The Pacific Division showdown between the Vegas Golden Knights and Anaheim Ducks begins on Monday, May 4, 2026, at T-Mobile Arena. Vegas enters the series as the top seed in the division and the Stanley Cup betting odds favorite at -200. Following a dominant finish to the regular season and a successful first-round campaign. Their veteran core is led by Jack Eichel and Mitch Marner. To show, the duo combined for sixteen points in the opening round. While the defense has remained stout under the guidance of John Tortorella.
The Anaheim Ducks arrive as the Cinderella story of the 2026 playoffs after sweeping the Edmonton Oilers in the first round. Despite their lower seeding, Anaheim won all three regular-season matchups against Vegas by identical 4-3 scores. The Ducks rely on a youthful, high-speed offensive attack featuring Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier. Additionally, Anaheim boasts defenseman Jackson LaCombe, who led the team in scoring during the first round.
2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs – Second Round Anaheim Ducks vs. Vegas Golden Knights
| Date and Time: | Monday, May 04, 2026, 9:30 PM ET. |
|---|---|
| Location: | T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. |
| TV Coverage: | ESPN and TNT |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anaheim Ducks | +1½ ( -180 ) | 6½ ( -110 ) | +145 |  |
| Vegas Golden Knights | -1½ ( +150 ) | 6½ ( -110 ) | -170 | |
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2026 Stanley Cup Final Series Schedule Vegas Golden Knights (P1) vs. Anaheim Ducks (P3)
- Game 1: May 4 at VGK, 9:30 PM (ESPN)
- Game 2: May 6 at VGK, 9:30 PM (TNT/Max)
- Game 3: May 8 at ANA, 9:30 PM (TNT/Max)
- Game 4: May 10 at ANA, 9:30 PM (ESPN)
- Games 5-7 (if needed): May 12 (VGK), 14 (ANA), 16 (VGK)
Vegas Golden Knights Overview
The Vegas Golden Knights underwent a significant mid-season offshore betting transformation. Following the hiring of John Tortorella as head coach in late March. Since the coaching change, Vegas has adopted a much more aggressive defensive system that focuses on high-pressure checking and rapid transition play. This tactical shift helped the team close the regular season on a dominant seven-game winning streak before they defeated the Utah Mammoth in six games during the opening round of the playoffs.
The VGK roster is built around an elite offensive core. Namely featuring Jack Eichel and the newly acquired Mitch Marner, who both played central roles in the first-round victory. Pavel Dorofeyev emerged as the team’s leading goal scorer during the regular season. While captain Mark Stone has provided essential veteran leadership after returning from a late-season arm injury.
By contrast, on the defensive end, Noah Hanifin and Shea Theodore anchor a unit that has become more offensively involved under the new system. Thus, contributing significantly to the team’s league-leading goal production from the blue line in recent weeks.
Goaltending has shifted to Carter Hart, who took over after injuries to Adin Hill. Correlate Vegas has maintained a save percentage above .930 throughout the postseason.
Anaheim Ducks Overview
The Anaheim Ducks advanced to the second round of the 2026 NHL playoffs by defeating the Edmonton Oilers in six games. Thus, clinching the series with a 5-2 victory at Honda Center on April 30, 2026. This marks their first playoff series win since 2017. Anaheim finished third in the Pacific Division during the regular season with 92 points. Under head coach Joel Quenneville, the Ducks displayed significant offensive depth and special teams efficiency. Including a power play that operated at 50 percent through the first round.
Key contributors in the opening series included Leo Carlsson, Troy Terry, and Chris Kreider. To illuminate, all recorded a goal and two assists in the clinching Game 6. Defenseman Jackson LaCombe led the team in postseason scoring through early May. Specifically, with nine points and was instrumental in neutralizing Edmonton’s elite offensive stars.
Cutter Gauthier emerged as a primary finisher, leading the squad with 41 goals during the regular season. And then continuing that form with four goals in the first round. Goaltender Lukas Dostal anchored the defensive effort, making 25 saves in the final game against Edmonton to secure the series victory.