Ducks vs. Golden Knights Game 1 Prediction: Does Anaheim’s Cinderella Run Continue in Vegas?

The Anaheim Ducks and Las Vegas Golden Knights meet Monday night at T-Mobile Arena for Game 1 of their Western Conference Second Round series, and it is fair to say few people outside of Southern California expected Anaheim to be here. The Ducks, the youngest team in the postseason, pulled off one of the most impressive first-round upsets of the playoffs when they eliminated the two-time defending Western Conference finalist Edmonton Oilers in six games. Now they head to Las Vegas to face a Golden Knights team that is also riding high after dispatching the Utah Mammoth in six games, only now under first-year head coach John Tortorella.

This is a fascinating matchup between a team that has been here before — Vegas knows playoff hockey — and an Anaheim squad that has fourteen players who made their playoff debuts in the first round. That inexperience could catch up to the Ducks eventually, but they showed against Edmonton that youth and energy can take you a long way when the talent is there. Leo Carlsson, 21 years old, was outstanding against the Oilers. Cutter Gauthier scored four goals. Jackson LaCombe put up nine points in the series, nearly a team record. These are not just kids getting their feet wet — they are players making serious contributions on the biggest stage.

Vegas Is a Big Favorite, But Anaheim Has the Momentum

The Golden Knights open as -182 favorites on the moneyline for Game 1, with the Ducks at +148. The total sits at 5.5, with the under at -110. Looking at the broader picture on NHL playoff odds, Vegas is listed at -350 to advance in the series while Anaheim sits at +280. Those are significant numbers that reflect how seriously the market takes the Golden Knights at home, even against a team that just knocked out one of the best players on the planet in Connor McDavid.

Two Teams That Know How to Score — But Defense Will Decide This One

Both teams averaged exactly 3.2 goals per game during the regular season, which makes this an even offensive matchup on paper. Where Vegas pulls ahead is on the defensive side: the Golden Knights gave up just 3.0 goals per game compared to Anaheim’s 3.5. The special teams disparity is also worth noting. Vegas ran a 24.6% power play during the regular season to Anaheim’s 18.6%, and the Knights’ penalty kill at 81.4% is more efficient than the Ducks’ 76.4%. In playoff hockey, special teams win series, and Vegas has a clear edge there.

Mitch Marner has been one of the best players in the postseason through Round 1. He finished the series against Utah with two goals and five assists, including his first multi-goal playoff game since 2023. Jack Eichel put up eight assists in the series, tying his own franchise record. Brett Howden scored four goals in the final three games. Carter Hart was brilliant in net, stopping .957 of shots in Game 6. This is a well-rounded team that can beat you in multiple ways, and Tortorella’s up-tempo, demanding system seems to have ignited something in this group — Vegas went 7-0-1 in their final eight regular season games after the coaching change.

Anaheim, for their part, is not without firepower. Cutter Gauthier proved in Round 1 that he can take over a game. Troy Terry and Chris Kreider — who scored on his 35th birthday — provide veteran presence up front. Lukas Dostal was sharp in goal in Game 6, making 25 saves when the Ducks needed him most. The concern is whether that level of goaltending is sustainable against a Vegas team that generates quality chances consistently. The Ducks’ penalty kill at 76.4% is going to be tested repeatedly against a power play that Marner and Eichel can make absolutely lethal.

The Vegas home-ice advantage is also significant in these playoffs. T-Mobile Arena is one of the loudest buildings in the NHL when it is rocking, and it tends to be rocking in the postseason. Anaheim will need Dostal at his best and their penalty kill to show up in a way it did not always do in the regular season to keep this game competitive.

Prediction and Best Bet

The Golden Knights have too many advantages in this matchup. Home ice, superior goaltending history, a more seasoned roster, better special teams, and a defense that gives up fewer goals — all of those factors point in Vegas’s direction. Anaheim is a wonderful story and a genuinely talented young team, but Game 1 on the road in Las Vegas after an emotionally draining series against Edmonton is a steep ask. Expect Tortorella’s squad to make a statement at home in the opener.

If you are looking to take advantage of a bonus before placing your bets, the FanDuel promo code offers solid value for new bettors heading into a big playoff night. The under at 5.5 is again worth consideration — both goalies are capable of stealing games, and Vegas’s defensive structure under Tortorella has been disciplined and difficult to crack. Vegas on the moneyline at -182 is not great value, but the under at -110 offers a real edge given how this matchup sets up.

• Prediction: Vegas Golden Knights 3, Anaheim Ducks 1
• Best Bet: Under 5.5 (-110)

Both goalies are playing well, Vegas has a tight defensive system, and Anaheim’s penalty kill vulnerabilities make it more likely the Knights score efficiently rather than in large quantities. The under is the play.