The Carolina Hurricanes are Stanley Cup champions. After falling behind 2-1 in the series against Vegas, the Hurricanes rattled off three consecutive wins to secure their second Stanley Cup in franchise history and their first since the 2005-06 season.

Carolina was dominant all season, earning the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference and losing just three games throughout the postseason. A goaltending change to Brandon Bussi in Game 3 proved to be the right decision, while 37-year-old Jordan Staal turned back the clock by recording seven points, including six goals, in the Stanley Cup Final. His performance earned him the 2026 Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, making him the oldest player in NHL history to win the award.

The Hurricanes are the early betting favorites (+650) to win the 2027 Stanley Cup at Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook as they look to defend their championship and capture back-to-back titles.

Early 2027 Stanley Cup Winner Odds

Below are the early odds for the 2026-27 NHL season:

• Carolina Hurricanes: +650
• Colorado Avalanche: +700
• Tampa Bay Lightning: +1000
• Florida Panthers: +1100
• Edmonton Oilers: +1100
• Minnesota Wild: +1200
• Vegas Golden Knights: +1300
• Ottawa Senators: +1500
• Dallas Stars: +1750
• New Jersey Devils: +2250
• Montreal Canadiens: +2500
• Anaheim Ducks: +2500
• Utah Mammoth: +3000
• Los Angeles Kings: +3000
• Buffalo Sabres: +3000
• Columbus Blue Jackets: +3000
• Winnipeg Jets: +4000
• Philadelphia Flyers: +4000
• Washington Capitals: +4000
• Toronto Maple Leafs: +4000
• Detroit Red Wings: +5000
• San Jose Sharks: +5000
• Pittsburgh Penguins: +6000
• New York Rangers: +6000
• New York Islanders: +7500
• Boston Bruins: +7500
• St. Louis Blues: +10000
• Nashville Predators: +10000
• Chicago Blackhawks: +10000
• Seattle Kraken: +20000
• Calgary Flames: +20000
• Vancouver Canucks: +50000

Hurricanes Favored After Claiming 2026 Stanley Cup

While the Hurricanes are still celebrating their championship, they’re already the early favorites to win the Stanley Cup again next season. Given the year they just had, that shouldn’t come as a surprise.

There have been 19 instances of teams successfully defending their title by winning back-to-back, or more, Stanley Cups in NHL history. Carolina has never accomplished that feat, but it appears to have the roster in place to make a serious run at it. The most recent team to win consecutive Stanley Cups was the Florida Panthers in 2023-24 and 2024-25.

Golden Knights Fall Outside Top Five After Final Defeat

The Golden Knights finished atop the Pacific Division and recorded the fourth-most points in the Western Conference during the regular season. After defeating Utah and Anaheim in six games in the first two rounds, Vegas pulled off one of the biggest surprises of the postseason by sweeping the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Colorado Avalanche in four games to advance to the Stanley Cup Final.

Despite taking a 2-1 series lead over Carolina, the Golden Knights were unable to close out the series and lost three straight games to finish as runners-up. Even after an impressive playoff run, six teams, including three from the Western Conference, have shorter odds to win the Stanley Cup in 2027 than Vegas.

Early 2027 NHL Futures Are Available

The NHL season may have just ended, but Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook is already looking ahead to next year. The 2026-27 Stanley Cup futures market is now live, along with select markets for the upcoming 2026 NHL Draft. Be sure to visit the NHL section to check out the latest hockey betting odds and place your wagers.

The theme of this year’s NHL Stanley Cup Final has been tightly contested, back-and-forth hockey. Whether that trend continues remains to be seen, but the Vegas Golden Knights and Carolina Hurricanes are back on the ice Thursday night for Game 5, with the series returning to Carolina at the Lenovo Center.

The first three games of this Stanley Cup Final delivered plenty of excitement, including overtime and double-overtime finishes in back-to-back games. There was no overtime in Game 4, but it provided plenty of drama nonetheless.

After taking a 2-1 series lead, the Golden Knights fell into an early 2-0 hole in Game 4. However, with the Hurricanes holding a 3-1 lead entering the second period, William Karlsson and Brett Howden each scored to tie the game at three. For Howden, it was his playoff-leading 14th goal, setting a new franchise record for most goals scored in a single postseason.

The Hurricanes took control in the third period, with captain Jordan Staal scoring the go-ahead goal on a backhand shot while falling to the ice, marking his second goal of the game. Nikolaj Ehlers later added an empty-net goal with 55 seconds remaining to secure the win and even the series at two games apiece heading into Game 5.

Golden Knights vs. Hurricanes Game 5 Odds

The Hurricanes are listed as favorites at Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook for Game 5 as they return home with momentum following their Game 4 victory:

• Moneyline: Hurricanes -150, Golden Knights +130
• Puck Line: Hurricanes -1.5 (+160), Golden Knights +1.5 (-210)
• Total (Goals): Over 5.5 (-145), Under 5.5 (+115)

Carolina is once again the betting favorite to win the Stanley Cup at -145 odds.

Golden Knights vs. Hurricanes Picks & Predictions for Game 5

The Golden Knights and Hurricanes have absolutely delivered in this year’s Stanley Cup Final, so be sure to check out the Stats Hub at Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook for hockey betting insights and trends to help inform your wagers for Game 5.

Check out the featured pick below from the Stats Hub:

Golden Knights vs. Hurricanes Best Bet: Jordan Staal Over 0.5 Points

Jordan Staal’s points prop was our featured pick for Game 4, and it cashed with ease thanks to his two-goal performance. The veteran center has recorded at least one point in all four Stanley Cup Final games, including back-to-back two-point outings, and has scored a goal in each game of the series.

Why not continue to ride the hot hand, especially at plus money?

• Golden Knights vs. Hurricanes Game 5 Player Prop Pick: Jordan Staal Over 0.5 Points (+120)

Top 5 Most-Bet Player Props for VGK-CAR

With the Golden Knights and Hurricanes averaging more than eight combined goals per game in the series, goal-scoring props remain popular plays heading into Game 5:

1. Mitch Marner – Goals Over 0.5
2. Seth Jarvis – Goals Over 0.5
3. Jordan Staal – Shots Over 1.5
4. Jordan Staal – Points Over 0.5
5. Jack Eichel – Points Over 0.5

Golden Knights vs. Hurricanes Game 5 Info

• Where: Lenovo Center, Raleigh, NC
• Date: Thursday, June 11
• Puck Drop: 8:00 PM ET
• TV/Streaming: ABC
• Series: 2-2

More Ways to Bet

Whether it’s a tight total or a late-game push, Florida players can keep the excitement going with Real Money Games powered by Past Motor Racing, only on Hard Rock Bet, another way to play while you follow every puck.

Referenced odds are subject to change.

Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final takes place Tuesday night at T-Mobile Arena after a thrilling result in Game 3 on Saturday night. The Vegas Golden Knights carry a 2-1 series lead into Game 4 with a chance to take a commanding advantage on home ice over the Carolina Hurricanes.

Not only was Game 3 as exciting as an NHL playoff game can get, but the entire series has delivered so far. It has been a back-and-forth battle with plenty of scoring, as all three games have been decided by one goal, including an overtime game in Game 2 and a double-overtime thriller in Game 3.

After the Hurricanes evened the series at one game apiece before heading to Vegas, the Golden Knights earned a wild victory in Game 3. Vegas scored four second-period goals to take a 4-0 lead, including its first two goals just 16 seconds apart. Carolina then responded with three goals in the third period within a span of 39 seconds before scoring the game-tying goal with 1:42 remaining in regulation to force overtime.

As if Game 3 couldn’t get any more exciting, the first overtime period ended scoreless, forcing a second overtime under NHL playoff rules. Veteran defenseman Shea Theodore played the hero for the Golden Knights, scoring his sixth goal of the postseason to win the game in double overtime and give Vegas the series lead heading into Game 4.

Hurricanes vs. Golden Knights Game 4 Odds

Despite falling just short of a remarkable comeback in Game 3, the Eastern Conference champion Hurricanes are listed as slight road favorites for Game 4 at Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook:

• Moneyline: Hurricanes -115, Golden Knights -105
• Puck Line: Hurricanes -1.5 (+200), Golden Knights +1.5 (-300)
• Total (Goals): Over 5.5 (-130), Under 5.5 (+105)

Carolina may be favored to win Game 4, but the Golden Knights are now the betting favorites to win the Stanley Cup at -185 odds after Saturday night’s double-overtime victory and a 2-1 series lead.

Hurricanes vs. Golden Knights Picks & Predictions for Game 4

If you haven’t been paying attention to this year’s Stanley Cup Final, now is the time to start. Head over to Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook to get in on the action and check out the Stats Hub for hockey betting insights and trends to help make more informed wagers.

The pick below is one example of what you can find in the Stats Hub for Tuesday night’s game in Vegas:

Hurricanes vs. Golden Knights Best Bet: Jordan Staal Over 0.5 Points

Although Game 4 isn’t technically a must-win for the Hurricanes, it certainly feels that way. Carolina will be desperate to avoid falling into a daunting 3-1 series deficit.

If the Hurricanes are going to even the series on Tuesday night, they’ll need contributions from their leaders, including captain Jordan Staal.

Staal scored 20 goals during the regular season and finished with 36 points in 75 games. His nine points this postseason are tied for the sixth-most on the team, but the veteran center has elevated his game in the Stanley Cup Final.

Even as the oldest player participating in this year’s Stanley Cup Final, Staal leads Carolina in goals (3), points (4), and shots on goal (10) through the first three games of the series. He has recorded a point in every game of the Final so far, including a goal and an assist in Game 3, and has registered a point in four of his last five games overall.

At plus money, with so much on the line and goals coming in bunches throughout this series, Staal’s points prop offers strong value heading into Game 4.

• Hurricanes vs. Golden Knights Game 4 Player Prop Pick: Jordan Staal Over 0.5 Points (+140)

Top 5 Most-Bet Player Props for CAR-VGK

With these teams combining for more than eight goals per game through the first three contests, scoring and playmaking props continue to dominate player prop markets heading into Game 4:

1. Mitch Marner – Goals Over 0.5
2. Seth Jarvis – Goals Over 0.5
3. Sebastian Aho – Points Over 0.5
4. Seth Jarvis – Points Over 0.5
5. Jack Eichel – Shots Over 2.5

Hurricanes vs. Golden Knights Game 4 Info

• Where: T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, NV
• Date: Tuesday, June 9
• Puck Drop: 8:00 PM ET
• TV/Streaming: ABC
• Series: 2-1 Golden Knights

More Ways to Bet

Whether it’s a tight total or a late-game push, Florida players can keep the excitement going with Real Money Games powered by Past Motor Racing, only on Hard Rock Bet, another way to play while you follow every puck.

Referenced odds are subject to change.

The Stanley Cup Final has been nothing short of exciting, and the Carolina Hurricanes and Vegas Golden Knights are back in action Saturday night for Game 3. After two one-goal games to open the series, including an overtime thriller in Game 2, the series shifts to Vegas tied at one game apiece.

Game 1 delivered a back-and-forth battle, with the Golden Knights scoring late to steal a win in Carolina and hand the Hurricanes just their second loss of the NHL Playoffs. Carolina responded with some late-game heroics of its own in Game 2, scoring three goals in the third period to take a 3-2 lead before Vegas tied the game with 1:21 remaining in regulation to force overtime. Facing a potential 0-2 series deficit and the loss of home-ice advantage, 24-year-old Seth Jarvis delivered the game-winning power-play goal in overtime to even the series and send Hurricanes fans home happy.

Although the Golden Knights have played exceptionally well throughout the postseason, the only other time Carolina lost a game in these playoffs, the Hurricanes responded by winning the next four to eliminate Montreal. Carolina will look to do the same, but Vegas has the advantage of hosting the next two games and will try to tilt the series back in its favor.

Hurricanes vs. Golden Knights Game 3 Odds

Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook lists Game 3 as about as evenly matched as possible, with both teams sitting at the same moneyline price:

• Moneyline: Golden Knights -110, Hurricanes -110
• Puck Line: Golden Knights -1.5 (+200), Hurricanes +1.5 (-300)
• Total (Goals): Over 5.5 (-120), Under 5.5 (+100)

Following their comeback overtime win in Game 2, the Hurricanes are once again the betting favorites to win the Stanley Cup at -145 odds.

Hurricanes vs. Golden Knights Picks & Predictions for Game 3

Back-and-forth action, 16 total goals, and an overtime game are what the Stanley Cup Final has delivered through the first two contests. If you’re looking to add another layer of excitement to the action, be sure to check out the Stats Hub at Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook for hockey betting insights and recent player and team trends.

Once you dive into the Stats Hub, you’ll find picks like the one below:

Hurricanes vs. Golden Knights Best Bet: Shayne Gostisbehere Over 0.5 Points

Despite being a defenseman, Shayne Gostisbehere has long been known for his offensive ability. The veteran recorded just two points, both assists in a single game, through Carolina’s first 10 playoff games, but he has since recorded at least one point in each of his last five contests.

Gostisbehere tallied two assists in Game 2, setting up Jordan Staal’s go-ahead goal in the third period and Seth Jarvis’ overtime winner. It marked his third multi-point game of the postseason, with all three featuring two assists.

During his current five-game point streak, Gostisbehere has also scored three goals, including the game-tying goal in Game 1 that made it 4-4 midway through the third period before Tomáš Hertl scored the eventual game-winner for Vegas. He may not be the biggest offensive name in the series, but he has the hot hand right now, and getting plus money on his points line is difficult to ignore.

• Hurricanes vs. Golden Knights Game 3 Player Prop Pick: Shayne Gostisbehere Over 0.5 Points (+110)

Top 5 Most-Bet Player Props for CAR-VGK

With so much scoring through the first two games, player prop markets are drawing plenty of attention heading into Game 3:

1. Pavel Dorofeyev – Goals Over 0.5
2. Frederik Andersen – Saves Over 21.5
3. Jack Eichel – First Goalscorer Yes
4. Jack Eichel – Goals Over 0.5
5. Seth Jarvis – Goals Over 0.5

Hurricanes vs. Golden Knights Game Info

• Where: T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, NV
• Date: Saturday, June 6
• Puck Drop: 8:00 PM ET
• TV/Streaming: ABC
• Series: 1-1

More Ways to Bet

Whether it’s a tight total or a late-game push, Florida players can keep the excitement going with Real Money Games powered by Past Motor Racing, only on Hard Rock Bet, another way to play while you follow every puck.

Referenced odds are subject to change.

After a somewhat shocking result to open the Stanley Cup Final, the Vegas Golden Knights and Carolina Hurricanes return to the ice Thursday night for Game 2 at Lenovo Center.

The No. 1-seeded Hurricanes and Eastern Conference champions had lost just one game this postseason before Tuesday night. However, the Golden Knights carried over their momentum from sweeping Colorado in the Western Conference Finals and picked up their seventh straight win with a 5-4 road victory over Carolina in Game 1.

The Hurricanes opened the scoring with two first-period goals from Nikolaj Ehlers, but the Golden Knights responded with the next three goals to take a 3-2 lead early in the second period. The back-and-forth action continued as Carolina tied the game midway through the second before Brett Howden gave Vegas a 4-3 lead early in the third with his 11th goal of the NHL Playoffs. Shayne Gostisbehere later tied the game at four, but with just 3:24 remaining in regulation, Tomas Hertl beat Frederik Andersen for the game-winning goal to give the Golden Knights the upset victory.

The only other time the Hurricanes lost this postseason, they responded with a win in the following game. Carolina will look to do the same Thursday night, while Vegas hopes to continue its hot streak and take a 2-0 series lead before heading home for the next two games.

Golden Knights vs. Hurricanes Game 2 Odds

The Hurricanes remain home favorites for Game 2 at Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook despite dropping Game 1 by a 5-4 score:

• Moneyline: Hurricanes -150, Golden Knights +130
• Puck Line: Hurricanes -1.5 (+160), Golden Knights +1.5 (-210)
• Total (Goals): Over 5.5 (-120), Under 5.5 (+100)

Following Vegas’ thrilling Game 1 victory in Carolina, the Golden Knights have moved into the favorite’s role to win the Stanley Cup at -155 odds.

Golden Knights vs. Hurricanes Picks & Predictions for Game 2

Make sure to get in on the Stanley Cup Final hockey betting action before Game 2 gets underway Thursday night. Also, check out the Stats Hub at Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook for recent team and player trends that can help you make more informed wagers.

We highlighted one pick from the Stats Hub below:

Golden Knights vs. Hurricanes Best Bet: Jackson Blake Over 0.5 Points

Jackson Blake didn’t get on the scoresheet in Game 1, but the young winger is too important to Carolina’s offense to stay quiet for long. Blake’s 15 points are the second-most on the team this postseason, and he also finished fifth on the Hurricanes in points during the regular season.

While Carter Hart has been outstanding throughout the playoffs, the Hurricanes still managed to score four goals against him in Game 1 despite taking the loss. Blake may not have factored into the scoring, but he did record two shots on goal and has registered at least one point in three of his last four games.

• Golden Knights vs. Hurricanes Game 2 Player Prop Pick: Jackson Blake Over 0.5 Points (-130)

Top 5 Most-Bet Player Props for VGK-CAR

Goals and points props are dominating player prop action for Game 2 after Vegas and Carolina combined for nine goals in Tuesday night’s opener:

1. Jack Eichel – Points Over 0.5
2. Sebastian Aho – Points Over 0.5
3. Andrei Svechnikov – Goals Over 0.5
4. Mitch Marner – Points Over 0.5
5. Frederik Andersen – Saves Over 21.5

Golden Knights vs. Hurricanes Game 2 Info

• Where: Lenovo Center, Raleigh, NC
• Date: Thursday, June 4
• Puck Drop: 8:00 PM ET
• TV/Streaming: ABC
• Series: 1-0 Golden Knights

More Ways to Bet

Whether it’s a tight total or a late-game push, Florida players can keep the excitement going with Real Money Games powered by Past Motor Racing, only on Hard Rock Bet, another way to play while you follow every puck.

Referenced odds are subject to change.

The Stanley Cup Final begins Tuesday night as the Eastern Conference champion and No. 1-seeded Carolina Hurricanes host the Western Conference champion Vegas Golden Knights at Lenovo Center.

The Hurricanes have been just as dominant this postseason as they were during the regular season. Despite finding themselves in several close games through the first three rounds, the Prince of Wales Trophy winners own a 12-1 playoff record, with their lone loss coming in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against Montreal after a lengthy break between series.

One of the biggest surprises of the NHL Playoffs has been Vegas’ run through the Western Conference Finals. Not only did the Golden Knights eliminate Colorado, which finished with the most points in the NHL during the regular season, but they swept the Avalanche in four games to advance to the Stanley Cup Final.

Vegas is set to play in its third Stanley Cup Final since joining the NHL in the 2017-18 season and is looking to win its second championship in franchise history. Although Carolina has been around much longer, the Hurricanes will also be making their third Stanley Cup Final appearance and their first since winning it all in 2005-06.

Golden Knights vs. Hurricanes Game 1 Odds

The Hurricanes are listed as home favorites at Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final given their success throughout the postseason:

• Moneyline: Hurricanes -150, Golden Knights +130
• Puck Line: Hurricanes -1.5 (+160), Golden Knights +1.5 (-210)
• Total (Goals): Over 5.5 (-120), Under 5.5 (+100)

The Hurricanes are also the betting favorites at -155 odds to win the Stanley Cup as the series gets underway.

Golden Knights vs. Hurricanes Picks & Predictions for Game 1

Looking to get in on the Stanley Cup Final action? Be sure to check out the Stats Hub at Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook for hockey betting insights and recent trends to help make smarter wagers, including picks like the one below:

Golden Knights vs. Hurricanes Best Bet: Mark Stone Over 0.5 Points

Despite playing in just 60 games during the regular season, Mark Stone finished with the third-most points on the Golden Knights with 73. Vegas’ captain also missed time this postseason after suffering a lower-body injury in Game 3 of the second round against Anaheim, forcing him to miss the final three games of that series and the first two games of the Western Conference Finals against Colorado.

Stone returned with two points in Game 3 against Colorado, recording a goal and an assist, before adding another point with the opening goal of Game 4. He has recorded at least one point in four consecutive games he has played and in nine of his 11 playoff appearances this postseason.

Scoring could be at a premium in this Stanley Cup Final series given the way both Carter Hart and Frederik Andersen have played in net, but if a puck finds its way past either goaltender, Stone is likely to be involved, whether as a goal scorer or playmaker.

• Golden Knights vs. Hurricanes Game 1 Player Prop Pick: Mark Stone Over 0.5 Points (-135)

Top 5 Most-Bet Player Props for VGK-CAR

It doesn’t get much bigger than the Stanley Cup Final, and player prop markets are heating up for Game 1 as puck drop approaches:

1. Jack Eichel – Points Over 0.5
2. Frederik Andersen – Saves Over 21.5
3. Mitch Marner – Points Over 0.5
4. Andrei Svechnikov – Shots Over 2.5
5. Sebastian Aho – Points Over 0.5

Golden Knights vs. Hurricanes Game 1 Info

• Where: Lenovo Center, Raleigh, NC
• Date: Tuesday, June 2
• Puck Drop: 8:00 PM ET
• TV/Streaming: ABC
• Series: 0-0

More Ways to Bet

Whether it’s a tight total or a late-game push, Florida players can keep the excitement going with Real Money Games powered by Past Motor Racing, only on Hard Rock Bet, another way to play while you follow every puck.

Referenced odds are subject to change.