Jackson Blake has emerged as one of Carolina's most important offensive weapons this postseason, climbing the Conn Smythe odds board as the Hurricanes prepare for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final.
With Carolina opening the series against Vegas tonight, my Golden Knights vs. Hurricanes predictions are backing Blake to stay hot and continue his impressive playoff run.
Let's dive into the matchup with my NHL picks for Tuesday, June 2.
- UPDATE: Added a prediction for who will win tonight!
Golden Knights vs Hurricanes Game 1 prediction today
Who will win Golden Knights vs Hurricanes Game 1?
Carolina: The Hurricanes were exceptional on home ice in the regular season, and that has carried forward in the playoffs. They are 6-1 with a +9 goal differential and have controlled better than 56% of the expected goals — more than 3% higher than any other team.
Golden Knights vs Hurricanes best bet: Jackson Blake Over 0.5 points (-135)
The Noah Hanifin - Rasmus Andersson pairing has lost their 5-on-5 minutes on the scoreboard and controlled just 41.20% of the expected goals share, ranking them 16th out of 17 pairings to log 100+ minutes in the playoffs.
John Tortorella is giving them a lot of defensive zone starts, which doesn’t make life easy, but they’re still struggling to limit chances and keep the puck out.
Jackson Blake leads the Carolina Hurricanes in offensive zone start percentage (89.57%), expected goals, and time on ice at 5-on-5. He is the most likely candidate to take advantage. Play to -150.
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Golden Knights vs Hurricanes Game 1 same-game parlay
Taylor Hall is pacing the Hurricanes in points, primary points, and sits tied with Blake for the top spot in high-danger chances.
He is a dual-threat player and has seen the same kind of favorable usage — albeit in less ice time — as Blake. The two play together at 5-on-5 and on a second power play unit that gets plenty of run, giving them a strong correlation.
The Hurricanes have a +67 high-danger chance differential through three rounds, well clear of the +33 differential the Golden Knights possess. They are playing lights out, have home ice, and rust won't be an issue in Game 1 this time around.
Golden Knights vs Hurricanes SGP
- Jackson Blake Over 0.5 points
- Taylor Hall Over 0.5 points
- Carolina Hurricanes moneyline
Golden Knights vs Hurricanes Game 1 goal scorer pick
Jackson Blake (+250)
Blake leads the Hurricanes in expected goals generated, high-danger chances, and rebound opportunities on home ice in the playoffs. He is all around the net and, as alluded to, he’s seeing favorable usage to create those opportunities.
Carter Hart ranked 66th among 67 eligible goaltenders in high-danger save percentage during the regular season. He struggled to stop shots in tight, and Blake will test him with plenty. Playable to +240.
Golden Knights vs Hurricanes odds for Game 1 today
- Moneyline: Golden Knights +130 | Hurricanes -155
- Puck Line: Golden Knights +1.5 (-205) | Hurricanes -1.5 (+170)
- Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-120) | Under 5.5 (+100)
Golden Knights vs Hurricanes trend
Carolina has won 20 of its last 25 games (+13.50 units, 32% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Golden Knights vs. Hurricanes.
How to watch Golden Knights vs Hurricanes Game 1
| Location | Lenovo Center, Raleigh, NC |
| Date | Tuesday, June 2, 2026 |
| Puck drop | 8 p.m. ET |
| TV | ABC |
Golden Knights vs Hurricanes latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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