The Vegas Golden Knights and Carolina Hurricanes clash Tuesday in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final, both seeking their second championship. Vegas swept Colorado in the West Final while Carolina dispatched Montreal, entering as the first team with one or fewer loss since 1987. Mitchell Marner leads the playoffs with 21 points and is the +165 favorite for the Conn Smythe Trophy.

Home teams have dominated Game 1 historically, winning 75.6% of all Finals and 52-11 when hosting. The last road Game 1 winner came in 2015, though the 2025 Oilers proved it's no guarantee. Frederik Andersen has been exceptional for Carolina, posting a 1.41 GAA and +220 odds for playoff MVP as the Hurricanes killed 92.5% of penalties.

Coach John Tortorella makes his return to the Final after a 22-year gap, the longest in NHL history. Jordan Staal could set a record for longest time between championships if Carolina wins. Both teams feature Olympians who won gold with Team USA this year, adding personal stakes to the ultimate prize.

Vegas won both regular season meetings in October, but that seems irrelevant now. The Golden Knights have 13 players with Final experience compared to just two for Carolina. This series feels like a toss-up, but home ice and recent form favor the Hurricanes in what should be a long, competitive series.