Tip: The Stanley Cup champions are taking on the Conference leaders, Vancouver Canucks!

The NHL is gradually heating up. There are still about 20 rounds left, but players are being traded left and right, and teams are getting ready for the final stretch of the regular season.

Vegas Prepares for the Playoffs

The trade activity is really picking up with deals happening in all directions. Overnight, it was confirmed that the Vegas Golden Knights have acquired Noah Hanifin (from Calgary Flames) and Anthony Mantha (from Washington Capitals). Two solid trades that give Vegas another really good defensive back in Hanifin and a sharp shooter in Mantha. It's clear that the Knights are gearing up for the playoff battle, and if the team stays healthy, they will be a force to reckon with. After a strong start to the season, Vegas has struggled during the second half and is currently in a Wild Card spot in the Western Conference, tied on points with Nashville Predators and Los Angeles Kings. Therefore, it's easy to underestimate the tremendous capacity that Vegas actually has, which, after all, led them to the Stanley Cup victory last season. Do not forget Vegas in the playoffs, they are definitely contenders!

The Success Season Continues

After 64 rounds, the Vancouver Canucks continue to hold the first place in the Western Conference. After a couple of setbacks, the team bounced back against the Anaheim Ducks and recently beat the Los Angeles Kings in overtime in a low-scoring game where Vancouver was the more dangerous team. The season that Canucks are having is nothing short of impressive and, like Vegas, they also recently recruited from Calgary Flames in the form of Elias Lindholm. The Swedish forward has struggled to acclimate since the great start with Canucks and since the trade from Flames, he has seen less playtime and his forward production is missing. Currently, he is cemented in a third line.

Despite the two recent wins, I think Vancouver has appeared somewhat more human and even though Elias Pettersson, J.T. Miller, and Brock Boeser pounce at every opportunity, the offensive production has somewhat decreased. The difference in Vancouver compared to previous seasons is that they are not leaking goals to the same extent. Partly thanks to solid defensive work, but also thanks to Thatcher Demko who is having a Vezina Trophy-worthy season in goal.

Betting tips and conclusion

Vegas Golden Knights recently got important Jack Eichel back in the first line. Even though Mark Stone is still out, things are looking up after a spate of injuries, especially with Mantha stepping in and filling some of the void. Vegas has had some really mediocre performances lately and for that reason, I believe there is an underestimation and somewhat misplaced odds. Golden Knights will be contenders in the playoffs and the recent acquisitions clearly indicate that they are ready for a long playoff battle. Vancouver is doing a lot right, but at home ice, with a bit longer rest and reinforcements into the squad, the advantage goes to Vegas Golden Knights!

Vegas Golden Knights FT @ +145 at bet365!