Vegas Golden Knights vs. Anaheim Ducks Game 3 Preview, Picks & Odds for Friday, May 8, 2026

By Kody Malstrom | May 07, 2026, 8:47pm

After opening up the series with a comfortable win, the Vegas Golden Knights fell back down to reality, losing to Anaheim 1-3 on Wednesday night. An uncharacteristically poor performance from their front line, yet their final result in Expected Goals indicates positive regression is looming large, generating 2.58 xG in game two.

Heading into a pivotal game three, expect the Golden Knights front line to round back into form and take advantage of the Ducks struggles in coverage. With their own back line capable of slowing down Anaheim’s high powered offense, their advantages on both sides of the ice will help them pull away on the scoreboard and secure the win.

Vegas Golden Knights vs. Anaheim Ducks Betting Analysis

After going through a brief cold stretch of play to end their year, the Vegas Golden Knights front line were able to get back into a groove, climbing back into the top half of the board in Expected Goals For in All Situations. Jack Eichel’s aggressive assault at the net helps create space for his linemates to exploit, averaging 0.34 Expected Goals and 3.51 Shots on Goal per game.

While their regression in game two was certainly alarming, positive regression does loom large over the Golden Knights offense per their result in Expected Goals as previously mentioned. Especially with the Anaheim Ducks back line severely struggling in coverage, fielding a group who ranks near dead last in Expected Goals Against in All Situations and in 5-on-5 Play.

Lukas Dostal has also shown he is incapable of holding his ground when the pressure ramps up in front of him, averaging 3.22 Goals Against per game and a .886 Save Percentage throughout the playoffs. With Dostal constantly scrambling between the pipes, the Ducks are forced to play in highly volatile contests, making it hard for them to match their opponents output to keep it competitive.

On the other side of the ice, the Golden Knights back line have been one of the more dominant units in the league, ranking second in Expected Goals Against in All Situations and in 5-on-5 Play. Their back line has been able to carry over their momentum into the playoffs, giving up just 2.58 Expected Goals Against per game in eight games.

With clear advantages on both sides of the ice, expect the Golden Knights to get back up off the mat and secure the win in game three. If their front line gets off to another slow start but are able to effectively pressure the Ducks net, then increase your risk by targeting the over on their team total of 2.5 at a cheaper price.

Vegas Golden Knights vs. Anaheim Ducks Best Bet, Pick & Prediction

Best Bet: Golden Knights ML
Score Prediction: Golden Knights 4, Ducks 2

Vegas Golden Knights vs. Anaheim Ducks Game Odds

Vegas Golden Knights vs. Anaheim Ducks Game Information

Date: Friday, May 8, 2026
Time: 9:40 p.m. ET
Network: TNT
Location: Anaheim, California
Venue: Honda Center – 26-15-3 O/U
Series Score: Tied 1-1

Vegas Golden Knights vs. Anaheim Ducks Betting Resources

Vegas Golden Knights vs. Anaheim Ducks Key Players

Vegas Golden Knights

Jack Eichel – Last Game: (0 Goals, 1 Assist, 2 Shots on Goal)
Tomas Hertl – Last Game: (0 Goals, 0 Assists, 0 Shots on Goal)
Carter Hart – Last Game: (2 Goals Against, 25 Saves)

Anaheim Ducks

Cutter Gauthier – Last Game: (0 Goals, 0 Assists, 4 Shots on Goal)
Leo Carlsson – Last Game: (1 Goal, 0 Assists, 4 Shots on Goal)
Lukas Dostal – Last Game: (1 Goal Against, 21 Saves)

Photo Credit: AP/John Locher

Kody Malstrom

Kody is a professional sports bettor and sports betting journalist with eight years of experience in the industry. He covers a wide range of sports, including NFL, NCAAF, NBA, NCAAB, NHL, MLB, and UFC. What started as a side gig has turned into a full time job, spending a majority of his time staring at odds screens and market movement. When away from the computer, Kody enjoys spending his time outdoors relaxing at the beach or golfing with friends.