After an eventful NHL Playoffs, we're finally here: the Stanley Cup Finals.
The Vegas Golden Knights take on the Carolina Hurricanes in what is expected to be a battle of juggernauts. The Knights were initially written off by most until they fired coach Bruce Cassidy late in the season and brought in John Tortorella. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes have only lost one game all playoffs and enter the finals as a decent favorite.
There's no better time for Stanley Cup predictions, and our staff has you covered for three unique best bets for the NHL Stanley Cup Final.
Vegas Golden Knights to Win Stanley Cup (+130)
By Tony Sartori
The Golden Knights just swept what many considered the best team in hockey — the Colorado Avalanche. By that logic, they could be viewed as the new top team remaining.
That is not strictly how it works, but there is merit to the idea that Vegas has been overlooked throughout the postseason. The Golden Knights are once again being undervalued in the Stanley Cup Final, entering as underdogs against a strong Hurricanes team.
Both teams are among the league’s best in two-way play, and the series should be tightly contested at 5-on-5. However, Vegas may have an edge in goal, which could prove decisive in a close matchup.
Goaltender Carter Hart has been outstanding this postseason, particularly as the playoffs have progressed. Over his past six games, Hart is 6-0 with a .948 save percentage and a 1.65 goals-against average.
He has performed at a high level, including a dominant showing against an Avalanche offense that led the league in goals per game during the regular season. Meanwhile, Frederik Andersen is expected to start for Carolina.
Andersen showed some vulnerability in the Eastern Conference final but benefited from facing a team that struggled to generate shots. Even so, he allowed goals at a high rate, particularly early in the series against Montreal.
Carolina Hurricanes to Win in Six Games (+430)
By Nick Griffith
Oddly enough, I think the Hurricanes are getting a little overlooked. Carolina enters as the favorite, yet when you ask around, a surprising number of people side with Vegas.
Both teams are relatively healthy and there is no question these are the two best teams playing right now. The Golden Knights made quick work of the Avalanche, Colorado's injury issues and all, and carry a 55.39% expected goal share and +20 goal differential in these playoffs.
But is that enough to topple a Carolina team that has gone 12-1 in the playoffs, leads all teams in expected goal share (63.23%), ranks first in both xGF/60 (3.86) and xGA/60 (2.24), carries a playoff-best +21 goal differential, and has allowed just 1.47 GA/60? Not in my opinion.
There simply is not a more complete team than Carolina. Vegas does carry a real edge in Cup Final experience. Mark Stone, Ivan Barbashev, Jack Eichel, Brayden McNabb, and Shea Theodore, to name a few, have all been on this stage before, and that matters. It just feels like it's Carolina's time.
I expect the series to be tight through the first four games and I think the Hurricanes pull away from there.
The Hall-Stankoven-Blake line has been the best trio in the playoffs, Frederik Andersen has been lights out for most of this run, and the defense has consistently made life miserable for opposing offenses.
I like Carolina in six.
Series to Go 7 Games (+210)
By Greg Liodice
I’m fascinated by the Hurricanes and the fact that they’ve only lost one game all playoffs.
I truly believed that the Canadiens would've given them a run for their money, given how much momentum they built along with their hot goaltender.
The problem was, Montreal was exhausted after two intense seven-game series, while the Canes had a little extra pep in their step after Game 2.
Now, this is an even series. I’d argue that Carolina had a bit of an easier path to the Cup Final than its counterparts. By no means did Ottawa run a 5-on-5 masterclass, and the Flyers were playing with house money.
Vegas, on the other hand, has always been run exceptionally well. Even before Bruce Cassidy was fired, this was a team that was playing great hockey, with poor goaltending and the wins weren't adding up.
Then Carter Hart came back from injury and immediately altered the trajectory of this team.
I feel like this is a series where Carolina finally meets its match and goes the distance in seven games.
Strap in.
