Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals looked like it might last a long time, as the Florida Panthers were tied with the Vegas Golden Knights, 2-2, at the start of the third period. Then the Golden Knights flipped a switch in the final period and made the game into a 5-2 laugher. Now, Florida looks to get a split on the road, while Vegas would like to take a 2-0 lead down to South Beach. Let’s take a look at this Monday night matchup as you consider your NHL betting to start the week.
NHL Betting Preview for the Stanley Cup Finals, Game 2: Florida Panthers at Vegas Golden Knights
Vegas leads, 1-0
When: Monday, June 5, 2023, 8:00 pm ET
Where: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas
TV: TNT
Radio: No National Broadcast
Live Stream: Sling TV
NHL Odds: Vegas -140 / Florida +120 / O/U 5.5
Why should you bet on the Panthers?
The Panthers advanced to the Cup Final behind an opportunistic offense, but they only managed to light the lamp twice against Vegas – and could not put the puck in the net at all in the third period. Anthony Duclair, Eric Staal and Anton Lundell combined for the two goals and an assist, but Matthew Tkachuk and Carter Verhaeghe, two of the big scorers for the Panthers in this postseason, both failed to notch a point.
The defense fell apart in front of Sergei Bobrovsky. None of the Florida pairings were able to keep the Vegas forwards from finding easy scoring chances, which means that Sergei Bobrovsky was hung out to dry. He faced 33 shots and allowed four goals after a stretch that had seen him stop 110 of 111 shots coming into Game 1. If you like the Panthers, you see them reasserting their backcheck while remaining committed to opportunistic play from their scoring lines, and you see Bobrovsky standing on his head once again.
Bet on the Panthers!
Why should you put your money on the Golden Knights?
The top line for Vegas – Ivan Barbashev, Jack Eichel and Jonathan Marchessault – once again paced the offense, with a nice goal and three assists among them. Defensemen Shea Theodorde and Zach Whitecloud jumped in as well, combining for a pair of goals and an assist. Chandler Stephenson, Brett Howden and Mark Stone also combined for a goal and two helpers.
The defense was able to slam the door on the Panthers in the third period, and Adin Hill put in another outstanding game in net, stopping 33 of 35 shots. As has been the case for Vegas since they entered the NHL, their strength comes from their overall system rather than a star player here or there, which is what makes it easier for them to control both ends of the game no matter who is on the ice at a given point in time.
Bet on the Golden Knights!
Final Score and Prediction
I don’t see Bobrovsky collapsing in two straight games after the postseason run that he has had, and Florida has made adjustments after tough games. However, I don’t see them making this kind of recovery on the road. I predict a final score of Vegas 3, Florida 2.
Live NHL Betting Odds For Today
Xbet Betting Lines for the Game
NHL Odds
Love betting NHL? | Xbet Sportsbook offers up to date NHL Stanley Cup lines
