Tip: A scorching Minnesota Wild takes on Vegas Golden Knight in the battle for the Western Conference

Wild has seriously given themselves a chance to compete for the Conference title after significantly improving their performance in the last few months. In the past 25 games, only Boston Bruins have earned more points (one point more) in the entire NHL. They will now face Vegas Golden Knights who have earned only one point less during the same period, hence my excited tone when these giants clash on sunday!

Injuries are affecting both teams

Both teams have had their fair share of injury problems. In the Minnesota camp, Kirill Kaprizov, the team's most skilled offensive player, is still absent. However, Wild has good depth in their lines and has admirably managed to produce offensively even in the Russian's absence. In addition to Kaprizov, Duhaime and Reaves are day-to-day. In Vegas, Mark Stone and Nolan Patrick are still missing. There are also several question marks with players listed as day-to-day, including Reilly Smith, Shea Theodore, Logan Thompson, Adin Hill, Will Carrier, and Keegan Kolesar. Not least, Thompson, Smith, and Theodore would have been welcome additions back into the lineup ahead of the meeting with Minnesota.

What is Matt Boldy up to?

Scoring 11 goals in 11 games is partially dependent on luck, similar to how Boldy went 19 games without scoring against a legitimate goalkeeper earlier this season. However his recent scoring spree has been exceptional, enjoyable, and supported by positive statistics in various areas. He has definitely been one of the reasons why Wild has been so hot lately. The young American seems to have found his place and is thriving alongside Swedes Joel Eriksson Ek and Marcus Johansson.

Conclusion and prediction

A fantastically performing second line with Matt Boldy and a goaltending duo that is hard to beat will be a real challenge for Vegas Golden Knight on Sunday. I would be lying if I said I wasn't hoping for a Wild victory due to a bunch of long-term bets from the beginning of the season. However, my take is that Minnesota is the side to bet on ahead of the conference final on Sunday. Vegas still has a bunch of question marks in the lineup and did not convince at all against the San Jose Sharks when they had to chase points, a game that ended in an overtime loss.

I will bet on Minnesota Wild to win the game in regulation time because they are in a special position in the standings where a win after 60 minutes is worth so much more to them. If they win, they will be tied with the Golden Knights and share the first place. This will be a game that you don't want to miss!

The bet is Minnesota win in regulation +180 (2.80) at Unibet!