Panthers vs Golden Knights Game 2 Prediction, Odds, Picks Jun 5
The first game between the Florida Panthers and Vegas Golden Knights lived up to expectations. It was a hotly contested match with plenty of momentum swings and a tense ending. The score does not accurately denote how competitive the game was as Vegas pulled away in the third. Now, the NHL lines back Vegas to go up 2-0 in what should be another high-scoring game.
Panthers Need To Rediscover Offense
Game 1 was far from Sergei Bobrovsky’s best outing. The once-indomitable goaltender gave up four goals for the first time since Game 6 against Boston. Florida mustered two goals thus not giving him enough “run support.” The Panthers are 2-5 (one win came in overtime) this postseason when they score two goals or fewer.
More alarming is how Florida outplayed Vegas on some statistics. The Panthers had more shots and possessed the puck longer on 5-on-5. However, Vegas did generate more scoring chances and had seven power-play opportunities. Fans will blame referees for their home town bias, but part of it came from Florida’s carelessness.
Paul Maurice will not tolerate that kind of showing from Florida. He’ll have the team refocused for Game 2. Florida is still a formidable NHL pick even as a road underdog against Vegas. It’s worth betting online if it can find a way to get through Adin Hill.
Golden Knights Are the Panthers’ Match
While Bobrovsky cooled, Hill stayed hot. Vegas’s netminder stopped 33 of the 35 shots he faced. And while he stuffed the Panthers, the Golden Knights went the other way and scored. Jonathan Marchessault opened the scoring while the likes of Shea Theodore and Zach Whitecloud also scored.
ZACH WHITECLOUD’S FIRST #StanleyCup FINAL GOAL IS A GAME-WINNER!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/9pJ7OxIUBI
— z – Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) June 4, 2023
Vegas had five different goal-scorers and had 10 players score points. They got production from their top three lines, bottom two defensemen pairing and both power play units. Their penalty killing teams also limited the Panthers to just three shots on their man advantages.
With how Vegas is playing, it appears to be the “team of destiny” as it looks to finish what it started in 2018 when it made NHL news as an expansion franchise. The team also improves to 5-2 on the sportsbook when lined as a favorite. Given how they’ve played in their last two outings, it’s tough to bet online against this team.
Panthers vs Golden Knights Game Injuries
Panthers vs Golden Knights Head-to-Head
Vegas is 6-0 playing at home against Florida. Four of its last five home games have all gone over the total as well. For Florida, the total has gone under in seven of their last eight games as an underdog. Game 1 was the exception.
Panthers vs Golden Knights Game Information
- Game: Panthers (54-37-8) vs Golden Knights (64-26-10)
- Location: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV
- Day/Time: Monday, June 5, 8 p.m. ET
- Panthers vs Golden Knights Live Stream: NHL.TV
Panthers vs Golden Knights Betting Lines
Panthers vs Golden Knights Picks & Prediction
Florida fans are going to realize that Vegas is a much more potent offense than Carolina or Toronto. The Knights will continue to pressure Florida as all of their lines can produce and make plays. But Florida should also have a better showing offensively. So the best play here is to bet the total to go over again.
Florida is listed at +120 in our Vegas NHL lines. This means that if you wager $100 on the Panthers, you can win $120. Vegas is -450, offering a chance to win $71 on a $100 wager.
The implied probability attached to the betting lines gives Florida a 45.45% chance to win, with the Golden Knights at 58.33%
