Canes Stanley Cup Final run brings buzz, big crowds to Raleigh ahead of Game 1

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- The countdown is on in Raleigh, with just days to go before the Carolina Hurricanes host Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final at Lenovo Center.

The arena is expected to be packed Tuesday night, with tickets already sold out as excitement builds across the Triangle.

Watch parties, crowds expected across the Triangle

Fans who can't get inside Lenovo Center are still expected to show up in big numbers, with watch parties planned at bars, outdoor venues and gathering spots throughout the area.

The Hurricanes' return to the Stanley Cup Final -- their first in two decades -- is drawing fans from across the region, creating a major boost for local businesses and game-day energy.

Hurricanes enter as favorites

Off the ice, sportsbooks are also weighing in on the matchup. Despite Las Vegas ties to the opposing Golden Knights, oddsmakers currently list the Hurricanes as the favorite.

Johnny Avello, Director of Sports Operations at DraftKings, says Game 1 could play a key role in shaping those odds.

"If the Hurricanes win Game 1, they become a much stronger favorite," Avello said, noting that home ice advantage and team performance both factor into the line.

He added that while the Golden Knights' playoff run -- including a dominant series win over Colorado -- has impressed bettors, the Hurricanes' strong postseason record shows they can "win convincingly."

The Hurricanes will host the first two games of the series at Lenovo Center before heading to Las Vegas, giving Raleigh an early edge in the championship matchup.

For fans and players alike, the focus is simple: four more wins.

And whether inside the sold-out arena or watching from across the Triangle, Hurricanes fans are ready to rally behind their team as the Stanley Cup Final begins.