The 2026 NHL playoffs are heating up, and the stage is set for an exciting showdown between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Minnesota Wild, also known as the "Mammoth" in this preview. As the Western Conference's top-seeded team, the Golden Knights will look to assert their dominance over the Wild, who secured the second seed in the division. With a strong regular season performance, the Golden Knights will be favored to take the series, but the Wild's potent offense and stingy defense will make for a thrilling matchup. Can the Wild's underdog spirit propel them to a victory, or will the Golden Knights' experience and skill prove too much to overcome?
NHL futures odds: Golden Knights meet Mammoth in first round of 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs CBS Sports
