Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. Our featured game of this edition is the Vegas Golden Knights hosting the Carolina Hurricanes in this pivotal Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final. Be sure to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
NHL Predictions
Carolina Hurricanes vs Vegas Golden Knights
Series: Hurricanes 1-1 Golden Knights
How to Watch: US TV: ABC; ESPN+. Canada TV: CBC; Sportsnet; TVA Sports.
Time: 8 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
It’s Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final that features in our NHL predictions. The Carolina Hurricanes were almost left for dead after two-and-a-half periods. However, the Canes rallied against the Vegas Golden Knights to take the lead. However, the Knights forced overtime with a late goal from captain Mark Stone.
Despite losing momentum, Seth Jarvis scored just under four minutes into overtime to help the Hurricanes complete the comeback. Carolina tied the series despite trailing most of the way, and things are even heading to Sin City.
Momentum is on Carolina’s side, but Vegas has looked like the much better team in the first two games of the series. This all leads to a critical third game in this year’s Stanley Cup Final.
Let’s take a look at the stats and storylines heading into Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final in this edition of NHL predictions.
The Hurricanes Story
Carolina was staring down an 0-2 series hole midway through the third period of Game 2. However, three goals in a five-minute span helped turn things around and gave the Hurricanes some home. There was some worry that the Canes wasted their best shot after Stone’s goal. However, Jarvis evened things up with his power-play marker.
Frederik Andersen has settled down after some shaky moments in the first two games of the series. The Danish netminder has put together some great games in this run to the Cup Final. He did just enough to keep his team in the game.
Logan Stankoven scored once again for the Hurricanes and leads the way with 10 goals while former Hart Trophy winner Taylor Hall is tops in assists (11) and points (16). However, players like Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov will need to get going to give Carolina a chance to win its second Stanley Cup.
(Credit Image: © Kevin Schultz/Cal Sport Media)
The Golden Knights Story
Vegas has been carrying the play for most of the series. However, the Golden Knights only have a split to show for it. Getting a split in Raleigh is important, but the Hurricanes have been a strong road team in the playoffs. Carolina has yet to lose away from the Lenovo Center so far in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Carter Hart has shown that he can hang with Andersen so far in this series. However, the Alberta native has been susceptible to being beaten on his high blocker side. The Golden Knights have been adept at blocking shots before they get to Hart. However, Carolina has filed away that piece of knowledge and it has shooters that can take advantage of that.
Brett Howden has already eclipsed his regular-season goal total of 12 after getting himself to 13 with his two tallies in Game 2. Mitch Marner is making Toronto Maple Leafs fans sweat with 17 assists and 24 points so far in the playoffs.
Prediction
This series has been fairly exciting so far. Game 1 got off to a flying start, while Game 2 took a bit longer to percolate. However, the second game had a wild finish.
There’s been plenty of offence in the first two games. However, we think the defences will steal the show in Game 3. Vegas may be without Brayden McNabb, but it does have a capable defensive group. Despite this, Carolina should take the series lead.
Prediction: Hurricanes win 3-2.
Best Bets
We close out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. The over/under for the Hurricanes versus the Golden Knights is 5.5, and we like the under in this game.
As for individual props, go with Shayne Gostisbehere to get a power-play point for Carolina. On the Vegas end of things, go with Jack Eichel to get a goal.
Main photo by: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
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