Golden Knights vs Blackhawks Prediction & Odds - 2/28/2025

The Vegas Golden Knights (34-18-6) will host the Chicago Blackhawks (17-34-7) at T-Mobile Arena on Thursday night in a crucial Western Conference matchup, with the defending champions looking to maintain their slim lead in the Pacific Division.

The Golden Knights, currently sitting two points ahead of the Edmonton Oilers in the division race, are eager to avenge their surprising 5-3 loss to Chicago last month despite missing key players Shea Theodore and William Karlsson.

The Blackhawks enter the contest amid a challenging stretch, having lost seven of their last eight games and struggling with both offensive production (2.62 goals per game) and defensive consistency (3.47 goals against per game).

Vegas goaltender Adin Hill, who has posted solid numbers with a 21-10-4 record this season, will return to the crease after delivering two consecutive strong performances.

While the Golden Knights have demonstrated their championship pedigree with the seventh-best scoring and defensive records in the NHL, the Blackhawks' recent upset victory in their previous meeting adds an intriguing element of uncertainty to this matchup.

This Western Conference showdown promises to be a compelling test of Vegas's title defense aspirations against a young Chicago team looking to prove their earlier victory was no fluke.

Vegas Golden Knights vs. Chicago Blackhawks preview

The Vegas Golden Knights are set to host the struggling Chicago Blackhawks at T-Mobile Arena in a crucial Western Conference matchup that carries significant implications for both teams' trajectories.

Vegas, currently leading the Pacific Division by a slim two-point margin over the Edmonton Oilers, looks to bounce back after their three-game winning streak was snapped in a 5-2 loss to the Los Angeles Kings.

The Blackhawks, meanwhile, find themselves in a challenging position, having dropped seven of their last eight games and currently sitting at the bottom of the Central Division.

Despite their dominant position in the standings, the Golden Knights will be wary of the Blackhawks, who stunned them with a 5-3 victory in their previous meeting last month.

Vegas will lean on goaltender Adin Hill, who has impressed this season with a 21-10-4 record and will be seeking his third consecutive victory between the pipes.

The Golden Knights' offensive prowess, averaging 3.26 goals per game, will be tested against a Chicago defense that has struggled significantly, allowing 3.47 goals per contest.

Chicago's power play remains a bright spot, converting at an impressive 25.5% rate, though they'll need more than special teams success to overcome Vegas's well-rounded game.

Both teams are dealing with notable absences, as Vegas misses key contributors Shea Theodore and William Karlsson, while Chicago is without Jason Dickinson due to a lower-body injury.

The Golden Knights' home-ice advantage at T-Mobile Arena, combined with their superior depth and motivation to avenge their January loss, makes them strong favorites to prevail in this Western Conference clash.

With Vegas's offensive capabilities and Chicago's defensive struggles, fans should expect an entertaining, high-scoring affair that could well exceed the projected total of six goals.