{"id":490414,"date":"2026-05-04T08:15:59","date_gmt":"2026-05-04T12:15:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=490414"},"modified":"2026-05-04T17:50:56","modified_gmt":"2026-05-04T21:50:56","slug":"nhl-predictions-round-2-game-1-2026-stanley-cup-playoffs-anaheim-ducks-vs-vegas-golden-knights","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/05\/04\/nhl-predictions-round-2-game-1-2026-stanley-cup-playoffs-anaheim-ducks-vs-vegas-golden-knights\/","title":{"rendered":"Stanley Cup Playoffs Predictions: Anaheim Ducks vs Vegas Golden Knights, Round 2, Game 1"},"content":{"rendered":"

Welcome back to NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Predictions. Each day, writers here at Last Word On Hockey<\/em> take a look at the slate of games and predict the outcome. This and other series can be found in the NHL Predictions<\/a> section. In this edition of Stanley Cup Playoff Predictions, we shift to Game 1 of this second-round Western Conference matchup with the Anaheim Ducks vs Vegas Golden Knights, with both teams opening what projects to be one of the most stylistically contrasting series of the playoffs.<\/p>\n

Stanley Cup Playoff Predictions: Anaheim Ducks vs Vegas Golden Knights Game 1<\/h2>\n

Regular Season Series:<\/strong> Anaheim won 3-0<\/p>\n

Time:<\/strong> 9:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time | 6:30 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time<\/p>\n

How to Watch<\/strong><\/h3>\n

US TV: TNT, truTV, HBO Max | Canada TV:<\/strong> SN, SN360, TVAS, SN+
\nLocation:<\/strong> T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada<\/p>\n

Setting the Stage<\/h2>\n

Game 1 opens with Anaheim carrying momentum after eliminating Edmonton in six games<\/a>, while Vegas arrives after a controlled and structured series win over Utah<\/a>. However, this matchup represents a clear step up in defensive resistance for the Ducks. Vegas does not trade chances the way Edmonton did. Instead, they compress space and force teams into low-quality looks.<\/p>\n

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Credit Image: \u00a9 Alex Cave\/ZUMA Press Wire<\/span><\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Anaheim\u2019s identity remains built on pace and offensive pressure. That approach worked in Round 1, but sustainability becomes the central question here. Furthermore, Game 1 often sets the tactical tone for a series. If Anaheim can impose tempo early, this series could open up. If Vegas dictates structure, it likely becomes a grind.<\/p>\n

Anaheim Ducks Storylines<\/h2>\n

Anaheim\u2019s path remains rooted in offensive pressure and depth scoring. The Ducks generated consistent chances throughout Round 1, with young players driving much of that production. Leo Carlsson<\/a> continues to be a reliable shot generator, while Cutter Gauthier<\/a> enters Game 1 after a five-shot performance in the series-clinching win.<\/p>\n

However, defensive consistency remains the concern. Anaheim allowed at least three goals in every game last round, and that margin tightens significantly against a structured opponent. Meanwhile, Lukas Dostal<\/a> remains volatile in net despite strong stretches, posting an .874 save percentage in the first round.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, Anaheim must address its starts. Slow openings nearly cost them in earlier games<\/a>. Against Vegas, falling behind early likely plays directly into the Golden Knights\u2019 preferred game script.<\/p>\n

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Anaheim goal!Scored by Troy Terry with 00:47 remaining in the 2nd period.Assisted by Leo Carlsson and Chris Kreider.Anaheim: 4Edmonton: 1#EDMvsANA #FlyTogether #LetsGoOilers <\/p>\n

— NHL Goals (@nhlgoals.bsky.social)<\/a> 2026-05-01T12:51:05.796186Z<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n