NHL Playoffs 2018: Wednesday Vegas Odds, Schedule and Predictions

The site of the NHL Western Conference final shifts to one of the most unique environments in professional sports Wednesday. 

Backed by their raucous crowd in a party environment with countless Elvis Presley impersonators in attendance, the Vegas Golden Knights are trying to create separation between themselves and the Winnipeg Jets. 

Vegas set itself up for success with a 3-1 win in Game 2 that leveled the matchup before switching venues. 

A win would put the Golden Knights two victories away from an improbable trip to the Stanley Cup final, while a road triumph by the Jets would create extra pressure for the expansion side in Game 4. 

Wednesday Stanley Cup Playoffs Schedule

Game 3: Winnipeg (+131; Bet $100 to win $131) at Vegas (-145; Bet $145 to win $100) 

TV: NBCSN 

Start Time: 9 p.m. ET 

Odds via OddsShark. 

Predictions 

Laine Ends Cold Streak, Puts Jets Ahead Early 

Winnipeg's 19-year-old phenom Patrik Laine thrived in the regular season, as he produced 44 goals and 26 assists. 

The Finnish right-winger started the postseason off in good form, but he's struggled to score in recent games, as he has one goal in the last five contests. 

Laine was able to get away with the lack of production because center Mark Scheifele and right-winger Blake Wheeler were unstoppable. 

However, that changed in Game 2, as the Golden Knights found a way to reduce the impact of the Jets' top two postseason scorers. 

If Schefiele and Wheeler experience the same difficulty against the stifling Vegas defense in Game 3, the Jets will need someone to step up and fill the scoring void. 

That's where Laine, who is tied with right-winger Kyle Connor and defenseman Jacob Trouba for most shots by a Jets player in the series, slides in. 

Mark Humphrey/Associated Press

Scoring against the Golden Knights came easy for Laine in three regular-season meetings, as he scored twice and assisted on two goals. 

With the Jets in need of an offensive spark to start Game 3, the 19-year-old should beat Vegas goalie Marc-Andre Fleury in the first period. 

Earning an early lead is crucial for the Jets, as they'll be able to play looser and should find a way to work Scheifele and Wheeler back on to the scoresheet. 

With a point to prove after losing Game 2 at home, the fast start will be perfect for the Jets, but keeping the intensity up for the final 40 minutes will be the biggest key. 

Vegas Comes Alive In 2nd & 3rd Period While Fleury Takes Over

Vegas' 29-10-2 home mark in the regular season plus its four playoff victories at T-Mobile Arena can't be ignored when predicting the outcome of Game 3. 

Despite the impressive record inside their own arena, the Golden Knights slipped up in Game 2 of their second-round series against the San Jose Sharks. 

In the double-overtime victory, the Sharks reeled off three goals in a row in the second period to put the pressure on the home side. 

While the Jets won't put three straight goals past Fleury Wednesday, they will send a message to Vegas that they aren't intimidated by the environment inside T-Mobile Arena by scoring first. 

However, the success won't last more than one period for the Jets, as Vegas' defensive unit takes over, just like it did in Game 2. 

Jason Halstead/Getty Images

Gerard Gallant's team should utilize a similar strategy to Game 2 in which it was able to neutralize the threat of Winnipeg's best playmakers. 

Although Laine will get loose and score in the first period, the Golden Knights should still silence Scheifele and Wheeler for the majority of the contest. 

Even if Scheifele and Wheeler pump chances on the net, Fleury will be there to stop them, as he carries over the confidence gained from stopping 30 shots in Game 2. 

Buoyed by another strong showing in goal from Fleury, and a defensive performance that limits the quality chances of the visitors, the Golden Knights should find a way to level the game in the second period and finish it off in the final 20 minutes. 

Follow Joe on Twitter, @JTansey90.

Statistics obtained from Hockey Reference.