{"id":490582,"date":"2026-05-08T08:00:45","date_gmt":"2026-05-08T12:00:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=490582"},"modified":"2026-05-08T06:01:39","modified_gmt":"2026-05-08T10:01:39","slug":"stanley-cu-playoffs-predictions-game-3-stanley-golden-knights-vs-ducks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/05\/08\/stanley-cu-playoffs-predictions-game-3-stanley-golden-knights-vs-ducks\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL Predictions: Round 2, Game 3, Stanley Cup Playoffs Vegas Golden Knights vs Anaheim Ducks"},"content":{"rendered":"

Welcome back to another Stanley Cup Playoffs edition of NHL 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 Playoffs Predictions, we shift to Game 3 of this second-round Western Conference matchup with the Vegas Golden Knights vs Anaheim Ducks<\/a>, as the series heads to Anaheim tied after the Ducks imposed their style in Game 2.<\/p>\n

Stanley Cup Playoffs Predictions: Vegas Golden Knights vs Anaheim Ducks Game 3<\/h2>\n

Series:<\/strong> Tied 1-1<\/p>\n

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

How to Watch \u2013 US TV:<\/strong> TNT, truTV, HBO Max | Canada TV: SN, SN360, TVAS, SN+<\/h3>\n

Location:<\/strong> Honda Center, Anaheim, California<\/p>\n

Setting the Stage<\/h2>\n

The series looks like it belongs to Anaheim right now. The Ducks controlled long stretches of both games in Las Vegas and deservedly walked away with a split after Wednesday\u2019s 3-1 victory. Furthermore, Game 2 showed this team can now win differently. Anaheim spent much of Round 1 trading rush chances with Edmonton in chaotic track meets. However, against Vegas, the Ducks suddenly resemble a structured playoff team capable of suffocating opponents through pace, pressure, and defensive detail.<\/p>\n

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Credit Image: \u00a9 Luis Santana\/Tampa Bay Times via ZUMA Press Wire<\/span><\/p>\n

Meanwhile, the Golden Knights still have not found consistent answers against Anaheim\u2019s forecheck. Vegas managed only 22 shots in Game 2 and struggled generating sustained offensive-zone pressure. That becomes especially dangerous entering a road environment that should heavily favour Anaheim\u2019s energy and speed. Nevertheless, Vegas remains experienced enough to respond quickly after uneven performances.<\/p>\n

Vegas Golden Knights Storylines<\/h2>\n

Vegas enters Game 3 needing cleaner execution everywhere. The Golden Knights continue receiving strong production from their core players, with Jack Eichel<\/a> sitting at 10 points in eight playoff games while Mitch Marner<\/a> continues driving offence off transition. Brett Howden<\/a> also remains one of the postseason\u2019s biggest surprises after scoring in five of his last six games.<\/p>\n

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Power play goal for Vegas!Scored by Mark Stone with 00:06 remaining in the 3rd period.Assisted by Jack Eichel and Shea Theodore.Vegas: 1Anaheim: 3#ANAvsVGK #ForgedInGold #FlyTogether <\/p>\n

— NHL Goals (@nhlgoals.bsky.social)<\/a> 2026-05-07T04:33:58.075613Z<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n