Golden Knights vs Hurricanes 2026 NHL Stanley Cup Final Game 3 Picks

The Vegas Golden Knights and Carolina Hurricanes are set for Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final on Saturday night. Puck drop is slated for 8:00 PM ET at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Both games of this series so far have provided chaotic back-and-forth contests with non-stop fireworks. Vegas took Game 1 by a score of 5-4, and Carolina responded with an impressive comeback in Game 2 that saw Seth Jarvis score the game-winning goal in overtime. 

With the series tied at 1-1, a pivotal Game 3 awaits.

Golden Knights vs Hurricanes Game 3 predictions

• Pick #1: Carolina Hurricanes ML over Vegas Golden Knights (-110)
• Pick #2: Under 5.5 (+105)
• Pick #3: Sebastian Aho (CAR) anytime goalscorer (+270)

Pick #1: Hurricanes ML over Golden Knights (-110)

In a series that has featured plenty of ups and downs for both teams, the third period of Game 2 felt like a defining momentum shift. Vegas was dominating Game 2 for 50 minutes and held a 2-0 lead halfway through the third period. By all accounts, it looked like the Golden Knights were about to steal both games on the road to open the series.

But Carolina came storming back to tie the game and eventually take a 3-2 lead. Vegas would tie the game back up in regulation, but Jarvis’ heroics in overtime sent the Lenovo Center crowd into a frenzy. It was a highly emotional win for Carolina, and an equally demoralizing defeat for Vegas. Now, the Hurricanes head into Game 3 with all the momentum. That could spell bad news for the Golden Knights.

The Hurricanes have been a great road team all season long. They own a record of 30-12-5 away from Raleigh, and so far in the postseason, Carolina is scoring 3.33 goals per game and allowing just 1.33 goals per contest on the road. Playing with all the momentum, look for Rod Brind’Amour’s squad to find the win column in Game 3.

Pick #2: Under 5.5 (+105)

The first two games of this series have both gone over the total with scores of 5-4 and 4-3. However, Game 3 could be a different story.

Both of these teams take pride in their defensive style of play, and after the high-flying nature of Game 1 and Game 2, both coaching staffs are likely not too pleased with their team’s respective defensive performances. Look for both John Tortorella and Brind’Amour to make the necessary adjustments to change that narrative.

Both goaltenders are also capable of bouncing back. Interestingly enough, both Carter Hart and Frederik Andersen own save percentages of .917 in the postseason. Both have proven they can perform at an elite level under the brightest lights, and with the defensive intensity in front of them likely to see an increase, both netminders should be able to have strong nights between the pipes. 

Pick #3: Sebastian Aho (CAR) anytime goalscorer (+270)

Sebastian Aho has been a steady goal-scoring threat all throughout his NHL career. He’s never reached the 40-goal mark, but his 82-game average for goals in a season is a commendable 34. He’s struggled to light the lamp so far in the postseason, but it could be just a matter of time before he breaks through.

Aho has four goals through 15 playoff games, but three of them came in the opening round against Ottawa. He enters Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final with just a single goal over his last 11 games. But there is room for optimism. Aho fired 4 shots on goal in Game 2, and the puck continues to be on his stick constantly. The chances are there, he just hasn’t been able to convert. It’s also worth noting that the series is now shifting to Vegas, which could help Aho out in the goal-scoring department. During the regular season, Aho’s shooting percentage rose from 10.6% at home to 18.3% on the road. Don’t be surprised if the change of scenery works to Aho’s advantage.