Stanley Cup 2023 Picks
The highly anticipated Stanley Cup has arrived, and I have a strong feeling that this final will be nothing short of spectacular. The Vegas Golden Knights and the Florida Panthers have both had remarkable seasons, making their way to this climactic stage. Following last year’s intense showdown where the Colorado Avalanche emerged victorious against the Tampa Bay Lightning, this year’s Stanley Cup final sets the stage for an exhilarating matchup between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Florida Panthers. In this Stanley Cup 2023 Picks: Florida Panthers vs Vegas Golden Knights (game 1) article, I will give you a breakdown of this game, my pick, and where you can find the best odds.
Learn all about sports betting and get the best sports bonuses with us.
Florida Panthers Road to the Finals
The Florida Panthers have showcased their remarkable skills and performance throughout this season. Nonetheless, their regular season performance did not reach the same level of excellence, as they finished in fourth place with 42 wins and 32 losses. However, it was during the first round of the playoffs that they astounded everyone with a spectacular victory over the Boston Bruins, something that no one was expecting. Following this triumph, they proceeded to dominate the second round against the Toronto Maple Leafs and emerged victorious in the Conference Finals against the Carolina Hurricanes.
Regarding their stats, the Florida Panthers have displayed their offensive prowess, scoring an average of 3.13 points per game while allowing an average of 2.69 points in the postseason. Notably, Matthew Tkachuk has been a standout player, making significant contributions with 21 points thus far in the postseason.
Vegas Golden Knights Road to the Finals
The Vegas Golden Knights have been equally impressive this year. Finishing at the top of the Pacific division with an outstanding record of 51 wins and 22 losses. Their journey in the playoffs began by eliminating the Winnipeg Jets in the first round, followed by a triumphant victory over the Edmonton Oilers in the second round. Finally, they overcame the Dallas Stars in the Conference Finals, solidifying their spot in the Stanley Cup Final.
During the postseason, the Vegas Golden Knights displayed an exceptional offensive performance, scoring an average of 3.65 points per game, while demonstrating a strong defense by allowing an average of only 2.65 points. Jack Eichel has been a standout player, making significant contributions with 18 points thus far in the postseason.
Florida Panthers vs Vegas Golden Knights
The Florida Panthers have reached the Stanley Cup finals for the second time in their history, presenting a significant moment for them to showcase their prowess as the top team in the NHL this year. Their previous appearance in the finals dates back to 1991, when they, unfortunately, fell short against the Colorado Avalanche. However, since then, the Panthers have undergone substantial changes, evolving into a stronger and more mature team.
Meanwhile, the Vegas Golden Knights share a similar history with the Florida Panthers. This will also mark the second time that the Golden Knights have advanced to the Stanley Cup final, with their inaugural appearance occurring in 2018, where they faced a defeat against the Washington Capitals. It is noteworthy that the Vegas Golden Knights are a relatively young team, established in 2017, and their remarkable achievement of reaching the finals for the second time within just six years of existence is something that they should be proud of.
| Sportsbook | Florida Panthers Moneyline | Vegas Golden Knights Moneyline |
|---|---|---|
| Betsafe | +108 | -127 |
| iBet | +108 | -127 |
| BetDukes | +102 | -135 |
| BetOBet | +103 | -133 |
| Sports Interaction | +107 | -131 |
| PowerPlay Sports | +100 | -125 |
Puck Line Odds
| Sportsbook | Florida Panthers Odds | Vegas Golden Knights Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Betsafe | (-244) +1.5 | (+192) -1.5 |
| iBet | (-244) +1.5 | (+192) -1.5 |
| BetDukes | (-250) +1.5 | (+180) -1.5 |
| BetOBet | (-270) +1.5 | (+188) -1.5 |
| Sports Interaction | (-244) +1.5 | (+200) -1.5 |
| PowerPlay Sports | (-225) +1.5 | (+175) -1.5 |
Players To Look Out For
When considering the key players to watch in this match, several notable individuals come to mind. Starting with the Florida Panthers, it is undeniable that Matthew Tkachuk has proven himself as one of the NHL’s standout performers this season. His impressive contribution of points during the postseason has secured him a second-place ranking in this regard. Alongside Tkachuk, Carter Verhaeghe and Aleksander Barkov are also players whose performances should not be overlooked.
Shifting our focus to the Golden Knights, Jack Eichel has undoubtedly emerged as their standout player. I must admit, I am particularly fond of his current playing style and the impact he brings to the team. Additionally, William Karlsson and Jonathan Marchessault, are two players capable of turning the tide of the game at any given moment.
How the Game will play out
The Florida Panthers approach this match well-rested and revitalized, which could prove advantageous for their performance. However, it is important to highlight that the Vegas Golden Knights will have the home advantage, which could work in their favour. During the regular season, these two teams met twice, with the Golden Knights emerging victorious in the first encounter, while the Florida Panthers secured a win in the second match. Notably, neither of these teams has yet won the Stanley Cup.
My Pick: The Florida Panthers to win this game with a point spread of +1.5 @ (-244) with Betsafe.
This ends my Stanley Cup 2023 Picks: Panthers vs Knights (Game 1) article. You may always check our online sportsbook reviews to find the best sports betting sites and bonuses if you want to place bets on the sports you like. Check DAZN Canada in order for you to view all the games you want.
About the Author
