Winnipeg Jets vs Vegas Golden Knights 4/18/2023 Expert Picks, Previews and Odds
West 1st Round – Game 1, Series starts 4/18
In an exciting match-up for West 1st Round – Game 1, the Winnipeg Jets will be facing off against the Vegas Golden Knights at the T-Mobile Arena in Nevada on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at 9:30 PM ET. The Jets have had a mixed month of April, going 4-2-0, but they did stumble in their final regular season game, losing 4-2 to the Colorado Avalanche. Despite this setback, the Jets are coming into this game in good form, with notable wins, including a 3-1 victory against the Minnesota Wild on April 11, making it two consecutive wins.
The Jets, who secured the final wildcard berth in the Western Conference, have shown strength in their goaltending over the last six matches, only allowing 11 goals. Connor Hellebuyck, with a record of 37-25-2, a 2.49 GAA, and .920 save percentage, has been particularly impressive in his last five appearances, surrendering only seven goals in total and keeping one or zero goals in three of those games. Hellebuyck has also had an impressive 14-game winning streak with three or fewer goals against him.
Additionally, the Jets have shown resilience on the penalty kill, boasting an 82.2% success rate, and have maintained a 2.98 goals-against average on the road throughout the season. As they prepare to take on the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 1, the Winnipeg Jets are looking to carry their strong goaltending and defensive prowess into the playoffs and make a statement in the Western Conference.
- The total remained UNDER in 6 of Winnipeg’s last 7 games on the road.
- Winnipeg is 3-6 SU in their last 9 games on the road against the Vegas Golden Knights.
- The total stayed in 9 of Winnipeg’s last 11 games against an opponent in the Western Conference.
Winnipeg Jets vs Vegas Golden Knights 4/18/2023 Expert Picks, Previews and Odds
The Vegas Golden Knights have been on fire heading into the playoffs, boasting a 5-0-3 record in their previous eight games, making them one of the hottest teams in the NHL. They secured the best overall record in the Western Conference by defeating the Seattle Kraken twice in the final two games of the regular season. The Golden Knights have been particularly dominant at home, with a strong 25-15-1 record.
In the month of April, the Golden Knights’ goaltending has been outstanding, with their netminder stepping up in crucial moments. They have given up two goals or fewer in five of the seven games played, allowing a total of only 17 goals. While Jonathan Quick has been in the goaltender race, it is likely that Laurent Brossoit (10-7-3, 2.17 GAA, .927 save percentage) will start in the net for Vegas. Brossoit allowed eight goals in his last five games, but kept Seattle to just one goal in each of the final two games of the season.
Defensively, the Golden Knights have been solid at home, with a 2.80 goals-against average, and they have also been effective on the penalty kill, stopping 77.4% of man-advantage opportunities. As they head into the playoffs, the Vegas Golden Knights are riding a wave of momentum, with strong goaltending and solid defensive play, making them a formidable opponent for any team in the Western Conference.
- The Vegas Golden Knights are 12-3 SU in their last 15 games at home.
- Vegas is 6-3 SU in their last 9 games at home against Winnipeg.
- The total stayed UNDER in 5 of Vegas’ last 7 games with a team in the Western Conference.
Winnipeg Jets vs Vegas Golden Knights. The NHL pick for this game is the Vegas Golden Knights. Rarely does the club with the best conference record approach the postseason with a significant question mark in the goalie position. Vegas saw four different goalies earn important minutes for the team this season due to the number of injuries to this goaltending corps, and they currently rely on Brossoit, who only played in one playoff game in his career and allowed two goals on eight shots. The opening game of a playoff series is typically when the underdog is able to win a game. With Hellebuyck having a ton of experience (and success), and the Golden Knights goalie being a touch unsteady, expect the Jets to win Game 1. They will give the Golden Knights anything they can handle because they were playing well lately as well. The Vegas Golden Knights will win to a predicted score of 4-3.
NHL Starting Time: 9:30 PM ET
Location: T-Mobile Arena, NV
Date: Tuesday, April 18, 2023
TV: ESP2
NHL Odds: Winnipeg Jets +127
NHL Totals: 5.5
