CBS Sports – News, Live Scores, Schedules, Fantasy Games, Video and more.

Analysis

Vegas enters this series after a week-long layoff following its sweep of Colorado, a pause that often leads to slow starts. Their high-octane, transition-based offense has leaned heavily on Carter Hart’s outstanding but unsustainable goaltending to mask defensive flaws, leading to a -45 postseason shot differential. In sharp contrast, Carolina’s disciplined, possession-driven approach has produced a +142 shot differential and is perfectly built for postseason resilience. The Hurricanes’ home-ice advantage is significant—29-10-2 at Lenovo Center in the regular season, with just one home loss this postseason. While Vegas is still adapting to John Tortorella’s system after taking over in late March, Carolina’s roster has mastered it over many months and years. A healthy Frederik Andersen has been huge for the Hurricanes.