Hurricanes vs Golden Knights: Preview, Predictions, and Key Matchup Details

The Carolina Hurricanes and the Vegas Golden Knights faced off in a highly anticipated NHL matchup on Monday, November 11, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. This game pitted two of the top teams in the league against each other, with both squads boasting impressive starts to the 2024-2025 season.

The Carolina Hurricanes, led by Coach Rod Brind’Amour, entered the game with a 10-3-0 record, having recently seen their eight-game win streak snapped by the Colorado Avalanche. Despite this setback, the Hurricanes remain strong contenders, sitting second in the Metropolitan Division with 20 points. They are statistically the top-ranked team in the NHL in terms of xGoals% during 5-on-5 play, with a 60.75% rate, and boast the fifth-best defense with a 2.38 goals-against average (GAA)[2][5][6].

The Vegas Golden Knights, under the guidance of head coach Bruce Cassidy, were looking to extend their perfect home record this season. They had won their first eight home games and were seeking their ninth consecutive home victory. The Golden Knights have been dominant at T-Mobile Arena, outscoring their opponents 43-19. However, they faced a challenge with the absence of captain Mark Stone due to a day-to-day injury[3][5][6].

The matchup was also significant for Vegas head coach Bruce Cassidy, who is just three wins away from his 400th NHL victory. The game was part of the Golden Knights’ Military Appreciation Night, honoring active-duty personnel and veterans with special guests and events throughout the game[3].

Predictions for the game leaned towards a high-scoring affair, given the offensive prowess of both teams. The Golden Knights are the second-highest scoring team in the NHL, averaging 4.36 goals per game, while the Hurricanes are third with 4.2 goals per game. Many analysts favored the over 6.5 goals, citing the strong offensive performances of both teams[2][5][6].

Despite the Hurricanes being favored to win, some analysts argued that the Golden Knights were being overlooked, particularly given their unbeaten home record. The Golden Knights’ moneyline was seen as a viable bet, especially considering their strong home performance and the potential for their power play to click at a high rate[5][6].