Stanley Cup Final Game 2: Panthers vs. Golden Knights Preview – June 5, 2023

STANLEY CUP FINAL GAME 2: PANTHERS VS.GOLDEN KNIGHTS PREVIEW – June 5, 2023 — The one thing that couldn’t happen to Florida did happen to Florida in Game 1. The Panthers couldn’t afford to have the aura of Sergei Bobrovsky’s invincibility punctured, but the Golden Knights did exactly that in lighting the lamp five times. Granted, one was an empty net goal and two came off screens, but Vegas still showed that it can get into open spaces and punish the Panthers if they can’t keep Bobrovsky’s vision perfectly clear.

That wasn’t the Panthers’ only problem, as they also saw several players land game misconducts in the final few minutes, including top scorer Matthew Tkachuk. Florida hasn’t been the better team in either of its past two series, and the Panthers can’t afford to let doubts and frustration sneak in against a more talented squad. Florida did play Vegas even for 40 minutes in the opener, but the way the third period played out is a real cause for concern. If the Panthers can’t keep their cool better than they did in the opener, they’re going to head to Florida just two losses away from elimination.

The Odds

Puck Drop

When: Monday, June 5th at 8:00 p.m. EDT

Where: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas

Public Bets: 52% on Vegas

Public Money: 54% on Florida

Odds courtesy of DraftKings, as of June 5th, 2023

Florida vs. Vegas In-Season Trends

It’s now five of six that Florida has lost at T-Mobile Arena by at least two goals, and the Panthers are 0-6 overall in Nevada. The score was a little on the deceptive side because it was a 2-2 game after 40 minutes, but that’s how playoff hockey can be sometimes. That’s especially true for the Panthers, as they’ve taken five defeats in this postseason and lost four of those five by at least two goals.

Vegas also carried the day for the total in Game 1, as the Golden Knights have now gone OVER in 13 of their past 18 contests at T-Mobile Arena. Bobrovsky and Adin Hill both played well in Game 1, but these offenses might be too good for the goaltenders to provide much resistance. The teams got off 69 shots in the first game, and if that continues, the UNDER won’t have much of a chance.

Players to Watch

Jack Eichel might not be putting pucks in the net, but he’s setting up his teammates well and making a difference on the ice. In the third period, Eichel’s line took over the game, as he assisted on two goals and his linemate Mark Stone got the third. With Florida giving away seven power plays in Game 1, Eichel will likely get more chances to shine.

Matthew Tkachuk has to get back to what he’s done well this entire postseason. He didn’t get a point in the first game, and his only real contribution was 14 minutes worth of penalties. Tkachuk has been the best player on the ice in each of the past two series, but if he goes scoreless again, it’s going to be very tough for the Panthers to keep pace with Vegas’ depth.

The Pick

So far, Vegas is in control of this series. The Golden Knights came up big with their third period, and if the Panthers start having questions about their defense, that plays right into Vegas’ hands.

Florida only needs one win to get itself in position to possibly control the series. But there’s not really much to suggest that the Panthers will get in position to get a win here. Vegas has played very well at home and Florida really doesn’t get things done in this building. Unless the Panthers can flip this start on its head and get an early lead, look for the Golden Knights to set up with an early goal and dictate the tempo. Taking them on the puckline might even be a quality move if you’re looking for a sizable payout.