Golden Knights vs. Red Wings Odds
| Golden Knights Odds | -154 |
| Red Wings Odds | +128 |
| Over/Under | 6 (-115 / -105) |
| Time | 7 p.m. ET |
| TV | BSDET |
| Odds via FanDuel. Get up-to-the-minute NHL Odds here. | |
The Las Vegas Golden Knights head to the Motor City to take on the Detroit Red Wings. Vegas stands atop the West, but has gone through some struggles lately as the Golden Knights are 4-5-1 in their past 10 games.
The Red Wings are stuck in a two-game losing streak, but they did win four in a row prior. Detroit fans have to be frustrated that the Red Wings either go on an extended winning streak or a losing streak. Sure, Detroit is in the first wild card spot, but I can imagine the inconsistency frustrates fans.
Vegas Golden Knights
Ever since their inception, the Knights have consistently had one of the more talented and prolific teams. Jack Eichel is back to his old self, netting 28 points in 25 games, while captain Mark Stone and Chandler Stephenson are both chipping in at an above-average pace. Alex Pietrangelo has missed the past two games due to personal reasons, so it’s worth monitoring if he’ll also be missing Saturday's contest.
It’s no surprise to see Vegas among the top teams in the West. The Golden Knights have one of the more potent even-strength attacks in the league with a 55.77 xGF% (expected goals). They also create just under 11 high danger chances per game. The one weakness they have offensively is a fairly average power play, which only scores 20% of the time.
Along with its high-end offensive game, Vegas holds its own defensively and plays to a sixth-best 2.39 xGA/60. One glaring mark is Vegas' penalty kill has been abysmal.
Logan Thompson has been an all-around stud for the Knights. The 25-year-old was named the Rookie of the Month in November. He’s played to a wonderful +4.6 goals saved above expected (GSAx), as well as a .920 SV%.
There’s a chance backup Adin Hill, who has been a bit underwhelming with a -4.4 GSAx and a .903 SV%, takes the crease. However, Vegas has managed to keep winning despite him being in net.
Detroit Red Wings
Detroit is a team I’ve had my eye on since last year. It’s such a young, raw and talented team with enormous amount of potential. The Wings are led by captain Dylan Larkin and Dominik Kubalik, who are both off to red hot starts and averaging over a point per game. Defenseman Filip Hronek is also having the best offensive start of his career and David Perron is contributing his usual production.
Even with all the talent up front, the Red Wings' even-strength attack is rather below average with a 47.51 xGF% (expected goals). They also only generate 7.5 high danger chances per game. The power play is OK — they score 20.5% of the time — but it should be better.
The defense has seemed to hold strong as it plays to a 2.53 xGA/60. The penalty kill is also pretty decent as the Red Wings play to a solid 80% success rate.
I fully expect Ville Husso to take the crease on Saturday. He’s received the bulk of the starts so far and backup Alex Nedeljkovic played Wednesday night against the Sabres. Husso has had a decent start to his season and is playing to a -0.1 GSAx and a .912 SV%.
Golden Knights vs. Red Wings Pick
It’s very clear that Vegas is the superior team. While Detroit is a young and upcoming team, I don’t foresee the Red Wings taking over the top team in the West. The one advantage Detroit has is its special teams, but Vegas is one of the more disciplined teams in the league. So, even though the Knights’ penalty kill is pretty poor, I don’t think they’ll find themselves in the box too much.
Vegas has one of the better away records in the league at 10-2-1 and while the Wings have an exceptional record at home, I’m more bullish on the Golden Knights coming out on top. I can also see this happening in regulation since Vegas doesn't often go to overtime.
Pick: Golden Knights 60 Minute Line (+108)
