The set-up: No upsets here as I look for the surging Knights to find a way to get the job done at the end of the night here. The Wild look poised for a predictable letdown here in my estimation after their 2-1 home win over the Blue Jackets. The Knights on the other hand are once again the "cream of the crop" in the Western Conference, most recently destroying the Penguins 7-3 at home. The Wild have in fact lost four of their last seven. Minnesota is a poor 11-12 on the road, averaging 2.52 goals and allowing 3.00 in those contests. The Knights have in fact won nine of their last 11. Vegas is 16-7 at home, averaging 3.35 goals and allowing 2.09.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but Vegas is 62-30 in its last 92 vs. the Western conference, while Minnesota is just 39-81 in its last 120 road games vs. a team with a home winning percentage above .600 and only 3-7 in its last ten vs. the Western Conference. I'm banking on a blowout, lay the price.

8* play