The Boston Bruins and the Vegas Golden Knights go into this head-to-head with similar recent form. After long winning streaks, both were beaten in their most recent games.
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins isquo; setback was more severe. They had won six games in a row in regulation, but when they travelled to Texas they were outclassed 6:2 by the Dallas Stars, who badly needed a victory. At least in the final eight minutes of the third period they scored two consolation goals. Overall they produced few shots (18), and it is difficult to expect much against such an opponent with that level of offence. However, Marco Sturm isquo;s team now return to TD Garden, where they are on a five-game winning streak.
Vegas Golden Knights
The Vegas Golden Knights lost by a smaller margin but did so on home ice, going down 1:2 to the Philadelphia Flyers, who are far from outstanding. For Bruce Cassidy isquo;s team it was a first defeat in eight games, although three of those seven wins came in overtime. Their last three road games have been successful: they conceded no more than three times in each, which allowed them to win all three. As usual, a significant number of their players are injured, but this has not yet prevented them from getting results.
Boston Bruins vs Vegas Golden Knights Prediction
After almost three months out, the Vegas Golden Knights isquo; starting goaltender Adin Hill has returned, but his reliability is questionable: he has an average save percentage of 85.1% in two games since the break. Jeremy Swayman in the Boston Bruins isquo; net has been much better recently (92.1% across his last four appearances), so our choice is still taking the Double Chance on the hosts. The home-ice factor (17-8-1) is also in their favour.
