There is an adage that applies to the current 2023 NHL Playoffs. To illuminate, “A team is not in trouble until they lose a game on home ice.” That theory is to be tested. So far, the Vegas Golden Knights have dominated the series. The VGK beat the Stanley Cup betting odds in the first two games in Sin City. Now the series shifts to South Florida. Vegas has shown greater depth than the Panthers. And the Golden Knights don’t mind Florida’s physical play. Florida goalie Sergei Bobrovsky’s weak points have been exposed.
2023 Stanley Cup Final Florida Panthers vs. Vegas Golden Knights
| Date and Time: | Thursday, June 8, 2023, 8 P.M. ET. |
|---|---|
| Location: | FLA Live Arena, Sunrise, FL. |
| TV Coverage: | TNT |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Knights | +1½ (-260) | 6 (-105) | +105 |  |
| Panthers | -1½ (+210) | 6 (-115) | -125 | |
| ||||
2023 Stanley Cup Final SBG Odds Overview
Naturally, casual support is flooding the betting window for the Golden Knights. Other than bargain hunters, nobody wants a team down 0-2 and losing dominantly. Still, Florida playing at home could change the offshore betting narrative.
2023 Stanley Cup Final Series Schedule
- Game 1 (at VGK): Golden Knights 5, Panthers 2
- Game 2 (at VGK): Golden Knights 7, Panthers 2
- Game 3 (at FLA): Thurs., June 8, 8 p.m. (TNT)
- Game 4 (at FLA): Sat., June 10, 8 p.m. (TNT)
- Game 5 (at VGK): Tues., June 13, 8 p.m. (TNT)
- Game 6 (at FLA): Fri., June 16, 8 p.m. (TNT)
- Game 7 (at VGK): Mon., June 19, 8 p.m. (TNT)
Vegas Golden Knights Team Overview
The Vegas Golden Knights finished 51-22-9 straight up and 35-41-6 over/under the total. Also, Vegas was 1st in the Western Conference playoff standings. Edmonton was two points behind the Golden Knights in the Western Conference playoff race. Late on, Vegas has covered eight out of their last ten games. At the same time, the Golden Knights have gone over the total in seven of its previous ten matchups.
Vegas had NHL metrics of 14th for goals scored and 18th for power play efficiency. In comparison, on defense, the Golden Knights had NHL metrics of 11th for goals against and 19th for penalty killing.
First among Vegas scorers is Jack Eichel, with six goals, 16 assists, 22 points, and a +13. Goaltender Ladin Hill has a .937 save percentage and 2.06 goals-against average. His record is 9-3 with two shutouts.
Florida Panthers Team Overview
The Florida Panthers finished 42-37-8 straight up and 42-30 over/under the total. Also, Florida was 8th in the Eastern Conference playoff standings. Florida was 43 points behind the Boston Bruins in the Eastern Conference playoff race. Late on, Florida has covered five out of their last seven games. While the Panthers have gone under the total in three of its previous four matchups.
Florida has NHL metrics of 6th for goals scored and 10th for power play efficiency. In comparison, on defense, the Panthers had NHL metrics of 21st for goals against and 23rd for penalty killing.
First among Florida scorers is Matthew Tkachuk, with ten goals, 12 assists, 22 points, and a +9. Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky has a .925 save percentage and 2.50 goals-against average. His record is 11-4 with one shutout.
2023 Stanley Cup Final SBG Free Picks
In this situation, gamblers should remember the great NHL Playoff betting odds run by the Panthers. Florida beat the best teams in the Eastern Conference to get here. Now they have home ice. And they are fighting for their lives.
SBG Best Bet: Florida Panthers.