NHL: Knights vs. Hurricanes Game 1 Picks and Odds | June 2, 2026
Written by: Nick Zanghi
Published: Tue Jun 02, 2026, 8:00 am ET
Read Time: 5 minutes
nhl
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+1.5
-195
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-115o
+137
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171
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-154
It's been a wild ride these playoffs and we've finally arrived at the Finals. The Vegas Golden Knights will take on the Carolina Hurricanes for the Stanley Cup. It hasn't been too long since the Knights last trip to the Finals, but it's been 20 years for the Hurricanes. Vegas won the season series between these two teams 2-0.
Vegas was last in the Finals in 2023 when they won the franchise's first ever. This is their third appearance in the franchises nine-year existence. It was a battle from the first round for Vegas, facing the Mammoth to start and then the Ducks in the second round. Both series went six games.
POD Sneak Peak: Game Total Under 5.5 Goals (+100)
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The most impressive part of their playoff run was sweeping the best team in the league last round. They faced the Colorado Avalanche, who really got hit with the President's Trophy curse and were swept out of the Conference finals. This was a huge statement from the Knights.
On another topic, they pretty much saved Mitch Marner's career by getting him out of Toronto. He currently leads the entire playoffs with 21 points and is a strong contender for the Conn Smythe Trophy. This team is absolutely buzzing and can't wait to see how Carolina handles them.
Check out the odds for this matchup and other NHL games at the best online sportsbooks.
Carolina looks to get the cup to cap off impressive playoff run
Hurricanes forward Seth Jarvis goes towards the puck with Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb on his back.
The Hurricanes haven't been back to the finals since 2006 when they won the franchise's only cup. It had been a rough run for them going 1-17 in the Conference Finals going into this year's series. They got the job done and are now on an impressive playoff run of 13-1 overall.
This team has been knocking at the door for years, so no surprise they're here. They did get a bit of an easy start, sweeping the Ottawa Senators in the first round and then the Philadelphia Flyers in the second round. Carolina dropped the first game of the Eastern Conference Finals but then swept the Habs in the next four games.
Goalie Freddy Andersen has been unbelievable. He is 12-1 with a 1.41 GAA and a .931 save percentage. Andersen also had 3 shutouts to go along with it. Let's check out the odds and get into the Knights vs. Hurricanes Game 1 picks.
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Carolina Hurricanes Betting Odds and Game Information
Knights vs. Hurricanes Betting Odds – June 2
| Team | Puck Line | Moneyline | Over/Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vegas Golden Knights | +1.5 (-200) | +135 | Over 5.5 (-120) |
| Carolina Hurricanes | -1.5 (+165) | -155 | Under 5.5 (+100) |
Odds courtesy of Lucky Rebel – Get a $1,250 deposit bonus & 50 Slot Spins when you sign up
Knights vs. Hurricanes Game Information
- Venue: Lenovo Center, Raleigh, NC
- Date: Friday June 2, 2026
- Puck Drop: 8 p.m. EST
- TV: ABC
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Carolina Hurricanes Picks and Prediction
Knights forward Brett Howden and Hurricanes forward Nikolaj Ehlers scrap in front of the Vegas bench.
Knights vs. Hurricanes Game 1 Picks and Predictions: Game Total Under 5.5 Goals (+100) Get a $1,250 deposit bonus & 50 Slot Spins when you sign up with Lucky Rebel
This is definitely an unlikely matchup than most thought we'd get, but here we are. Vegas dominated the regular season, and I think we see closer games this series. Give me the under here with two teams who are going to want to play smart to open the series.
Another reason I like it is the goaltending. We have Carter Hart and Freddy Andersen who have both been playing fantastic these playoffs. Both of these guys in net plus a little bit of defense each definitely makes me go with the under.
I like for Mark Stone to keep up his hot return. His shots on goal line have been at two because of his low volume, but has picked it up the last two games, hitting in both. Stone has also scored a goal in each of those last two games and I'll be sprinkling that as well.
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Nick Zanghi
Nick Zanghi is an avid hockey fan who loves to bet on the NHL Props. He has also found a liking for the WNBA. Born and raised on LI, NZ is a lifelong Islanders #isles fan and a new NY Liberty fan #LIGHTITUPNYL. When not watching or attending sporting events, he enjoys grilling and time with his wife and kids.
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