2025-10-14 Vegas at Calgary Matchup Preview
This Western Conference playoff matchup features a Calgary Flames team looking to capitalize on home ice against a Vegas Golden Knights squad aiming to steal a game on the road.
Offensive Outlook
The Vegas Golden Knights enter this playoff contest with an offense that has demonstrated a greater efficiency on the power play, converting on 26.67 percent of their opportunities. Calgary's power play has not been as potent early this season, finding success on just 13.33 percent of their chances. Vegas has also demonstrated that they can get the puck to the net, averaging 30.27 shots for per game. The Flames are slighly less efficient, averaging 29.44 shots for per game. The Golden Knights have shown a solid ability to win faceoffs, boasting a faceoff win percentage of 50.41 percent, while the Flames have struggled in this area with a faceoff win percentage of 46.24 percent.
Defensive Prowess
On the defensive end, the Calgary Flames have demonstrated a tighter defensive structure, allowing 28.93 shots against per game. This is a touch more than Vegas, who allow 26.11 shots against per game. The Flames will need to leverage this defensive capability to minimize the scoring opportunities for the Golden Knights' attackers, especially given Vegas's ability to generate a high volume of shots.
Team Records and Recent Performance
The Vegas Golden Knights enter this matchup with a record of two wins, no losses, and two overtime losses. This suggests a team that has been competitive in most of their games, even if they haven't always secured the regulation win. In contrast, the Calgary Flames have a record of one win and three losses and no overtime losses, highlighting the need to solidify their game and turn close contests into victories. Given the Vegas's early success, it can be expected that they will make it a hard-fought contest for the Flames.
Keys to Victory for Vegas
For Vegas to secure a road win, they need to exploit their power play advantage and capitalize on opportunities with the man advantage. Maintaining their shot volume will also be crucial, as peppering the Calgary netminder will inevitably lead to goals. Perhaps more importantly, limiting Calgary's scoring chances and suppressing their offensive thrusts will be vital to Vegas securing a victory.
Keys to Victory for Calgary
The Flames must tighten up their defense and limit the number of shots Vegas gets on goal. Special teams will be critical for Calgary, they need to convert on their power play opportunities to generate offense. Winning more faceoffs and controlling puck possession will also be essential for the Flames to dictate the pace of the game and keep Vegas on their heels. With Vegas getting the upper hand in controlling the puck, limiting opportunities will be a key to Calgary stealing a win.
Game Prediction
Given Calgary's strong defensive ability and Vegas's offensive pressure, it seems likely that the Flames have the opportunity to contain the Golden Knights offense. In this contest, the Calgary Flames will leverage their home-ice advantage and secure a narrow victory.
Predicted Score: Vegas 2, Calgary 3