The Vegas Golden Knights head to Carolina to take on the Hurricanes in Game 1 of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final on Tuesday night. The puck drops at approximately 8:10 p.m. ET for this matchup, which will be broadcast live on ABC.
The biggest question for this specific game is whether or not one (or both) of the teams will be rusty. Vegas hasn’t played since May 26, while Carolina has been off since May 29.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at NHL best bets for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final.
Golden Knights vs Hurricanes Game 1 Odds
All NHL odds used for these Golden Knights vs Hurricanes predictions are current as of Monday, June 1, and courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Golden Knights (+130) / Hurricanes (-155)
- Spread: Golden Knights +1.5 (-205) / Hurricanes -1.5 (+170)
- Over/Under: Over 5.5 Goals (-118) / Under 5.5 Goals (-102)
Golden Knights vs Hurricanes Game 1 Predictions
Score Prediction: Hurricanes 2, Golden Knights 1 (OT)
While I think the Golden Knights can pull off the upset in this series, I give the edge to the Hurricanes in Game 1.
Vegas is more likely to be rusty because they haven’t played in a week following a sweep of the Avalanche.
I’m betting on a low-scoring game in this one.
Golden Knights vs Hurricanes Game 1 Best Bets
Hurricanes ML (-155) vs Golden Knights
The Hurricanes have been dominant throughout the postseason, winning 12 of 13 games, so I’m totally fine laying the juice in Game 1. As mentioned above, we could see the Golden Knights be a bit rusty following the long layoff.
- Read Frank’s series preview in our Stanley Cup winner predictions.
Additionally, the way that Carolina can dominate puck possession can help keep Vegas stars Mitch Marner and Jack Eichel at bay. The Canes have a relentless forecheck, which could cause more issues for the Golden Knights.
Even though I think Vegas will win this series, it’s likely to take time for them to get on track against Carolina. Ride with the Canes in Game 1 in my NHL pick of the day.
Golden Knights @ Hurricanes: Under 5.5 Goals (-102)
This game feels like a tight, low-scoring matchup. For one, Golden Knights’ goaltender Carter Hart has been terrific throughout the playoffs, registering a 2.22 GAA and .924 SV%. He’s allowed two goals or fewer in five of his last six starts.
Carolina goaltender Frederik Andersen has been terrific between the pipes as well, putting up an even more impressive 1.41 GAA and .931 SV%. With two goaltenders at the top of their games, the under looks appealing, especially since we only have to pay -102.
- Sign up for The Game Day Newsletter to get the latest bet tips and sportsbook promos.
The Canes have allowed two goals or fewer in 12 of 13 playoff games. They’ve given up a combined one goal in their last two games.
With that in mind, ride with the under in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final.
