2023 NHL Playoffs Game 2: Panthers vs Golden Knights Best Bets

While a break in the Florida Panthers schedule elicits annual playoff conversations of rest versus rust, the Vegas Golden Knights are an excellent hockey team; something reaffirmed on Saturday night.

With the NHL schedule firmly entrenched for the Stanley Cup Finals, we’re previewing game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals, with VGK holding a 1-0 series lead.

We’ll review the stats, trends, game 1, and NHL odds before making our Panthers vs Golden Knights prediction for game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals.

Florida Panthers vs Vegas Golden Knights

Location of the game: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV.

Date & Time: Monday, June 5. 8:00 PM ET.

The Golden Knights Stanley Cup odds might have changed since game 1 wrapped up. 

Heading into the third period tied 2-2, the Vegas Golden Knights took over the third period, scoring three unanswered goals to claim victory on home ice in game 1. 

The five-on-five NHL team statsfavor the Vegas Golden Knights, who are averaging 3.72 gpg while giving up 2.61 gpg. The Panthers are averaging 3.06 gpg and giving up 2.82 GPG.

However, the Panthers will likely have the special teams advantage, statistically speaking, converting at 26.1% on the powerplay and operating at 71.2% on the penalty kill. VGK went 2 for 7 in game 1, averaging 19.7% on the powerplay, while the penalty kill is operating at 65.3%.

Matthew Tkachuk (nine goals, 12 assists) and Jack Eichel (six goals, 12 assists) lead their teams in NHL player stats.

We expect Florida and Vegas to start the same goalies from game one. Florida’s Sergei Bobrovsky is a front-runner for the Conn Smythe Trophy, having an 11-3-0 record, .931 SV%, and a 2.32 GAA. Vegas’ Adin Hill has an 8-3-0 record, a .938 SV%, and a 2.06 GAA.

Before making our game 2 Panthers vs Golden Knights predictions, we’ll review the current odds and betting records for both teams.

First, here are some betting trends heading into game 2:

• Vegas holds a 2-1 head-to-head series lead this season.
• These two teams have combined for a 1-2 over/under record, with an average of 5.3 goals scored per game.
• The home team is 10-1 in the last 11 meetings.
• The favorite is 7-1 in the last eight games.
• The over is 5-1 in the previous six matchups in Vegas.

Moneyline: NHL predictions for game 2 are trending away from the Panthers, with Florida (+1.5) listed between +115 and +120 on the moneyline. The Panthers have a 45-54 ats record.  

Over/Under Total: The total goals line has been bumped up on some sportsbooks, meaning you can find game 2 listed at either 5.5 or 6.0 total goals. Using the predominant total goals line of 5.5, the over is listed between -120 to -128. Florida has a 51-41-8 over/under record.

Moneyline: VGK (-1.5) open as slightly larger favorites in game 2, compared to game 1, listed between -135 and -140 on the moneyline. The Golden Knights have a 54-46 ats record.

Over/Under Total: With the total goals line set at 5.5, the under is listed between +105 and even odds. VGK has a 47-48-5 over/under record. 

After reviewing all the important information, we need t make our Panthers vs Golden Knights prediction for game 2.

Pick 1: The first of our Panthers vs Golden Knights predictions is for the Florida Panthers to even the series at 1-1 with a road win. Much like the NBA Finals, we see the Stanley Cup Finals heading to South Florida tied 1-1.

Pick 2: Our second prediction is to take the over.

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