Matt Duchene of the Dallas Stars relies on a strict routine before games, including a two-hour nap and a specific meal of pasta and salmon. Routines are common among NHL players to help them mentally prepare for games. These can include pre-game meals like Pavel Dorofeyev's pasta with Alfredo or Tomas Hertl's scrambled eggs for breakfast.

Other players have unique rituals, like Scott Wedgewood's tapping of the goalposts or Alex Pietrangelo’s adjusted schedule due to family life. Coaches also engage in routines, with Pete DeBoer's walk through Denver becoming a tradition. Game day preparations can change, but many players maintain a consistent dressing order. Enjoying a nap is key, as is maintaining a relaxed mindset to avoid overthinking, as expressed by goaltender Logan Thompson.

The Vegas Golden Knights avoided elimination with a thrilling 4-3 overtime victory against the Minnesota Wild. Ivan Barbashev scored the decisive goal, marking his first playoff tally after a strong regular season. Nicolas Roy and Tomas Hertl contributed significantly with a goal and an assist each, while Shea Theodore also found the net. Adin Hill was solid in net, stopping 29 shots. The Wild, despite three goals from Marco Rossi, Marcus Foligno, and Jared Spurgeon, struggled in overtime.

This win ties the series at 2-2, shifting momentum back to Vegas. Coach Bruce Cassidy emphasized the importance of regaining home ice advantage and maintaining composure despite the challenges faced. The teams will face off again in Game 5 in Vegas, setting the stage for a competitive finish to the series.

In a thrilling overtime contest, Ivan Barbashev scored the decisive goal to help the Vegas Golden Knights defeat the Minnesota Wild 4-3, leveling the first-round playoff series. Nicolas Roy and Tomas Hertl contributed with a goal and assist each, while Shea Theodore also found the net. Adin Hill made a critical 29 saves, showcasing strong defensive play.

The Golden Knights rallied from a 2-1 deficit in the third period, with Roy tying the game during a power play, followed by a goal from Hertl. However, the Wild answered quickly, with Jared Spurgeon tying the game shortly after. Barbashev's game-winner came after a chaotic scramble in front of the net, marking his first goal of the playoffs after a 23-goal regular season.

Game 5 will take place in Vegas, and both teams are poised for a fierce matchup as they fight for supremacy in this tightly contested series.

The Vegas Golden Knights triumphed over the Minnesota Wild in Game 1 of their Western Conference playoff series, securing a 4-2 victory. Brett Howden emerged as a standout, netting two goals, while Tomas Hertl contributed one goal and an assist. Pavel Dorofeyev also found the back of the net, and goaltender Adin Hill made 18 saves to bolster the Knights’ defense.

The match saw an exchange of goals in the first period, with Hertl and Minnesota's Matt Boldy each scoring. Dorofeyev's goal during a power play gave Vegas a brief two-goal cushion, but Boldy's late effort kept the Wild within reach. Howden's empty-netter sealed the win as the Knights prepare for Game 2.

Tomas Hertl is set to return to the Vegas Golden Knights lineup after a two-week recovery from an upper-body injury sustained against the Tampa Bay Lightning. At the time of his injury, Hertl led the team with 31 goals, but Pavel Dorofeyev has since taken the lead with 33. Hertl's absence was notably felt on the power play, where he established a franchise record with 14 goals. The Knights have struggled in recent games, going scoreless on their last 10 power plays. Coach Bruce Cassidy emphasized the importance of Hertl's presence, hoping to reestablish the chemistry between him, Dorofeyev, and Brandon Saad. Meanwhile, Jack Eichel and Alex Pietrangelo remain sidelined, with Nicolas Hague returning from an illness.