The Stanley Cup Final is here.

The Vegas Golden Knights are back on hockey's biggest stage and standing in their way is the Carolina Hurricanes, one of the most dominant teams of the 2026 NHL Playoffs.

In this episode of Pints & Parlays, Mike Cooper, Aaron, and Sam break down the Stanley Cup Final matchup from every angle, including Vegas' playoff run, Carolina's dominant defense, the goaltending battle between Carter Hart and Frederik Andersen, X-factors, Conn Smythe predictions, and who ultimately lifts the Stanley Cup.

Can Jack Eichel, Mitch Marner, Mark Stone and the Golden Knights bring another championship to Las Vegas? Or will Sebastian Aho and the Hurricanes finally finish the job?

• Golden Knights vs Hurricanes Stanley Cup Final Preview
• Why Vegas returned to the Stanley Cup Final
• Mitch Marner's impact on the Golden Knights
• Carter Hart's breakout postseason
• Carolina's dominant defensive run
• Frederik Andersen vs Carter Hart
• X-Factors for both teams
• Conn Smythe Trophy predictions
• Series predictions
• What the Oilers should do next

00:00 Introduction
01:05 Why Vegas is back in the Stanley Cup Final
03:00 William Karlsson's impact on the Golden Knights
05:20 Why Vegas is still being doubted
07:40 Breaking down Carolina's playoff dominance
10:45 Carter Hart vs Frederik Andersen
13:30 Best offense vs best defense
18:15 Home ice advantage discussion
22:00 Key playoff statistics
27:00 Biggest X-Factors in the series
31:00 Carter Hart's opportunity to become a superstar
35:20 Conn Smythe Trophy predictions
40:00 Golden Knights vs Hurricanes series predictions
46:00 President's Trophy curse discussion
52:00 What should the Edmonton Oilers do next?
01:01:20 Final thoughts