The highly anticipated 2026 NHL Stanley Cup Final is set to kick off, with the Vegas Golden Knights taking on the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 1. As the two teams face off at the T-Mobile Arena, fans and bettors alike are eager to know who will come out on top. CBS Sports' advanced model has weighed in on the matchup, offering surprising predictions for the series. With the Golden Knights' potent offense and the Hurricanes' stingy defense, this series promises to be a thrilling showdown for the Stanley Cup. Will the Golden Knights' experience and home-ice advantage give them the edge they need to take the first game, or will the Hurricanes' strong team defense and potent offense prove too much for Vegas to handle?

Golden Knights vs. Hurricanes odds, prediction: 2026 NHL Stanley Cup Final Game 1 picks by advanced model  CBS Sports