Golden Knights vs Hurricanes 2026 NHL Stanley Cup Final Game 2 Picks

The Vegas Golden Knights and Carolina Hurricanes are set for Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final on Thursday night. Puck drop is slated for 8:00 PM ET at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh. 

Vegas took a 1-0 series lead thanks to a 5-4 win in Game 1 on Tuesday night. It was a wild back-and-forth contest that had a little bit of everything, and set the tone for what is sure to be a wildly entertaining Stanley Cup Final.

The Golden Knights are now looking to steal both games on the road while the Hurricanes are desperate to even things up before the series shifts to Vegas.

Golden Knights vs Hurricanes Game 2 predictions

• Pick #1: Carolina Hurricanes ML over Vegas Golden Knights (-160)
• Pick #2: Under 5.5 (+110)
• Pick #3: Jack Eichel (VGS) anytime goalscorer (+235)

Pick #1: Hurricanes ML over Golden Knights (-160)

The Hurricanes fell short in a chaotic Game 1, but they should still enter Game 2 with plenty of confidence. This is not unfamiliar territory for Rod Brind’Amour’s squad, who also lost Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Canadiens at home. Carolina lost that game in overwhelming fashion, as Montreal walked away with a 6-2 win. However, the Hurricanes bounced back with a 3-2 overtime victory in Game 2 and would go on to win four games in a row to take the series. 

The Hurricanes still lead all postseason teams by allowing just 1.82 goals per game in the postseason, and they are likely to lean on their signature defensive structure and physicality in Game 2. Carolina is also killing penalties at an impressive 92.9% clip in the playoffs, and that success on the PK is sure to put them in a position to win.

Playing on home ice, look for the Hurricanes to even up the series with a Game 2 win on Thursday night.

Pick #2: Under 5.5 (+110)

Game 1’s high-scoring affair came as a bit of a surprise. Both teams have plenty of offensive talent, but both also have strong defensive structures and steady goaltending. Both Vegas and Carolina allowed fewer than 3.00 goals per game throughout the course of the regular season. Furthermore, Carolina entered Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final, allowing just 1.92 goals per game in the playoffs, while Vegas wasn’t far behind, allowing just 2.38 goals per postseason contest.

In Game 1, neither team exceeded 28 shots on goal and they combined to go 0-for-5 on the power play. With that in mind, it would be a bit surprising to see such a high number of even-strength goals once again in Game 2. 

Furthermore, both goaltenders are capable of having bounce-back performances in Game 2 after less-than-ideal outings in Game 1. Vegas’ Carter Hart has allowed 2 goals or fewer in 9 of his last 12 starts, while Carolina’s Frederik Andersen has allowed 2 goals or fewer in 10 of his 12 postseason starts. Both had an off night in Game 1, but they are capable of returning to form on Thursday night.

With a total of 5.5, consider the under.

Pick #3: Jack Eichel (VGS) anytime goalscorer (+235)

Vegas’ Jack Eichel has found plenty of offensive success so far in the postseason, but that hasn’t necessarily translated to goal-scoring prowess. Eichel is second on the Golden Knights with 19 points in the playoffs, but just two of those points have come from finding the back of the net. However, Eichel is tied for the team lead with 45 shots on goal through 17 playoff games. He is the only Golden Knight to have 30+ shots on goal and less than 5 goals in the playoffs.

Despite his tough puck luck, Eichel could be due to light the lamp on Thursday night in Game 2. The former No. 2 overall pick posted a shooting percentage of 10.4% during the regular season, but owns a shooting percentage of just 4.4% so far in the playoffs. He continues to see plenty of scoring chances and is constantly in the mix when it comes to Vegas’ effective offense. Seeing plenty of ice time on Vegas’ top line as well as the No. 1 power play unit, don’t be surprised if Eichel scores a goal in Game 2.