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Ducks vs. Golden Knights prediction: Vegas favored to win Game 1 [2026]
Updated: | First published:
Written by Jason Bevilacqua, Head of Content and Communities
Get Anaheim Ducks vs Vegas Golden Knights predictions for NHL Monday.
The Vegas Golden Knights will square off with the Anaheim Ducks in the 2026 NHL Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena on Monday, starting at 9:30 PM ET.
Based on the latest simulation results, Dimers' proven NHL model predicts the Golden Knights as the most likely winner of the Ducks vs. Golden Knights Game 1 matchup.
This article offers further insights into Monday's matchup, including projected goal scorers, best bets and player prop picks.
Ducks vs. Golden Knights prediction: Who will win Game 1?
Using powerful machine learning and data, we have simulated the outcome of Monday's NHL Playoffs game between the Ducks and Golden Knights, forming part of our NHL predictions coverage.
Our independent predictive model currently gives the Golden Knights a 60% chance of beating the Ducks in Game 1 of the series.
According to our model, the Ducks (+1.5) have a 62% chance of covering the puck line, while the over/under total of 6.5 goals has a 52% chance of staying under.
Ducks vs. Golden Knights Game 1 odds
We have sourced the best NHL odds in America for this game, which are listed here:
| Bet Type | Ducks | Golden Knights |
|---|---|---|
| Puck Line | +1.5 (-175) | -1.5 (+150) |
| Moneyline | +140 | -165 |
| Total | o6.5 (-108) | u6.5 (-110) |
All odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Ducks vs. Golden Knights picks and best bet for Game 1
After matching our predictions against the best current odds, we can reveal our picks for each of the major markets. Plus, find our best bet for the game below:
| Bet Type | Pick | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|
| Puck Line | Ducks +1.5 | -175 |
| Moneyline | Ducks | +140 |
| Total | Under 6.5 | -110 |
According to our NHL best bets, the top play to make on this game is Under 6.5 total goals.
These picks are based on our probabilities matched against the implied probabilities from the sportsbook odds.
Ducks vs. Golden Knights player props
Who will score a goal in Ducks vs. Golden Knights?
According to our model, Pavel Dorofeyev is most likely to score an anytime goal in Ducks vs. Golden Knights.
Our projections give Dorofeyev a 36.2% chance of scoring a goal at T-Mobile Arena, while the star is a 6.8% chance of netting the first goal the game.
Anytime goal scorer predictions
Anaheim Ducks
| Player | Anytime Goal Probability |
|---|---|
| Cutter Gauthier | 31.9% |
| Leo Carlsson | 29.9% |
| Alex Killorn | 24.3% |
| Troy Terry | 22.7% |
| Mikael Granlund | 22.3% |
Vegas Golden Knights
| Player | Anytime Goal Probability |
|---|---|
| Pavel Dorofeyev | 36.2% |
| Jack Eichel | 35.2% |
| Mitch Marner | 30.4% |
| Mark Stone | 28.9% |
| Brett Howden | 25.5% |
First goal scorer predictions
Anaheim Ducks
| Player | First Goal Probability |
|---|---|
| Cutter Gauthier | 5.8% |
| Leo Carlsson | 5.4% |
| Troy Terry | 3.9% |
| Alex Killorn | 3.8% |
| Chris Kreider | 3.6% |
Vegas Golden Knights
| Player | First Goal Probability |
|---|---|
| Jack Eichel | 6.8% |
| Pavel Dorofeyev | 6.8% |
| Mitch Marner | 6.0% |
| Mark Stone | 4.9% |
| Brett Howden | 4.8% |
Ducks vs. Golden Knights Game 1 updates and essential details
Monday's Game 1 between the Golden Knights and Ducks in the NHL Playoffs is scheduled to commence at 9:30 PM ET.
- Who: Anaheim Ducks vs. Vegas Golden Knights
- Date: Monday, May 4, 2026
- Time: 9:30 PM ET/6:30PM PT
- Venue: T-Mobile Arena
The Stanley Cup Playoffs (aka NHL Playoffs) is the National Hockey League's annual elimination tournament to decide the winner of the Stanley Cup.
A total of 16 teams, including the Ducks and Golden Knights, reached the NHL Playoffs 2026, which includes four rounds: the First Round, Second Round, Conference Finals and Stanley Cup Finals.
Each round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs is played as a best-of-seven series, with the first team to four wins moving on to the next round until a champion is crowned.
Conclusion
We predict the Golden Knights, with a 60% win probability, will likely beat the Ducks in Monday's NHL matchup.
Additional tools and information for betting safely can be found in our Responsible Gambling hub.
Jason Bevilacqua, an expert in MLB, NHL, NBA, MLS, and NFL, delivers game previews, best bets, and props. Since 2020, as Head of Social and Community at Dimers, he has contributed insightful articles utilizing data-driven models and simulations.
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