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Golden Knights vs Wild Game 5: Series Gets Gritty as Momentum Shifts to Vegas
The first-round Western Conference series between the Vegas Golden Knights and Minnesota Wild is now a best-of-three battle—and it’s heading back to the Strip.
After a heart-stopping 4-3 overtime win in Game 4, the Golden Knights evened the series 2-2 and regained home-ice advantage. Game 5 takes place Tuesday night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, where the Knights are looking to build on one of the best home records in the NHL this season.
But don’t expect the Wild to fold. They’ve already defied the odds this series, and if there’s one thing they’ve proven—it’s that they’re not afraid to scrap.
For bettors and fans tracking the broader playoff picture, check the latest Stanley Cup Odds and Conference Winner Futures.
Barbashev Seals Game 4 in OT Thriller
Game 4 was a dogfight. The Wild were on the verge of taking a commanding 3-1 lead in the series before Ivan Barbashev knocked in the OT winner at 17:26, cashing in on a rebound after a critical mistake by Minnesota defenseman Jake Middleton.
Reilly Smith set the play in motion, pouncing on a loose puck in the circle and feeding Barbashev in tight. The goal was a gut-punch for Minnesota—and a lifeline for Vegas.
“You only need one play,” said Nicolas Roy, who notched the primary assist. “It’s all about momentum swings in the playoffs. We stuck with it and found a way.”
Wild Coach Hynes: “We’re Still in a Good Spot”
Despite the loss, Wild head coach John Hynes remains optimistic.
“We had an opportunity to win the game. We didn’t win it. But I love where we’re at,” Hynes said. “Now it’s the best-of-three.”
Considering Minnesota’s recent history against Vegas—just two wins in 11 meetings before this series—being tied 2-2 and heading into Game 5 feels like progress. Especially for a team that snuck into the playoffs with a wild-card berth on the final day of the regular season.
Want to dig deeper into Minnesota’s postseason outlook? Tap into NHL Central Division betting trends.
Vegas’ Home Ice Advantage Could Be the X-Factor
The Golden Knights posted a 29-9-3 home record during the regular season—good for one of the top marks in the NHL. Returning to T-Mobile Arena for Game 5 is huge.
Defenseman Shea Theodore, who scored his first playoff goal in Game 4, said it best:
“This was a pivotal win. It’s good to go home.”
If Vegas can harness their high-energy home crowd and keep the pressure on Minnesota’s defense, they’ll have the edge—not just in Game 5, but in the series.
This kind of series momentum swing mirrors the emotional highs seen in the NHL Pacific Division during last year’s playoff drama.
Minnesota’s Grit Can’t Be Overlooked
The Wild’s road to the playoffs was far from easy. They needed a last-minute, game-tying goal from Joel Eriksson Ek in their final game of the season just to get here.
After dropping Game 1 in Vegas, they bounced back with two dominant 5-2 wins. That bounce-back resilience is what makes them dangerous—even when trailing in games or on the road.
“Obviously, we’d love to be up 4-0,” said Mats Zuccarello, “but this is the playoffs. You expect it to go at least six or seven against a team like Vegas.”
Key Players to Watch in Game 5
Vegas Golden Knights:
- Ivan Barbashev: Game 4 OT hero with momentum on his side
- Shea Theodore: Finding his offensive rhythm from the blue line
- Nicolas Roy: Silent playmaker with big assists in key moments
Minnesota Wild:
- Joel Eriksson Ek: Clutch scorer and emotional spark plug
- Mats Zuccarello: Veteran presence needed to calm the bench
- Marc-Andre Fleury (if starting): Can the former Knight steal one back in Vegas?
Want more scouting info? Use the NHL Team Breakdown Page to compare rosters and stats side by side.
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What’s at Stake?
Everything.
The winner of Game 5 in a tied best-of-seven series goes on to win the series 79% of the time. And for Vegas, with home-ice advantage in two of the final three games, the math and momentum are on their side.
But Minnesota has been defying math all season.
Don’t forget to check the NHL Odds Page for live betting lines and player props before puck drop.
Stat Breakdown Before Game 5
| Category | Golden Knights | Wild |
|---|---|---|
| Series Score | Tied 2-2 | Tied 2-2 |
| Home Record (Reg. Season) | 29-9-3 | 20-18-3 |
| Power Play % | 25.3% | 19.2% |
| Top Scorer (Playoffs) | Barbashev (3G, 2A) | Eriksson Ek (2G, 3A) |
| Game 4 Result | Won 4-3 (OT) | Lost 3-4 (OT) |
| Faceoff Win % | 51.7% | 48.6% |
Related Coverage to Follow
- NHL Picks and Betting Predictions
- NHL Expert Betting Guide
- NHL Metropolitan Division Odds
- NHL Atlantic Division Odds
- NHL Conference Winner Predictions
FAQs
What’s the series score between the Golden Knights and Wild?
The series is tied 2-2 heading into Game 5.
When is Game 5 and where is it being played?
Game 5 takes place Tuesday night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Who scored the Game 4 OT winner?
Ivan Barbashev scored the overtime winner for Vegas.
Can Minnesota still win the series?
Absolutely. The series is even, and the Wild have already proven they can win in Vegas.
Who has momentum heading into Game 5?
Vegas, after the emotional Game 4 OT win and return to home ice.
Where can I get NHL betting tips and analysis?
Visit the NHL Expert Betting Guide for breakdowns, picks, and strategy.
