One year ago, the Vegas Golden Knights were little more than a logo. They had no roster. General Manager George McPhee was studying hard for the expansion draft. He would pick from a list of unwanted players cast off like sacks or garbage. These players were provided the ultimate insult. Their teams kicked them to the curb. They were judged as not good enough. At least until now. Out of the junk yard McPhee built a powerhouse. The most successful expansion team of any major sport of all time. And now a favorite with the Stanley Cup final odds.
Washington Capitals vs. Vegas Golden Knights 2018 Stanley Cup Final
Date and Time: Series runs May 28 through June 13, 2018
Location: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada, and Capital One Arena, Washington, DC
NHL Betting Online Odds at SBG:
| Team | Spread | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capitals | +1½ (-240) | 5½ (+105) |  |
| Golden Knights | -1½ (+200) | 5½ (-125) | |
| |||
2018 Stanley Cup Final TV Coverage: NBC and NBCSN
Opens in Las Vegas
The 2018 Stanley Cup Final opens in Las Vegas. Game one is set for Monday, May 28. NBC will handle the telecast. Wednesday, May 30 is the date for the second game. NBCSN will provide coverage. Games three and four are set for Washington, DC. The dates are June 2 and June 4. NBCSN gets game three and NBC will handle game 4.
If Necessary…
If game five is necessary its set for Vegas on June 7. Game six would be at Washington on June 10. A seventh game would be back in Sin City on June 13. All seven games are scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. NBC will televise the final three games as needed.
Vegas comes in as Favorite
Vegas is a stunning Stanley Cup Playoff odds favorite. But not at all an accident. They were the Pacific Division champions. First round playoff action saw Vegas sweep Los Angeles. San Jose next fell to the Golden Knights in six games. Winnipeg lost four straight after winning the opening game in the Western Final. Head coach Gerard Gallant rolls four lines without fear. He tolerates mistakes. In turn his team constantly attacks. And is highly entertaining to watch. Not to mention overwhelmingly effective.
Washington
Washington is a great sportsbook story in their own right. They have exercised their playoff demons this spring. They are chokers no more. In fact the Capitals showed considerable courage. Alex Ovechkin has become beloved. “The Great Eight” is a sniper without peer. More importantly he set the best possible example as team captain. Nobody on the Capitals played harder. Or with more grit and determination. Ovechkin has 12 goals, 10 assists and a plus five in the playoffs.
Marc Andre Fleury
Vegas goaltender Marc Andre Fleury was one of those Golden Knights discarded to the expansion draft. All he has done is post an insane save percentage of .947 in post season. Fleury has four shutouts and a 12-3 record in the playoffs. And he boasts three Stanley Cup rings from his days at Pittsburgh
Matchup to Watch
This one comes down to Ovechkin vs. Fleury. Seems cruel that one of these greats will leave the ice in defeat. Vegas has defied the Stanley Cup Playoff odds all year. There is no need to second guess when they will fail. A lot of bankrolls have gone bust in that futile exercise. In this matchup the Golden Knights have the depth edge. You can also check mark goaltender as a Vegas plus.
Capitals vs. Golden Knights NHL Playoff Lines Picks
Marc Andre Fleury will backstop Vegas to glory. The Golden Knights will compete their impossible dream!
NHL Betting Online Pick: Vegas Golden Knights
NHL Betting Online Series Prediction: Vegas 4 games, Washington 3 games