The Vegas Golden Knights have made it to the Stanley Cup for the third time in nine years.
Standing in the way of their second win in franchise history will be the Carolina Hurricanes, who enter the Final with a remarkable 12-1 playoff record.
Beating the Hurricanes four times will be a challenge. Here are five things the Golden Knights need to do well to make it happen.
Tighten the screws at 5-on-5
The Carolina Hurricanes lead all teams with 3.51 expected goals per 60 minutes of 5-on-5 play during the playoffs, well clear of the Vegas Golden Knights and their output (2.67). That's why the Golden Knights are underdogs at +125 at BET99 to win the Stanley Cup.
The Hurricanes have generated high-danger chances in bulk against each opponent, and that is something the Golden Knights need to crack down on.
While Carter Hart has performed very well in the playoffs, he ranked 66th among 67 eligible goaltenders in 5-on-5 high-danger SV% during the regular season. Vegas can’t test fate.
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Score on the power play
The Hurricanes spent almost 90 minutes shorthanded through the first three rounds. They lost those minutes by a 4-1 score line.
Put another way, it has taken 30 minutes for opponents — with the man advantage — to beat the Hurricanes by a goal. That’s the equivalent of 15 power plays, which could account for the majority of a series.
Vegas needs to find a way to be opportunistic on the man advantage, especially given how stingy Carolina is at 5-on-5.
Get out in front
It's difficult to beat the Hurricanes at the best of times. It's almost impossible when falling behind the eight-ball.
Carolina owns a spotless 7-0 record when leading after 20 minutes during the playoffs. The same can be said after 40.
They were otherworldly good when leading after two periods in regular season play, posting a 37-2-2 record.
Their structure and relentless forechecking pressure allow them to get downhill and neutralize possessions before they really get going.
Vegas can’t afford to fall behind and be forced to chase the game.
Keep Marner away from Miller
Mitch Marner leads the Golden Knights with 21 points through 18 games, and he has generated more 5-on-5 scoring chances than anybody on their roster.
John Tortorella would do well to keep him away from K’Andre Miller as much as possible.
Miller has won his minutes by a 16-3 score line while helping the Hurricanes control nearly 65% of the expected goal share.
His positioning, stick work, and defensive instincts have allowed him to completely neutralize top players for the opposing team. The Knights can’t allow that to happen to Marner.
Create off the draw
One area the Golden Knights have a clear edge is in the faceoff circle. They rank fourth during the playoffs in win percentage (53.3%) while the Hurricanes slot 12th with a 47.4% win rate.
Their faceoff prowess should allow them to start with possession more frequently in the offensive zone and on special teams.
That affords extra opportunities to create quick-strike offense before the Hurricanes are fully set and taking up shooting lanes.
