Golden Knights vs Jets Game 1 Prediction NHL Playoffs 4/18

Golden Knights vs Jets Game 1 Prediction NHL Playoffs 4/18

© James Carey Lauder-USA TODAY Sports

 

Game Preview: Jets vs Golden Knights

As the NHL playoffs kick off, the Vegas Golden Knights will host the Winnipeg Jets in the Western Conference first round. The Golden Knights come into this game with a regular-season record of 51-22-9, securing the top spot in the Pacific Division, while the Jets finished fourth in the Central Division with a record of 46-33-3. The Golden Knights have won all three games against the Jets in the regular season, giving them an edge in this matchup. However, as we all know, playoffs are a different ballgame, and anything can happen. NHL picks experts and computer algorithms alike are likely to favor the Golden Knights, but anything can happen in a NHL Playoffs game. Both teams have some key players that will be crucial to their success in this series. For the Golden Knights, Chandler Stephenson and Jonathan Marchessault have been key performers this season, while Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor have been leading the charge for the Jets. NHL today experts will likely keep a close eye on these players during this first-round matchup. As for NHL picks and parlays, Vegas is currently favored at -152, while the Jets sit at +129. The over/under for this game is set at 5.5, which is indicative of the close nature of these teams. NHL picks with spread may also come into play, as these two teams have been evenly matched during the regular season. Injuries may also play a factor in this game, with both teams dealing with a number of players that are out or day-to-day. NHL experts picks today will be taking these injuries into account when making their predictions. Overall, this series looks to be an exciting one, with both teams capable of pulling off a win.

Jets: Offensive Analysis

The Jets offensive game has been strong throughout the regular season, with Mark Scheifele leading the team in goals and assists. However, heading into the playoffs, the team will need to step up their game even further to compete against the Golden Knights. Experts in NHL picks and computers both suggest that the Jets will struggle to keep up with the Golden Knights' solid defensive game, and their predictions indicate that the Golden Knights will come out on top in this match-up. The Jets' offensive line will need to work hard to break through the Golden Knights' defense and create scoring opportunities. They will have to be disciplined with the puck and minimize turnovers, as any mistakes could give the Golden Knights the advantage they need to secure a win. The Jets' special teams will also need to click, as a well-executed power play or penalty kill could be the difference between a win and a loss. The Jets will need to rely on their top performers, including Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor, to lead the charge on the offensive end. However, they will also need contributions from their depth players, as the Golden Knights have proven to be a tough team to beat, even for the most skilled players. The Jets will need to play with grit and determination to overcome the challenge that the Golden Knights pose. Overall, the Jets' offensive performance will be critical in this match-up, as they attempt to take down the Golden Knights in the first round of the playoffs. While experts and computer predictions may favor the Golden Knights, the Jets will need to play their best hockey to come out on top. Fans looking for NHL picks and parlays for this game may find more success betting on the Golden Knights, but anything can happen in the playoffs. Only time will tell who will come out on top.

Jets: Defensive Analysis

The Jets will have a tough time against the Golden Knights, who have a potent offense that scored 3.3 goals per game in their last 10 matches. However, the Jets boast a solid defense that gave up only two goals per game in their last 10 matches. The Jets' defense will be led by Josh Morrissey, who has been a key player for the team in their defensive efforts. Though he is day-to-day due to rest, his presence on the ice will be felt greatly. The Jets will also rely heavily on Neal Pionk, who has been a consistent presence on the blue line for the team. Pionk recorded 32 points in 59 games this season and has the ability to put up points while also being a strong defensive defenseman. The Jets' penalty kill will also be crucial in this playoff series against the Golden Knights. The Jets have a penalty-killing percentage of 80.5%, which ranks 10th in the league. The team will need to stay disciplined and limit their penalties as much as possible, as the Golden Knights have a dangerous power play, ranking seventh in the league with a 22.8% success rate. In conclusion, the Jets' defense will need to play at their best to give the team a chance against the Golden Knights. Limiting their opponent's chances, staying aggressively unpredictable, and staying disciplined will be the key to the Jets' success. With a solid defense and a penalty kill that has been consistent this season, the Jets have what it takes to put up a good fight in this playoff series.

 

Golden Knights: Offense Analysis

In their first-round matchup against the Winnipeg Jets, the Vegas Golden Knights boast a strong offense that has been consistently dominant throughout the regular season. With a record of 51-22-9, first in the Pacific Division, the Golden Knights have proven to be a force to be reckoned with. Led by Chandler Stephenson's 16 goals and 49 assists, the Golden Knights have a potent offensive attack that has been capable of overcoming any obstacle. They have come out on top in all three regular-season games against the Jets, including a 5-2 victory in their last matchup. Moreover, the Golden Knights have been in excellent form lately with a record of 6-1-3 in their last ten games, averaging 3.3 goals per game and giving up only 2.6 goals per game. This bodes well for their chances of success in the playoffs. On the other hand, the Jets have gone 6-4-0 in their last ten games, averaging three goals per game and giving up two goals per game. While these statistics are impressive, they pale in comparison to the Golden Knights' offensive prowess. In conclusion, the Golden Knights' offense can be expected to dominate the Jets in their first-round matchup. NHL picks experts, computer models, and EM predictions all predict a strong performance from the Golden Knights' offense, making them one of the best NHL bets today. Expect the Golden Knights to win big and cover the NHL picks with spread, as they open the NHL playoffs on a high note.

Golden Knights: Defensive Analysis

The Vegas Golden Knights boast an astounding defense for this game against the Winnipeg Jets. Led by Shea Theodore and Alec Martinez, the Golden Knights have consistently been one of the top defensive teams in the NHL. They also have a solid backup in goalie Robin Lehner, who they'll miss due to his season-ending hip injury. However, Marc-Andre Fleury is more than capable of filling in for him. The Jets’ top performers Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor will have to be on their A-game to get through the Golden Knights’ defensive lines. Vegas has been particularly excellent at preventing high-danger scoring chances, which will make it even harder for the Jets to find a way on the scoreboard. The Golden Knights have also managed to maintain their composure on home ice, where they have a 25-15-1 record. This will be an essential factor against the Jets, who have a 20-20-1 record in road games. Vegas's excellent defense, combined with their solid home record, makes them a strong pick for this game. In summary, based on NHL picks experts and the predictions of computer models, the Golden Knights are poised to take an early win against the Jets in the NHL playoffs' opening round. They'll use their arsenal of defensive tactics, including high-pressure zones and tight man-marking, to frustrate the Jets' offense. This defensive strategy, combined with their solid home record, makes the Golden Knights a great pick for this game in the eyes of NHL experts picks today.

 

Injury Report

Injuries can play a crucial role in determining the outcome of a playoff game, and both the Winnipeg Jets and Vegas Golden Knights have a few players on their injury list. The Golden Knights will be without several key players including William Carrier (lower-body), Robin Lehner (hip), Mark Stone (back), Adin Hill (lower body), and Nolan Patrick (upper body). Brett Howden and Logan Thompson are also listed as day-to-day with personal and undisclosed injuries, respectively. Zach Whitecloud is day-to-day with a lower body injury. On the other side, Nate Schmidt, Pierre-Luc Dubois, Nikolaj Ehlers, Kevin Stenlund, and Josh Morrissey are all listed as day-to-day with rest or injury. Cole Perfetti is out with an upper body injury, while Sam Gagner is out for the season with a hip injury. Mark Scheifele is also day-to-day with rest. Despite the injuries, both teams have depth and are capable of overcoming these challenges. However, the absence of key players can create opportunities for others to step up and contribute to their team's success. In terms of NHL picks and predictions, experts and computer models will likely take into account the injury reports when making their best NHL bets for today. As always, NHL picks and parlays can offer valuable insights into what to expect from the game, but ultimately, the outcome will depend on a variety of factors both on and off the ice.

Player Team Position Injury Status
William Carrier Golden Knights - Out (lower-body)
Robin Lehner Golden Knights - Out for season (hip)
Brett Howden Golden Knights - Day to day (personal reasons)
Nolan Patrick Golden Knights - Out (upper body)
Mark Stone Golden Knights - Out (back)
Adin Hill Golden Knights - Out (lower body)
Logan Thompson Golden Knights - Day to day (undisclosed)
Zach Whitecloud Golden Knights - Day to day (lower body)
Nate Schmidt Jets - Day to day (rest)
Pierre-Luc Dubois Jets - Day to day (rest)
Nikolaj Ehlers Jets - Day to day (upper body)
Kevin Stenlund Jets - Day to day (lower body)
Josh Morrissey Jets - Day to day (rest)
Sam Gagner Jets - Out for season (hip)
Cole Perfetti Jets - Out (upper body)
Mark Scheifele Jets - Day to day (rest)

 

Prediction

The Vegas Golden Knights are the clear favorites in this matchup, boasting an impressive 3-0 record against the Winnipeg Jets in the regular season. With a home-ice advantage and a strong track record in one-goal games, the Golden Knights should have the momentum to take the first game of this Western Conference first-round series. While the Jets have some talented top performers in Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor, they will need to put up a stellar performance to defeat the Golden Knights on their home. 

 

Pick: Golden Knights (Moneyline) 

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