Odds courtesy of TonyBet.
Golden Knights vs Hurricanes Game 2 Odds
Despite losing Game 1, the Hurricanes are a heavy -162 moneyline favorite at NHL betting sites. That gives them an implied 61.83% win probability. The Golden Knights return at +140 odds.
The series opener finished with nine goals, and with two electrifying offensive teams, we could see another high-scoring affair here.
Golden Knights vs Hurricanes Game 2 Analysis
Vegas definitely came into Tuesday’s Game 1 as the more well-rested team after having a week off since beating the Colorado Avalanche in the Western Conference Finals. But they were up against a hostile Lenovo Center atmosphere that has played in Carolina’s favor all postseason. The Golden Knights definitely came out flat, and were in an early hole midway through the first. However, John Tortorella’s squad quickly woke up, scoring the next three goals.
Shea Theodore cut the Hurricanes' lead in half before Ivan Barbashev and William Karlsson found the back of the net early in the second period. The two teams then continued to exchange blows, but Vegas got the last laugh, with Tomas Hertl scoring his fourth and biggest goal of the playoffs late in the third. It was an incredibly gritty performance from the visitors, who went toe-to-toe with a team that had lost only once entering the Stanley Cup Playoffs. . Another victory here would put the Golden Knights in a favorable position heading home.
It really did look like Carolina was going to ride the momentum to a Game 1 victory after Nikolaj Ehlers scored a pair of early goals. But, far too many mistakes ultimately cost the Hurricanes the series opener. That was very unlike Rod Brind’Amour’s group, who were pretty much flawless up to this point in the postseason.
The biggest mishap came on Hertl’s game-winning goal, where Shayne Gostisbehere lost Hertl, who found some room in the slot and beat Frederik Andersen, who allowed an unusual five goals on the night. Carolina was definitely sloppy at times defensively, and it hurt them. That being said, there shouldn't be much concern for the Canes, who dropped Game 1 of the Conference Finals against the Montreal Canadiens before running off with four straight victories.
Golden Knights vs Hurricanes Game 2 Picks
Carolina is a very complete team, as we’ve seen in the playoffs. They know how important it is to win at least one of these games at home, and you better believe they will be cleaning up the mistakes. While I expect another entertaining contest, the Hurricanes will bounce back.
Pick: Hurricanes -162/TonyBet
