{"id":490534,"date":"2026-05-06T11:10:41","date_gmt":"2026-05-06T15:10:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=490534"},"modified":"2026-05-06T11:10:41","modified_gmt":"2026-05-06T15:10:41","slug":"stanley-cup-playoffs-nhl-predictions-anaheim-ducks-vs-vegas-golden-knights-round-2-game-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/05\/06\/stanley-cup-playoffs-nhl-predictions-anaheim-ducks-vs-vegas-golden-knights-round-2-game-2\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL Predictions: Round 2, Game 2, Stanley Cup Playoffs Anaheim Ducks vs Vegas Golden Knights"},"content":{"rendered":"

Welcome back to another edition of Stanley Cup Playoffs 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 section. In this edition of Stanley Cup Playoff Predictions, we shift to Game 2 of this second-round Western Conference matchup with the Anaheim Ducks vs Vegas Golden Knights, as the Ducks look to even the series<\/a> after a strong but frustrating Game 1 loss.<\/p>\n

Stanley Cup Playoffs Predictions: Anaheim Ducks vs Vegas Golden Knights Game 2<\/h2>\n

Series:<\/strong> Vegas leads 1-0<\/p>\n

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

How to Watch<\/a> – US TV: TNT, truTV, HBO Max | Canada TV: SN, SN360, TVAS, SN+<\/h2>\n

Location:<\/strong> T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada<\/p>\n

Setting the Stage<\/h2>\n

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

Game 1 produced a result Vegas will happily accept and a performance Anaheim probably preferred. The Golden Knights escaped with a 3-1 victory despite getting outshot 34-22 and spending long stretches defending Anaheim\u2019s pace off the rush. However, playoff hockey does not reward process alone. Vegas capitalized on a few critical mistakes, received another strong performance from Carter Hart, and executed when the game tightened late.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Anaheim leaves Game 1 believing its formula still works. The Ducks created consistent offensive pressure, generated quality chances, and largely controlled five-on-five play. Furthermore, this group already responded once after dropping Game 1 in Edmonton during Round 1. That experience matters entering another early-series swing game against a structured opponent.<\/p>\n

Anaheim Ducks Storylines<\/h2>\n

Anaheim probably deserved better from Game 1<\/a>. The Ducks controlled pace, generated more dangerous offensive sequences, and repeatedly pressured Vegas through transition. Leo Carlsson<\/a> continued emerging as Anaheim\u2019s offensive driver and recorded four shots on goal, while Troy Terry<\/a> consistently created chances despite failing to finish. Meanwhile, Jackson LaCombe<\/a> remains one of the most impactful skaters in the playoffs despite one costly missed opportunity on an open net during the second period.<\/p>\n

However, Anaheim\u2019s power play still needs results. The Ducks went 0-for-4 Monday despite extended offensive-zone possession on multiple opportunities. Against Vegas, failing to capitalize on momentum swings quickly becomes dangerous.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, the Ducks cannot allow frustration from Game 1 to linger. Head coach\u00a0Joel Quenneville emphasized the positives<\/a> afterward, and the underlying numbers support that confidence. If Anaheim replicates Monday\u2019s process while tightening execution, this series likely becomes far more complicated for Vegas than the opening score suggested.<\/p>\n

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Anaheim goal!Scored by Mikael Granlund with 06:03 remaining in the 3rd period.Assisted by Jackson LaCombe and John Carlson.Vegas: 1Anaheim: 1#ANAvsVGK #ForgedInGold #FlyTogether <\/p>\n

— NHL Goals (@nhlgoals.bsky.social)<\/a> 2026-05-05T04:26:01.436614Z<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n