The Anaheim Ducks are trading playoff experience for pure speed as they prepare to face the Vegas Golden Knights in the first round of the NHL playoffs. The best-of-seven series opens Monday night in Las Vegas, where the Golden Knights enter as -210 favorites.

This matchup carries a familiar feel for Vegas. Just like last year's opening series against Minnesota, the Golden Knights are once again the more playoff-tested team. They proved that resilience against the Utah Mammoth, overcoming third-period deficits in each of the first five games before closing out the series with a dominant 5-1 victory on Friday.

"The experience only helps the farther you go," said Vegas defenseman Brayden McNabb. "The pressure ramps up as you keep going. A lot of guys in here have had long playoff series and understand what it's like. Intensity and speed kind of ramp up as the series goes on."

That experience is hard to ignore. The Golden Knights have advanced past the first round in six of their eight playoff appearances and are just three years removed from winning the Stanley Cup in 2023. They've missed the postseason only once in their nine-year franchise history.

But don't let Anaheim's playoff drought fool you. This is the Ducks' first postseason since 2018, yet their roster features nine players with prior playoff experience—eight of whom have played in conference finals or beyond. Alex Killorn won two Stanley Cups with Tampa Bay, and John Carlson was part of the Washington Capitals team that defeated the Golden Knights for the 2018 championship.

"So you still have to be on your toes," said Vegas captain Mark Stone. "You just have to play good. You're playing against the same opponent for seven games potentially. Experience helps, but it's not everything."

What the Ducks lack in playoff pedigree, they make up for in speed. This is a team built for a track meet, looking to push the pace and test Vegas's defensive structure. The Golden Knights may have the edge in composure, but Anaheim is betting that their youthful energy and quick transitions can level the playing field.

For fans gearing up for this series, expect a clash of styles: seasoned poise versus raw acceleration. Whether you're cheering for the veteran savvy of the Golden Knights or the high-octane attack of the Ducks, one thing is certain—this first-round battle is shaping up to be a thriller.