Two Western Conference clubs that missed the postseason in 2022 are in 2023, as the Golden Knights and Jets meet in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Vegas and Winnipeg were both viewed as contenders last season, however, the two organizations slipped and failed to make it to the postseason. Both clubs bounced back this season with new head coaches, as Bruce Cassidy turned the Golden Knights around while Rick Bowness helped the Jets return to the playoffs.
The Golden Knights won the Pacific Division, despite battling injuries all season long. The team has made deep playoff runs in three out of the franchise's four postseason appearances, winning at least two series in 2018, 2020 and 2021.
Since their relocation from Atlanta, the Jets have won multiple playoff series just once, making it to the Western Conference Finals in 2018 before falling to the Golden Knights. That's the only other time these two clubs have faced each other in the postseason.
NHL PLAYOFF PICTURE: Updated standings, bracket, matchups & key dates
Here's what you need to know about the series between the Golden Knights and Jets.
Key storyline: Who is in the crease for the Golden Knights?
There's no debate about who the Jets starter is. Like he has done all season, (and let's face it, most of his career), Connor Hellebuyck is going to be putting Winnipeg on his back, trying to nearly single-handedly get the team wins in the postseason.
However, when it comes to the Golden Knights, it's not clear who the Game 1 starter is. This season has been about playing whichever goalie is actually healthy, resulting in Vegas using five different goaltenders throughout the year.
Rookie Logan Thompson has played just once over the last two months due to a lower-body injury. Adin Hill hasn't made an appearance since March 7. Laurent Brossoit has been hot as of late, but he only saw 11 games of action this year, and deadline acquisition Jonathan Quick has been on and off since arriving in Vegas.
It makes for a sticky situation in the playoffs. Quick has the most playoff experience, but at 37 years old, he is not the dominant goaltender he once was.
Jets vs. Golden Knights playoff schedule, TV channels
| Date | Site | Time (ET) | TV/Result |
| Tue., April 18 | at Vegas | FINAL | Jets 5, Golden Knights 1 |
| Thu., April 20 | at Vegas | FINAL | Golden Knights 5, Jets 2 |
| Sat. April 22 | at Winnipeg | FINAL | Golden Knights 5, Jets 4 (2OT) |
| Mon., April 24 | at Winnipeg | FINAL | Golden Knights 4, Jets 2 |
| Thu., April 27 | at Vegas | 10 p.m. | ESPN2, SN, CBC, TVAS |
| *Sat., April 29 | at Winnipeg | TBD | TBD |
| *Mon., May 1 | at Vegas | TBD | TBD |
* If necessary
Jets vs. Golden Knights odds
According to Sports Interaction, the Golden Knights are the favorite to win the series against the Islanders.
Golden Knights: -169
Jets: +132
Odds provided by Sports Interaction
In the U.S., Bet 365 also has the Golden Knights as the betting favorite to win the first-round series over the Jets.
Golden Knights: -160
Jets: +140
Odds provided by Bet 365
Jets vs. Golden Knights prediction
Neither club feels overly dangerous to make a deep run this postseason. Winnipeg has been too inconsistent this season, while Vegas has struggled to stay healthy.
With the return of Mark Stone and Shea Theodore likely for the Golden Knights, a Vegas team at full strength is going to be tough for Winnipeg to handle. Hellebuyck is going to steal a game or two, but unless he goes nuclear the entire postseason, it's going to be another first-round exit for the Jets.
Prediction: Golden Knights in six.
