Friday night’s NHL action features a five-game slate headlined by a Stanley Cup Playoff rematch at 10 p.m. ET as the Vegas Golden Knights (1-0-0) host the Anaheim Ducks (0-0-0) at the T-Mobile Arena.
The Golden Knights won the Pacific Division last season, while the Ducks finished third, and the two teams ultimately met in the second round of the playoffs. It was a back-and-forth series that was tied 2-2 after four games, but the Golden Knights managed to win Games 5 and 6 to advance to the Western Conference Final. Vegas then swept Colorado before losing to Carolina in six games in the Stanley Cup Final.
Vegas has already started its 2026-27 campaign with a 5-2 win over Chicago on Tuesday. Golden Knights captain Mark Stone scored an empty-net goal, while alternate captain Jack Eichel delivered a three-point performance with a goal and two assists, reaching 701 career points on a milestone night.
The Ducks will look a little different Friday night in their season opener after an offseason roster shakeup that saw key players depart and notable talent added. One of the biggest storylines of the offseason involved Philadelphia submitting an offer sheet to 21-year-old center and 2023 second overall pick Leo Carlsson. Anaheim ultimately matched the massive offer with a five-year, $90 million deal, making Carlsson the highest-paid player in the NHL by cap hit at the time with an $18 million average annual value.
There’s no doubt some bad blood remains between these teams after their playoff series just a few months ago, setting up what should be an exciting matchup Friday night. Keep reading for Ducks vs. Golden Knights predictions, picks, and more for this Western Conference playoff rematch.
Ducks vs. Golden Knights Odds
Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook lists the Golden Knights as home favorites after finishing just two wins shy of the Stanley Cup last season and already starting the new campaign with a victory:
Ducks vs. Golden Knights Predictions
Friday night’s game in Vegas is an early-season matchup between two playoff teams from a year ago, and the Stats Hub at Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook is a useful place to find hockey betting insights and trends when placing wagers, including our Ducks vs. Golden Knights prediction below:
Golden Knights vs. Ducks Best Bet: Golden Knights Moneyline (-200)
The Golden Knights joined the NHL ahead of the 2017-18 season and have been one of the league’s top teams ever since. Vegas has made the playoffs in eight of its nine seasons, including three Stanley Cup Final appearances and a championship in 2022-23.
The talent level the Golden Knights possess makes them difficult to go against on any given night, and they already started the new season with an impressive 5-2 victory. The Stats Hub notes that Vegas has won each of its last seven games against Western Conference opponents. Additionally, the favorite has won the first period in each of the Golden Knights’ last three games at the T-Mobile Arena, another trend working in their favor Friday night.
- Golden Knights vs. Ducks Moneyline Pick for Oct. 2: Golden Knights (-200)
Top 5 Most-Bet Player Props for ANA-VGK
Jack Eichel owns the most-bet player prop for Friday night’s matchup against Anaheim following his milestone performance in which he eclipsed 700 career points:
- Jack Eichel – Over 0.5 Goals
- Cutter Gauthier – Over 0.5 Goals
- Mitch Marner – Over 0.5 Points
- Mitch Marner – Over 0.5 Goals
- Shea Theodore – Under 2.5 Shots
Ducks vs. Golden Knights Game Info
- 📍 Where: T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, NV
- 📅 Date: Friday, Oct. 2
- ⏰ Puck Drop: 10:00 PM ET
- 📺💻 TV/Streaming: ESPN+
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Referenced odds are subject to change.
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