Expert Golden Knights vs Hurricanes Prediction & MVP Pick for Stanley Cup Final

Let’s contrast those numbers with the Golden Knights. Vegas has allowed 16 more goals during 5-on-5 play through 16 playoff games, and have surrendered 112 more scoring chances, including 42 more of the high danger variety.

Up until this point, Knights netminder Carter Hart has stood on his head, but it’s fair to question how long this can continue. Hart posted an underwhelming .891 save percentage in the regular season, but has bumped that number up by .33 percentage points in the postseason. He leads all playoff goalies with 8.4 goals saved above expectation, but let’s see how he handles this relentless Carolina attack. Don’t forget, Vegas beat an Avalanche team whose top two players were significantly injured, plus the Mammoth and Ducks, who were two of the three lowest-ranked playoff teams in the West.

The Hurricanes apply pressure for 60 minutes in every game, and there’s no let-up, regardless of which line is on the ice. Case in point, the fourth line has actually outproduced the top line at even strength this postseason, while the second line of Taylor Hall, Jackson Blake and Logan Stankoven has been simply unstoppable.

Despite playing three less games than Vegas, the Hurricanes have produced two more expected goals, and 10 more scoring chances. Their 5-on-5 Corsi For percentage is hovering around a ridiculous 60%, which is 12% higher than the Golden Knights. The scary thing for Vegas is that the Canes have room to get even better. Carolina is scoring at just a 12.5% clip on the power play, which is roughly half the rate they converted at during the regular season.

This Hurricanes run has not only been dominant, it’s on the verge of being historic. The fewest amount of losses ever by a Stanley Cup champion in the modern era is 2, a mark Carolina can best with another sweep.

Golden Knights vs Hurricanes MVP Pick for Stanley Cup Final

Moving over to the Conn Smythe Odds market, where Mitch Marner is the favorite to be the Stanley Cup MVP. Only a select few players have ever won the award from a losing team, and they produced historic numbers. As good as Marner has been during this run, he’s not in that category. Since I don’t expect the Golden Knights to upset the Hurricanes, my top selection has to come from Carolina.

Conn Smythe Trophy Odds

Andersen has the shortest odds among Canes at +225, followed by Hall at +600, and Stankoven at +850. Of the trio, Hall is my best bet, as he’s turned back the clock to his former MVP self.

Hall leads the Canes in points this postseason, and has produced more high-danger scoring chances than anyone in the playoffs. He’s averaging 1.23 points per game, and given that his line has been the most dangerous in the postseason, it’s hard to imagine him not factoring in on plenty of goals in the Cup Final.

As for Andersen, I understand his price, but I believe he’s been a product of the system rather than an individual standout. He’s stopping nearly everything that comes his way, but the bulk of the opposing opportunities have come outside the high danger zones, significantly reducing the degree of difficult. Given that, Hall at nearly three times the price is the clear choice.