The 2023 Stanley Cup Final kicked off Saturday night, with the Vegas Golden Knights rattling off three unanswered goals in the third period to win 5-2 over the Florida Panthers, taking a 1-0 series lead. The Golden Knights are favorites on our Stanley Cup odds board.
It was a strange game for the Panthers, who were very much in position to win heading into the third period, tied 2-2. However, Sergei Bobrovsky had a rare bad period, and Adin Hill made a miraculous save earlier in the game, as goaltending was the difference.
I think Bobrovsky bounces back a bit in Game 2, while Hill isn’t nearly as unbeatable as he was in the series opener. Here are my three favorite NHL player prop picks for the Panthers vs. Knights on Monday, June 5 for Game 2.
Be sure to also check out Jonny Lazarus' Game 2 picks and predictions!
Panthers vs Golden Knights Game 2 prop picks
- Marchessault Under 3.5 shots on goal
- Pietrangelo Under 2.5 blocked shots
- Reinhart anytime goalscorer
Click on each pick to jump to the full analysis. Each odds widget below represents the best odds available for each betting market from regulated US sportsbooks.
Best NHL bonuses
Looking to do some NHL betting? Here are two of the best bonuses* available:
A) New users at FanDuel can get a no-sweat first bet up to $2,500! Sign Up 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 Game 2 props
Hoppin' Jon
Jonathan Marchessault, the former Florida Panthers sniper, bagged a power-play goal in Game 1 against his old organization. That marker leveled the scoring in the first period and was the first goal of the series for the home side.
Marchessault ended up with three shots on goal, which has been about the norm in the postseason. He's posted three or fewer shots in seven consecutive games since notching six in Game 6 on the road against the Oilers. He's also managed three or fewer shots in 11 of his 18 postseason games to date.
It isn’t likely he’ll notch four or more in Game 2, as the Panthers should be much better defensively. They should have more urgency as they try to avoid an 0-2 series hole before things shift to South Florida for Game 3.
Pick: Jonathan Marchessault Under 3.5 shots on goal (-164)
Covers NHL betting analysis
- Stanley Cup Final staff picks
- Stanley Cup Final odds
- Conn Smythe odds
- Stanley Cup Final matchup info and more
Pietrangelo to sacrifice less
The 33-year-old rearguard for the Vegas Golden Knights went scoreless with a minus-1 rating and three shots on goal in 22:47 TOI across 29 shifts in Game 1. That doesn’t mean he didn't have an impact in the opening game.
Alex Pietrangelo ended up sacrificing his body in the series opener, blocking four shots to tie fellow defenseman Zach Whitecloud for a game-high. However, that was a rarity, as he had two or fewer blocked shots in seven of his past eight playoff games, including seven straight in games decided in regulation.
So, this blocked shot spree in Game 1 isn't the norm and I expect that number to drop in Game 2, as his sacrificing ways will likely be fewer.
I'd suggest looking at Whitecloud Over 1.5 blocked shots (-152), although I prefer the price of the Pietrangelo Under.
Pick: Alex Pietrangelo Under 2.5 blocked shots (-108 at FanDuel)
Sam the Man
Sam Reinhart was blanked in Game 1, going scoreless with an even rating and three shots on goal in his 21:09 of TOI. The Panthers were 0-for-3 on the man advantage in Game 1, which explains why Reinhart was held off the scoresheet.
Reinhart has made a name for himself in these playoffs, going for seven goals and 11 points with a plus-1 rating in 17 postseason games while recording three goals and two assists on the man advantage. Two of the goals in these playoffs have been game-winning tallies, too. Each of his past two goals in the past seven games has been on the power play.
If you’re a little less adventurous, playing Reinhart to simply record a point is listed at -136 at FanDuel. However, I like Reinhart to notch a goal, most likely on the power play.
He's been Johnny on the Spot this postseason, recording huge goals. And boy, do the Panthers need one of those in Game 2.
Pick: Sam Reinhart anytime goalscorer (+250)
