The Stanley Cup Final is set, and while neither the Buffalo Sabres nor New York Rangers are involved, hockey fans still have plenty to watch. In this South Shore Press Video Vault segment, Managing Editor Stefan Mychajliw and News Director Tom Barton discuss Barton's Best Bet for the championship series between the Carolina Hurricanes and Vegas Golden Knights.
Stefan Mychajliw: This is Barton's Best Bet. I'm a Sabres fan, you're a Rangers fan, so we're cheering for neither team in the Stanley Cup Final. What are you thinking when it comes to hockey?
Tom Barton: You have to put emotions aside. I lived in Raleigh, North Carolina, and I also worked for the Vegas Golden Knights organization for a long time. For me, it's a toss-up. But I can't get away from what Carolina has done defensively. They've allowed more than two goals only once during the entire playoffs. That's remarkable. Their defense has been phenomenal. You're giving me Carolina at a reasonable number, and they have the best defense I've seen in a long time. Give me the Hurricanes to win the series.
Stefan Mychajliw: I just see Carolina as being so dominant. Game one against Montreal felt like a fluke. They hadn't lost before that and then went on a tear in the conference finals.
Tom Barton: You simply cannot score on this team. They're very fast, very physical and bigger than almost everybody on the ice. Vegas has an excellent defense too, but if you want a secondary bet, look at the unders. If you get a total of six goals, take the under. I think we're going to see a lot of 3-2, 3-1, 2-1 and even 1-0 games.
Stefan Mychajliw: It should still be a great series.
Tom Barton: Absolutely. But it's been a long time since Canada celebrated a Stanley Cup champion in its national sport.