Golden Knights vs. Panthers Picks, Predictions & Odds

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07 June 2023

Golden Knights vs. Panthers Picks, Predictions & Odds

The Vegas Golden Knights take a 2-0 series lead into Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers. Sportsbook Review betting analyst Neil Parker provides his Panthers vs. Golden Knights picks and predictions based on the NHL odds from our best sports betting apps.

Will returning to FLA Live Arena bring home improvement for the Florida Panthers?

The upset-specialist Cats have now lost consecutive games for the first time since Round 1 against the Boston Bruins, and Florida is staring an 0-3 series deficit directly in the eye.

Florida has been outscored 12-4, and No. 1 netminder Sergei Bobrovsky has stopped just 38 of 46 shots, while his Conn Smythe Trophy odds have skyrocketed. Add star winger Matthew Tkachuk scoring a single goal through two games while racking up 36 PIM, and it’s been a disastrous start for the Panthers.

The Vegas Golden Knights took the dominating 2-0 lead with Monday’s 7-2 drubbing and are also a massive favorite in the Stanley Cup odds.

I’m anticipating Game 3 between the Golden Knights and Panthers to be the closest of the series, with statistical correction taking a toll on Vegas' offense and Bobrovsky turning away a few more shots.

It’s just not going to be enough for Florida to find the wins column.

Here is our best Golden Knights vs. Panthers prediction for Thursday (odds via our best NHL betting sites; pick confidence is based on a 1-to-5-star scale).

Golden Knights vs. Panthers pick

Moneyline: Golden Knights (+105 via PointsBet) ⭐⭐⭐

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After crunching the numbers, I was moderately surprised to land on the Vegas moneyline because Florida owns the better Corsi For percentage and goals for percentage at five-on-five during the series, which is also the case when adjusted for score and venue.

Additionally, I added a home-ice edge for Florida, although I’m not sure it’s even warranted. The Panthers are just 4-3 at FLA Arena during the postseason, while Vegas is a sizzling 6-2 on the highway.

The Golden Knights' team shooting percentage at five-on-five was 19.1% through the first two games of the series, and I’m anticipating Bobrovsky to improve on his .826 save percentage during the Final.

Still, even with regression kicking in, I’m not convinced the talent or scoring gaps are closed in Game 3. The numbers told the same story, as I've got the Vegas moneyline priced at -109.

Florida won 11 of 12 games despite being largely outplayed, and now they’re matched up against a cerebral juggernaut that’s more skilled, deeper, incredibly disciplined, and well-coached.

Golden Knights vs. Panthers best odds

PointsBet (+105)

The prices for the Vegas moneyline are tight across our best sportsbooks. Additionally, I don’t have a strong feel for whether there will be future line movement heading into Thursday’s puck drop.

I would recommend taking advantage of the +105 available through PointsBet, though. There’s potential for the price to drop, and it’s a fair price considering Pinnacle is listing the Vegas moneyline at +104, and my number is -109.

For comparison, the +105 price presents a positive expected value of 7% over my -109 odds.

Golden Knights vs. Panthers odds

There will likely be adjustments to all these prices leading into Thursday’s puck drop, but I wouldn’t expect any significant line movement. The highlighted odds are also quite consistent across our best live betting sites. Prospective bettors will just want to take advantage of the edges available and steer clear of the industry-low odds.

After the total went Over the 5.5 number in consecutive games, it’s now listed a 6.0 through four of our five best sports betting sites. FanDuel is on an island with a 5.5 total, but note the hefty vig saddling the Over.