NHL Stanley Cup Final Picks & Predictions: Golden Knights vs. Hurricanes (Game 2)
The Vegas Golden Knights (1-0) won a 5-4 barnburner over the Carolina Hurricanes (0-1) in Tuesday's series opener in Raleigh. The two sides are back at it on Thursday for Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final. Vegas is now a -150 favorite to hoist the Cup, while Carolina sits at +125 to win its first title since 2006. We cashed our +130 Moneyline play on the Golden Knights on Tuesday, and I'm looking to stay hot with today’s NHL Stanley Cup Final picks.
Below, I'll touch on the odds, key stats and trends, and lay out my argument for where I'm laying my money on the ice. Puck drop is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET from the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, NC.
Thursday’s Best NHL Stanley Cup Final Picks
(Odds courtesy of BetMGM)
Vegas Golden Knights (+140) vs. Carolina Hurricanes (-165) | O/U 6.0 (-102/-118)
The Hurricanes were roughly -160 Moneyline favorites in Game 1, and despite losing the opener, they've moved out to -165 for Game 2. This does make sense in a way, since this is essentially a must-win game for Rod Brind'Amour's group, as they don't want to head West trailing 0-2 in the series. The projected total is six goals - a move north from the Game 1 total of 5.5 goals.
Carolina could very well win this game, but I really have no interest in laying the -165 juice with them. I mean, are we sure that any team in any situation should be this high of a favorite against this red-hot Vegas team? This game should be priced much closer to a pick’em. I can't pass up on the +140 payout on the Golden Knights.
Vegas is on fire, having won its last seven games outright. Additionally, they're now 20-4-1 - an 80% win rate - since bringing in John Tortorella a couple months ago. The Golden Knights are also a perfect 3-0-0 against the Hurricanes this season, winning both regular-season matchups (4-1, 6-3) and the Stanley Cup Final opener on Tuesday (5-4).
Statistically, there aren't a ton of huge edges either way. However, it's worth noting that the Golden Knights have thrived offensively in the playoffs, scoring a league-leading 3.54 goals per game.
They continue to get scoring contributions up and down this stacked, deep roster. They're likely the only team in the National Hockey League that can roll four lines against this fierce Hurricanes team. Let's back Vegas on the Moneyline at this lofty +140 payout.
Bet: Golden Knights Moneyline (+140)