Game 1 of the 2023 Stanley Cup Final was quite the exciting start to this series. The Vegas Golden Knights didn’t get off to the ideal start, but just like they have all postseason, Bruce Cassidy and his team were able to adjust to the Florida Panthers' push and come out on top. This type of ability to adjust is the reason why Stanley Cup odds have them pegged as the favorite.
That being said, with Florida on the verge of going down 2-0 in this series, I am expecting a strong response from the NHL odds underdog. Find out my best bet in my free NHL picks for the Golden Knights vs. Panthers on June 5.
Be sure to also check out Daniel Dobish's three favorite Game 2 prop picks before puck drop.
Panthers vs Golden Knights Game 2 odds
Panthers vs Golden Knights Game 2 predictions
The Florida Panthers are entering tonight’s contest with an outstanding record in Game 2s this postseason, sporting a perfect 3-0 record.
Game 1 wasn’t the Panthers' best overall performance, but there were certainly some positives to take away. Florida’s biggest issue was its lack of discipline, allowing the Vegas Golden Knights to get seven power play attempts. Playing shorthanded for that long is going to be trouble for any team.
Vegas was able to cash in on two out of those seven attempts on the man advantage, so it can be expected that Paul Maurice’s squad will be a little more under control tonight. With all of that being said, the Panthers are 0-6 in their last six meetings at The Fortress, but their goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky has been able to be relied upon throughout the entire postseason.
Bobrovsky didn’t have his strongest performance in Game 1, but his numbers in the playoffs show that he should certainly be able to bounce back and give his team a chance to tie this series up. Bobrovsky is 11-3 with a .931 SV% along with a 2.32 GAA and has a postseason-best +19.9 goals saved above expected.
The Panthers have fooled me before when I have bet against them, and I am not going to make that same mistake tonight.
My best bet: Panthers moneyline (+120 at BetMGM)
Panthers vs Golden Knights Game 2 same-game parlay
Panthers ML
Montour Over 2.5 SOG
Hill Over 29.5 saves
The Florida Panthers need to come out with a very desperate and urgent performance so I expect them to get the win. Meanwhile, Brandon Montour hasn’t recorded a point in nine straight games, but he has been a difference maker on the backend for the Cats and recorded three shots on goal in Game 1. Lastly, Adin Hill was phenomenal in the series opener and I expect Florida to pepper him tonight.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Covers may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or betting site.
Panthers vs Golden Knights Game 2 moneyline and Over/Under analysis
The Florida Panthers have been slept on by most people — including me — in their current run to the Cup Finals, and even though Game 1 didn’t go in their favor, I wouldn’t dare to count this team out of anything.
The emotions were very high in Game 1 and it seemed to affect Florida more than it did Vegas, but after having a day off to rest and recuperate, the Panthers should come out and play a much more sound Game 2 — and hopefully more disciplined.
The one area that the Cats will have to improve upon is their power play, which went 0-for-3 on Saturday night.
The Over was never in doubt in Game 1 and I am feeling it yet again for tonight’s matchup as it has hit in five of the last six meetings between these two teams at T-Mobile Arena.
The Golden Knights enter tonight’s contest averaging 3.72 goals per game while the Panthers are scoring 3.06 gpg, and with the total set at 5.5, I truly think this won’t be much of a sweat — just like Game 1.
Bobrovsky and Hill have been solid in goal, but I believe the offense will outshine the goaltending.
Best NHL bonuses
Looking to do some NHL betting? Here are two of the best bonuses* available:
A) Matthew Tkachuk to score a goal and 5+ total goals scored BOOSTED to +300 (was +190) at FanDuel! Bet Now
B) Get a 25% profit boost on one pre-game SGP for Game 2 at DraftKings! Opt-in Now
*Eligible USA locations only. Also, check out our full list of best sportsbook promotions for 2023.
21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Panthers vs Golden Knights betting trend to know
The Panthers are 3-0 in Game 2s this postseason. Find more NHL betting trends for Panthers vs. Golden Knights.
Panthers vs Golden Knights Game 2 game info
| Location: | T-Mobile Arena, Vegas, NV |
| Date: | Monday, June 5, 2023 |
| Puck drop: | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | TNT |
