NHL Wild vs Golden Knights: Game 1 Preview of the Western Conference Showdown
NHL Playoff Excitement: Game 1 Preview
LAS VEGAS -- Zeev Buium will become the first player in Minnesota Wild history to make his NHL debut in the Stanley Cup Playoffs in Game 1 of the Western Conference First Round series against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena on Sunday (10 p.m. ET; FDSNNO, SCRIPPS, ESPN, SN360, SN, TVAS).
The 19-year-old defenseman has practiced with Minnesota for the past three days and took part in the morning skate. He will be paired with veteran Zach Bogosian, who has played 17 seasons in the NHL.
“I’m very, very excited,” Buium said after the 45-minute practice. “I’m just really thankful for the opportunity. I mean, these guys have built toward this the entire season, so I just want to go out there and do whatever I can to help.”
Buium said his parents will be in attendance for Game 1. He joked he was unsure if he will be required to do the traditional rookie lap because It is a playoff game on the road.
“I will do whatever they tell me,” he said, laughing.
What to Expect in Game 1
Buium, a first-round pick (No. 12) by the Wild at the 2024 NHL Draft, had 48 points (13 goals, 35 assists) in 41 games while averaging 27:03 of ice time per game as a sophomore at the University of Denver. He was named a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award, a First Team All-American, and was selected as the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) Player of the Year.
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