The Vegas Golden Knights can clinch their first championship with a win over the Florida Panthers in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final on Tuesday at T-Mobile Arena.
Vegas inched within a win of the Stanley Cup with a hard-fought 3-2 win in Game 4 in Sunrise. Chandler Stephenson scored twice, William Karlsson scored the eventual game-winner midway through the second period, and goalie Adin Hill made 29 saves for his 10th postseason victory.
Aleksander Barkov had a goal and an assist, Brandon Montour scored, and goalie Sergei Bobrovsky made 28 saves in defeat. Florida fell behind 3-1 for the second time this postseason.
Here’s a look at the Vegas vs Florida outlook for the Game 5.
Golden Knights vs Panthers Game 5 Odds
NHL Stanley Cup Final Game 5 lines are current as of Monday, June 12, at 11 a.m. ET, and reference DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Golden Knights (-165) • Panthers (+140)
- Puck Line: Golden Knights -1.5 (+160) • Panthers +1.5 (-190)
- Total Goals: Over 6 (+100) • Under 6 (-120)
Golden Knights vs Panthers Game 5 Prediction
Golden Knights 5, Panthers 2
It’s been said the fourth game is the toughest to win, and there’s so much extra attached to winning the fourth game of the fourth round, especially for an organization like Vegas that’s never won the Cup before.
But the Golden Knights blew the opportunity to clinch the Campbell Bowl on home ice with a lethargic 4-2 loss in Game 5 of the Western Conference Final. You’d have to think they’ll learn from that, especially since the atmosphere at T-Mobile Arena will reach a fever pitch.
Despite the fact his team has rallied from down 3-1 before, Florida coach Paul Maurice sounded almost resigned after its extremely tight 3-2 loss in Game 4 on Saturday. Maybe it’s due to the fact Matthew Tkachuk, the Panthers’ leading scorer and emotional leader, is clearly limited due to an apparent shoulder injury. His status is uncertain for Game 5.
Or maybe it’s the fact Vegas is a tall mountain to clear once, let alone in three straight games. The Golden Knights have been exceptional on both ends of the rink, both in the series and all postseason.
The NHL season should end Tuesday.
Golden Knights vs Panthers Game 5 Best Bets
Over 6 Total Goals (+100)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
Although Games 3 and 4 were low-scoring, the Over was two-for-two in the games in Vegas. Part of that was Florida’s inability to stay poised amid the raucous conditions in Vegas, but it also stems from the fact it has scored at least two goals in every game in this series.
The goaltending has been exceptional, even with Bobrovsky’s play dipping from white-hot levels in the Panthers’ run to the Cup Final. But Florida will need to play desperately, as it did in Games 5-7 against Boston in the first round where it scored 15 goals while turning around a 3-1 deficit.
Vegas has been far more structurally sound than Boston was, but it is also extremely capable of capitalizing on desperate teams’ mistakes. The Golden Knights scored 12 goals in the series’ first two games.
This should be a tight game early that gets out of hand late. Look for Vegas to tack on a few extra goals late and for the Over to hit as our NHL bet of the day.
Golden Knights -1.5 (+160)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
There are a lot of factors that play into this pick. For starters, the moneyline odds for a Vegas win aren’t great. Plus, if the game gets to overtime, the advantage swings to Florida.
But the main reason for the pick is Vegas’ machine-like ability to win multi-goal games. Of the Golden Knights’ 15 postseason victories, 10 have come by two-plus goals, and they have just two one-goal, regulation wins.
Tkachuk will probably do whatever is necessary to play Game 5, but he’ll be severely hampered, which will only lend itself to this pick. Plus, Maurice has been aggressive in pulling Bobrovsky, and that should only increase given the team’s desperation.
I can’t imagine Vegas doesn’t score at least one empty-net goal to seal the Cup if it is ahead in Game 5.
The Florida Panthers can even the Stanley Cup Final with a win over the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 4 at FLA Live Arena on Saturday.
Led by Sergei Bobrovsky‘s 25 saves, Florida got off the mat and rallied for a 3-2 overtime victory in Game 3. Matthew Tkachuk forced the extra session with his team-leading 11th goal of the playoffs at 17:47 of the third, and Carter Verhaeghe scored the game-winner at 4:27 of overtime, helping the Panthers win their first Cup Final game in team history.
Jonathan Marchessault and Mark Stone each scored for Vegas, whose three-game win streak was snapped. Adin Hill made 20 saves in defeat.
Here’s a look at the Vegas vs Florida outlook for the pivotal Game 4.
Golden Knights vs Panthers Game 4 Odds
NHL Stanley Cup Final Game 4 lines are current as of Friday, June 9, at 11 a.m. ET, and reference DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Panthers (-125) • Golden Knights (+105)
- Puck Line: Panthers -1.5 (+200) • Golden Knights +1.5 (-240)
- Total Goals: Over 6 (+100) • Under 6 (-120)
Golden Knights vs Panthers Game 4 Prediction
Golden Knights 2, Panthers 1
Despite scoring first, Florida played a sleepy game and looked destined to fall behind 3-0 before Tkachuk put on his Superman cape and willed his team back.
Now we have a series.
But the Golden Knights must still feel comfortable despite coughing up a late lead and letting the Panthers back into it. Their power play is humming after going 2 for 6 in Game 3, and they should still feel confident they can beat Bobrovsky despite his bounce-back performance.
It hasn’t had to in these playoffs, but Vegas can win a low-event game with its defense. The Golden Knights still haven’t allowed more than two goals in regulation in the series, and I’m not sure Florida can get to another level against Vegas’ structure.
Golden Knights vs Panthers Game 4 Best Bets
Under 6 Goals (-120)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
Game 3 was low-event hockey. There were just 50 shots and 133 shot attempts combined over 64:27, leading to an easy hit for the Under.
I’m expecting more of the same in Game 4. The Golden Knights can play a fast-and-exciting brand, as they showed in Games 1 and 2, but are extremely comfortable maintaining structure and counterpunching especially on the road.
The Panthers will also want to play a tight, low-scoring game since they came unglued, discipline-wise, amid the chaos in Vegas. Only two of the five goals came at 5-on-5 — both of Vegas’ were power-play goals, and Tkachuk’s game-tying goal was technically 6-on-5 — and there wasn’t a lot of space to create, especially for the Panthers.
If Bobrovsky is good again, the Under should be an absolute lock. Take a low-scoring Game 4 as our NHL bet of the day.
Golden Knights ML (+105)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
Vegas was less than three minutes from taking a 3-0 series lead, and there is rightly some angst about it letting Florida back into the series. Still, the Golden Knights smothered the Panthers, and played a statistically even game (3.42-3.40 Expected Goals per Natural Stat Trick) in a game Florida desperately needed to win.
The Panthers had just 17 shots on Hill through nearly 58 minutes of Game 3 until the flurry that led to Tkachuk’s game-tying goal.
So I’m expecting Florida to play a bit more desperate and hit another level in Game 4. Bobrovsky could be a wild card if he stands on his head, but Vegas should leave South Florida with a split and the chance to clinch the Stanley Cup on home ice Monday.
The Vegas Golden Knights can send the Florida Panthers to the brink of elimination with a win in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final on Thursday at FLA Live Arena.
Vegas moved within two wins of its first championship with a 7-2 drubbing of Florida in Game 2. Jonathan Marchessault had two goals and one assist, Brett Howden scored twice, and Jack Eichel, Chandler Stephenson, Michael Amadio, and William Carrier each had two points.
Matthew Tkachuk and Anton Lundell each scored for Florida, which fell to 0-6 all-time in Cup Final games. Sergei Bobrovsky allowed four goals on 13 shots and was pulled after Howden’s second-period goal at 7:10.
Here’s the outlook for Game 3 between Florida and Vegas.
Golden Knights vs Panthers Game 3 Odds
NHL Stanley Cup Final Game 3 lines are current as of Tuesday, June 6, at 10 a.m. ET, and reference DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Panthers (-120) • Golden Knights (+100)
- Puck Line: Panthers -1.5 (+210) • Golden Knights +1.5 (-250)
- Total Goals: Over 6 (-110) • Under 6 (-110)
Golden Knights vs Panthers Game 3 Prediction
Golden Knights 3, Panthers 2
Things couldn’t have gone worse for the Panthers through the first two games, and they should be much better on home ice. Florida has won four of its past five in Sunrise, including each of its Eastern Conference Final home games against the Carolina Hurricanes.
But the Golden Knights have been an elite road team all season. Vegas finished tied for second-best road points percentage (.732) during the regular season and is 6-2 in away games in the playoffs.
The Panthers will almost certainly bounce back on home ice. Tkachuk, who has 36 penalty minutes in two games, will be more disciplined, and Bobrovsky should get back to his elite level.
But is all that even enough to close the gap between these teams? I don’t think so.
Golden Knights vs Panthers Game 3 Best Bets
Golden Knights ML (+100)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
I do have some concern about the Golden Knights’ ability to win a close game, especially on the road. Vegas’ past four wins have come by at least three goals, and it hasn’t won a one-goal road game since its double-OT victory over Winnipeg in Game 3 of the first round.
But the Golden Knights are 4-1 in one-goal games this postseason and have rallied to win in eight of their 14 postseason wins. They may have to again for the first Panthers’ Cup Final game at home in 9,859 days.
But Vegas seems comfortable in any situation — read why I’m targeting a Vegas come-from-behind win as one of my Stanley Cup Final Game 3 props.
Take the Golden Knights to build a 3-0 advantage as our NHL bet of the day.
Under 6 Total Goals (-110)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
The Panthers are having trouble scoring on Vegas goalie Adin Hill. Florida had just two goals in each of the first two games, the continuation of a trend where it has scored just 18 goals in its past eight games.
The change of scenery should benefit Florida, especially defensively where it can match up against Vegas, and I think we’ll see Bobrovsky’s best in Game 3. Plus, with the extra half-goal — the O/U was 5.5 for each of the first two games — gives us insurance just in case one team wins 4-2.
The Vegas Golden Knights can take a commanding advantage with a win over the Florida Panthers in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final on Monday at T-Mobile Arena.
Five different Golden Knights scored, and Vegas pulled away with three third-period goals to take a 5-2 win in Game 1. Zach Whitecloud broke a 2-all tie at 6:59 of the third, Shea Theodore had one goal and one assist, and Jack Eichel continued his march toward a possible Conn Smythe Trophy with two assists.
Eric Staal and Anthony Duclair each scored for Florida, whose five-game win streak and eight-game road winning streak was snapped. Sergei Bobrovsky made 29 saves.
Here’s the Florida vs Vegas outlook for Game 2.
Golden Knights vs Panthers Game 2 Odds
NHL Stanley Cup Final Game 2 lines are current as of Sunday, June 4, at noon ET, and reference DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Golden Knights (-140) • Panthers (+120)
- Puck Line: Golden Knights -1.5 (+200) • Panthers +1.5 (-240)
- Total Goals: Over 5.5 (-125) • Under 5.5 (+105)
Golden Knights vs Panthers Game 2 Prediction
Golden Knights 4, Panthers 2
The Golden Knights solved Bobrovsky but also did something no other has done thus far this postseason. They frustrated Florida and lured it into undisciplined penalties.
Sam Bennett and Matthew Tkachuk were each held off the scoresheet and effectively ejected after being given 10-minute misconducts during a fracas late in the third period. Vegas goalie Adin Hill outplayed Bobrovsky and made the save of the playoffs by robbing Nick Cousins with his stick paddle in the first period.
Game 1 was right there for the taking for Florida. It shook off the rust with Staal’s early shorthanded, wrap-around goal and fought off a 2-1 deficit with Duclair’s goal late in the second.
But Vegas exploited Florida’s defensive deficiencies in a way Boston, Toronto, and Carolina couldn’t. If Bobrovsky isn’t going to be super-human, which he certainly wasn’t in Game 1, this series is going to be almost impossible for the Panthers to win.
Read more about why I’m fading the Panthers’ scoring in my Stanley Cup Finals Game 2 props.
Golden Knights vs Panthers Game 2 Best Bets
Golden Knights ML (-140)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
So much was made of Florida’s road prowess that the hockey world is sleeping on Vegas’ home-ice advantage. The Golden Knights are 7-3 at T-Mobile Arena, with four wins in their past five home games, and the raucous sellout crowd pushed the atmosphere to a new level in Game 1.
Vegas won Game 1 against the Washington Capitals in 2018 then lost four straight in its five-game Stanley Cup Final defeat. Much of the core from that team is still on the roster, and you can bet they’ll learn their lesson from five years ago.
The Golden Knights forwards are capable of pressuring and wearing down the Panthers’ biggest weakness, their shaky defense. Plus, Vegas’ own blue line is strong enough to be physical against the Panthers forwards — notably Cousins, who was pushed around in Game 1.
Vegas looks too strong, especially at home. Take the Golden Knights to build a 2-0 lead as our NHL bet of the day.
Golden Knights -1.5 (+200)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 0.5 Units
The Golden Knights have now won nine of their 13 playoff games by more than one goal, and the Panthers are 3-4 in games decided by more than one goal. It’s safe to believe the Panthers will win a one-goal game, but if Vegas wins it’s likely to be a game like Game 1, where it’s close and the Knights pull away late.
Golden Knights vs Panthers Game 1 Preview
The Stanley Cup Final will kick off with Game 1 between the Vegas Golden Knights and Florida Panthers at T-Mobile Arena on Saturday.
The Golden Knights are back in the Cup final for the second time in their six-season NHL existence. Vegas is 12-5 and coming off a six-game series win over the Dallas Stars in the Western Conference final.
Florida has been one of the best stories of the postseason by winning 11 of its past 12 games and rolling to the final. The Panthers last reached the Cup final in 1996, where they were swept by the Colorado Avalanche.
The teams split their two regular-season meetings, with each side claiming its victory on home ice. Here’s a look at Game 1 between Vegas and Florida.
Golden Knights vs Panthers Game 1 Odds
NHL Stanley Cup final Game 1 lines are current as of Wednesday, May 31, at noon ET, and reference DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Golden Knights (-135) • Panthers (+115)
- Puck Line: Golden Knights -1.5 (+195) • Panthers +1.5 (-230)
- Total Goals: Over 5.5 (-120) • Under 5.5 (+100)
Golden Knights vs Panthers Game 1 Prediction
Golden Knights 3, Panthers 1
The Panthers’ road prowess has been on all-time level, but they should enter the Cup final rusty after not playing for more than a week. Vegas, on the other hand, capped its series with a 6-0 win in Game 6 on Monday and should be able to ease into the series with just four days off.
I think this’ll be a long series, but it will probably take Florida at least a period to get its feet under it. The Panthers are also due for some harsh regression on the road, since they are 8-1 despite a 44 Expected Goals percentage and 44.8 Corsi-For percentage at all situations in away games according to Natural Stat Trick.
Vegas is probably too powerful to fall for that trap, at least in Game 1.
Golden Knights vs Panthers Game 1 Best Bets
Golden Knights ML (-135)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
Vegas is 2-1 in Game 1s on home ice during the postseason and is averaging 3.66 goals per game in those games. If the Golden Knights are going to win this series as I expect them to, they’re going to need to get to Bobrovsky early.
I think they will for this NHL bet of the day.
Golden Knights -1.5 (+195)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 0.5 Units
Eight of the Golden Knights’ 12 victories this postseason have come by two-plus goals. If Vegas scores first, it’ll plant some seeds into Bobrovsky’s head and could lead to a comfortable win in Game 1.
The Vegas Golden Knights and Florida Panthers will each vie for their first championship when they square off in the Stanley Cup Final.
Vegas, the top seed in the Western Conference, has rolled through the playoffs with a 12-5 record. The Golden Knights took down Winnipeg in five games in the first round, then conference-favorite Edmonton in six, before dispatching the Dallas Stars in six games in the Western Conference final.
The Panthers were the last team into the Eastern Conference playoffs, finishing with the 17th-most points in the NHL. But they stunned the heavily favored Boston Bruins in seven games before going 8-1 against the Toronto Maple Leafs and Carolina Hurricanes to qualify for the Cup final.
This should be a highly entertaining series between teams that play contrasting styles. Here’s a look at what to expect between Vegas and Florida.
Golden Knights vs Panthers Series Odds
NHL odds reference DraftKings Sportsbook and are current as of Wednesday, May 31.
Odds To Win Stanley Cup Finals
- Golden Knights (-130)
- Panthers (+110)
The Panthers are an underdog, albeit a slight one, for the fourth straight series. But they’re also trying to take down an opponent that finished with 100-plus points for the fourth straight round.
Despite the fact Vegas finished 19 points ahead of Florida in the standings, the sportsbooks are giving the Golden Knights just a 56.5 percent implied probability of winning the Cup.
Golden Knights vs Panthers Series Prediction
Golden Knights Win Stanley Cup Finals in 6 Games
For my Stanley Cup prediction, I’m certainly not counting Florida out. But it looks a lot like the Panthers’ Cinderella run to the Cup will end here.
The Panthers did the heavy lifting by stunning the 65-win, 135-point Bruins in the first round, which set them up for the run to the Cup final. But they’ll have their work cut out for them against the Golden Knights, who are one of the most defensively sound teams in the NHL and can score up and down their lineup.
Sergei Bobrovsky will cool after an incredible run through the Eastern Conference. Bobrovsky enters the series with the shortest Conn Smythe Trophy odds (+210), thanks to his .935 save percentage and 2.21 goals-against average, but is also prone to bouts of inconsistency.
The Panthers may be rusty due to the nine-day break between games, which could hamper them from the outset. Plus, Vegas should have a defensive answer for Florida’s white-hot line of Nick Cousins, Sam Bennett, and Matthew Tkachuk without taking offensive production away.
The series should be entertaining and a success for the NHL, since many of the stars are only becoming household names. But look for NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman to hand the Cup to Vegas captain Mark Stone when all is said and done.
Golden Knights vs Panthers Series Prop Bets
Golden Knights to Win Stanley Cup (-130)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
Vegas has built an exceptional program over its six-year existence, and a championship would be the culmination of both the people it has and the trials and tribulations it has overcome.
Casual observers may scoff at Vegas’ adversity, but it’s certainly real. For as great as their regular-season success has been, the Golden Knights have endured some devastating playoff losses, starting with their five-game Cup final loss to the Washington Capitals in 2018.
Much of their core is the same from that inaugural misfits season, but the Golden Knights loaded up around them and added a championship-caliber coach in Bruce Cassidy. With all due respect to the Bruins, Panthers, or anyone else, Vegas has shown itself as the best team in the league, and it should reign as such after this series.
Golden Knights -1.5 Games (+160)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Units
Florida is too talented and strong to get run out of the final. But if the series goes to a seventh game, the tide would swing back to the Panthers’ favor, particularly given their success playing on the road in these playoffs.
The Golden Knights have been an exceptional road team all season, so clinching the Stanley Cup in South Florida would be a fitting end. But there is also wiggle room, given the potential for payout if Vegas wins in four, five, or six games.
