The Stanley Cup Final 2026 has become a thrilling best-of-three showdown as the Carolina Hurricanes (53-22-7) and Vegas Golden Knights (39-26-17) find themselves tied at 2-2. Game 5 is set for Thursday at 8 p.m. ET at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C.

The Hurricanes emerged victorious in Game 4, defeating the Golden Knights 5-3. As the series returns to Carolina, the Golden Knights aim to avoid suffering back-to-back defeats for only the second time in these playoffs. Both teams are vying for their second Stanley Cup championship in franchise history.

Betting Odds

• Hurricanes: -153 (risk $153 to win $100)
• Golden Knights: +130
• Over/Under: 6 goals
• Puck Line: Hurricanes -1.5 (+164)

Before placing any bets, it is essential to consider the predictions and betting advice from the SportsLine Projection Model, which has simulated this matchup 10,000 times. The model boasts a +568 return on top-rated money-line NHL picks, providing valuable insights for bettors.

Key Predictions

• The model predicts the total score will go Over 6 goals, as every game in this series has surpassed the total, averaging 8.3 goals per game.
• Historical data shows the Over has hit in 67% of games for the Hurricanes when the total is set at least at 6.
• For the Golden Knights, when Carter Hart is in net, the Over has connected 61% of the time.

With both teams projected to score over 3.0 goals, the model forecasts the Over to hit in 56% of its simulations. For those interested in detailed predictions and picks, SportsLine offers comprehensive insights on the matchup.