The Stanley Cup Finals Have Arrived | Panthers vs Golden Knights | OSB
Stanley Cup Finals: Florida Panthers at Vegas Golden Knights Game 1 Analysis, Prediction, and Betting Tips
Sam Batz
The Stanley Cup Finals are finally here, and on Saturday, June 3rd the Florida Panthers and Vegas Golden Knights will face-off in Game 1 (8:00 PM EST, TNT). The Knights and Panthers split the regular season series 1-1-0, with Vegas averaging 2.5 goals and Florida averaging 2. Both teams were largely overlooked when the postseason began, but after 3-rounds, each side has proved they deserve to compete for the title. These are evenly matched opponents, and it should be a thrilled series. Both Vegas and Florida are 2-1 in Game 1 these playoffs, and although the Golden Knights are favored, Saturday’s matchup could easily go either way, and will set the tone of the series.
The Florida Panthers (+1.5; ML +110)
The Florida Panthers were never supposed to be here, but after going 12-4 (75.0%) through their 16 postseason games, the Panthers are proving everyone wrong. Florida went unbeaten in the Conference Finals, sweeping the Hurricanes 4-0, and sending Carolina packing with their tail between their legs. The Panthers have never won the Stanley Cup Trophy, and haven’t seen the Finals since 1996, but after eliminating the record-setting Boston Bruins, the Panthers have been on the prowl, taking down anyone who dares to doubt them. Florida is 8-1 on the road, and although they are the underdogs of the series, that hasn’t stopped the Panthers before, and it certainly won’t deter them in Game 1. Florida is being given a 39% chance to win on Saturday, but with the determination they’ve shown this postseason, I wouldn’t underestimate the Panthers.
The Vegas Golden Knights (-1.5; ML -131)
The Golden Knights ended the season as the best in the West, and proved their mettle by qualifying for the Stanley Cup Finals for the second time in their 5-year franchise history. Vegas has never won a title, but to reach the finals twice in such a short amount of time is nothing short of miraculous. The Golden Knights have been brilliant in these playoffs, going 12-5 (70.6%) and posting a goal differential of +17. They will need to overcome Florida’s tremendous goalkeeping, but the Golden Knights should have plenty of chances as the Panthers are giving up 37.3 shots per game. The depth of Vegas’ bench has been the backbone of their postseason run, and so far, it’s proven to be extremely effective.
Panthers vs. Golden Knights: Game 1 Odds
Team | Spread | Total (O/U) | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
Florida Panthers | +1.5 (-250) | Ov 5.5 (-115) | +115 |
Vegas Golden Knights | -1.5 (+200) | Un 5.5 (-105) | -136 |
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Panthers vs. Golden Knights: Postseason Stats
Florida Panthers 50 43 +7 3.13 3.21 31.7 37.3 4-3-0 (57.1%) 8-1-0 (88.9%) | Stat Type Total GF Total GA G Diff GF/GP GA/GP Shots/GP Shots Against/GP Home (Win-rate) Away (Win-rate) | Vegas Golden Knights 62 45 +17 3.65 2.65 30.0 32.4 6-3-0 (66.7%) 6-2-0 (75.0%) |
Panthers vs. Golden Knights: Postseason Betting Trends
Florida Panthers
- 11-5 ATS in the postseason
- 8-1 ATS on the ROAD in the postseason
- 6-10 O/U record in the postseason
- 10-4-0 as UNDERDOGS in the postseason
- 8-1-0 as UNDERDOGS on the ROAD in the postseason
Vegas Golden Knights
- 11-6 ATS in the postseason
- 4-5 ATS at HOME in the postseason
- 10-7 O/U record in the postseason
- 5-2-0 as FAVORITES in the postseason
- 4-2-0 as FAVORITES at HOME in the postseason
Panthers vs. Golden Knights: Game 1 Prediction
Take the Vegas Golden Knights to win Game 1 over the Florida Panthers. It will be a close game, and if it goes into overtime the Panthers will likely win, as they are 6-0 in OT this postseason. However the Golden Knights suffocating defense isn’t going to make it easy on Florida’s attackers, and with 7 players with double-digit point totals, Vegas has a lot of ways to beat you. Additionally, unlike the Panthers, the Golden Knights have been in the Finals more recently, and remember what it takes to win. I’ve doubted Florida all postseason, and in Game 1 I am doubting the Panthers once again, but that’s only because the Golden Knights have proven time and again why they were the best in the West.
Prediction: Florida Panthers Moneyline (+115)
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