Vegas Golden Knights vs Boston Bruins Picks and Predictions March 20th 2025

Playoff Implications Loom as Bruins Face Golden Knights

The Boston Bruins (30-30-9, 69 points) are about to embark on a critical five-game road trip that could determine their playoff fate. First up is a daunting matchup against the Pacific Division-leading Vegas Golden Knights (39-20-8, 86 points) on Thursday night.

Boston, currently seventh in the Atlantic Division, is just four points behind the Montreal Canadiens (33-27-7, 73 points) for the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot. With two games in hand for Montreal, the pressure is mounting on the Bruins to turn things around after dropping three straight and posting an 11-18-3 road record.

Interim head coach Joe Sacco remains optimistic despite recent setbacks, emphasizing that the team is still very much in the hunt.

“We’re still in the thick of things here, and nothing changes for us or in our mindset in how we prepare or get ready for games,” Sacco said. “You string together a couple of wins, and you’re right back in it. You never know.”

Bruins Looking to Regain Form

Boston comes into the game after a frustrating 3-2 overtime loss to the Buffalo Sabres on Monday. Alex Tuch netted the game-winner on a power play with just 11 seconds left in overtime, deflecting Owen Power’s shot to deny Boston a crucial second point.

David Pastrnak, the team’s top scorer with 34 goals and 83 points, acknowledged the effort but stressed the need for improvement.

“Very frustrating, but we’ve got to get ready for the big road trip,” Pastrnak said. “If we don’t show up with effort and hard-work ethic, it’s not going to be pretty.”

Golden Knights Holding Their Ground

The Vegas Golden Knights, currently leading the Pacific Division, are in a fierce battle for first place with Edmonton (40-24-4, 84 points) and Los Angeles (36-21-9, 81 points). They are looking to bounce back after a tough eastern road trip (1-1-2), capped by a 3-0 loss to Detroit.

Despite their recent slump, the Knights are formidable at home with a 24-7-3 record at T-Mobile Arena. Coach Bruce Cassidy emphasized the importance of rest and practice as the team returned to Vegas.

“We did get two practice days,” Cassidy said. “After the Detroit loss, I thought rest was more important… I just felt we needed to get a pace practice in to get some touches in.”

Center William Karlsson, sidelined since January 20 with a lower-body injury, has returned to full practice and could make his comeback against Boston.

Key Matchup: Pastrnak vs. Karlsson

With Karlsson potentially returning, the Knights’ offense will look to reignite against a Bruins team desperate for points. Pastrnak continues to be the focal point of Boston’s attack, but he’ll need support from his teammates to secure a crucial road victory.

Ice-Cold Profits Await

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Betting Insights and Playoff Picture

• The Bruins are fighting for the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, contending with the Canadiens, Rangers, Islanders, Blue Jackets, and Red Wings.
• Vegas is aiming to hold onto first place in the Pacific Division, with Edmonton and Los Angeles close behind.
• Stanley Cup Odds, NHL Conference Winner Odds, and NHL Metropolitan Division Odds are shifting as the postseason approaches.

For the latest Pick, Team, and Odds insights, visit our Expert Betting Guide to get the most accurate predictions and betting strategies.

Final Thoughts

With playoff hopes on the line for both teams, this clash in Las Vegas promises to be a high-stakes, intense battle. Can the Bruins regroup and make a statement on the road, or will the Golden Knights fortify their position atop the Pacific Division?