top.
In one of the largest Cinderella stories in recent NHL memory, I’m taking the Golden Knights to continue the narrative Saturday night with a tight 4-2 victory (empty-netter to ice).
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