The Florida Panthers are entering must-win territory, hoping for a better performance from Sergei Bobrovsky and that Matthew Tkachuk stops receiving misconduct penalties as the Panthers try to win their first Stanley Cup Finals game in franchise history.
The Vegas Golden Knights will look to replicate the results of games one and two, moving one win closer to a date with Lord Stanley’s Cup on the last night of the 2023 NHL schedule.
We’ll review the stats, trends, and Stanley Cup odds before making our Golden Knights vs Panthers picks for game three.
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Florida Panthers Odds
Before we make any Golden Knights vs Panthers picks for game three, we must review the odds and betting records.
NHL odds have the Florida Panthers (-1.5) as the slight home favorite, listed between -114 and -125. The Vegas Golden Knights (+1.5) are the slight underdog, listed between +104 and -105 on the moneyline, with many NHL predictions and sportsbooks having VGK at even odds.
Florida has a 44-55 ats record, while Vegas has a 55-46 ats record. The total goals line is set to 6.0, with some sportsbooks listing game three at 6.5 total goals: one goal higher than the first two games.
With a 2-0 series lead, the Vegas Golden Knights are the current favorite for Stanley Cup Picks, listed at -500, while the Florida Panthers are listed at +400 to make a comeback and win the Stanley Cup.
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Florida Panthers Information
Vegas Golden Knights vs Florida Panthers
Location of the game: FLA Live Arena, Sunrise, FL.
Date & Time: Thursday, June 8. 8:00 PM ET.
How to watch: TNT | TBS TVA Sports | Sportsnet
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Florida Panthers Betting Preview
Here are a few betting trends to consider:
- VGK holds a 3-1 head-to-head season series lead, but is 1-4 in the last five games in South Florida
- The home team has won all four matchups this season and is 11-1 in the last 12 games
- Florida and Vegas have combined for a 2-2 over/under record, with both overs coming in the Stanley Cup Finals
- The favorite is 4-0 this season
Vegas Golden Knights
The Vegas Golden Knights’ powerplay has improved its playoff powerplay efficiency in the Stanley Cup Finals, going 4-9 (44.4%) in the first two games. VGK’s powerplay is now operating at 21.5%, while the penalty kill is operating at 67.9%. VGK is averaging 3.89 gpg while giving up 2.58 gpg in the playoffs.
While Jack Eichel leads the Golden Knights in NHL player stats with 22 points, it’s Jonathan Marchessault who’s the leading candidate for the Conn Smythe trophy with 21 points, 11 coming in his last seven games. Vegas will start Adin Hill in game three. Hill has a 9-3 record, a .937 SV%, and a 2.06 GAA.
Florida Panthers
The Florida Panthers don’t really have an advantage in any NHL team stats after two games of the Stanley Cup. The Panthers are averaging 3.00 gpg in the playoffs while giving up 3.06 gpg.
The Panthers have gone 0-7 on the powerplay in the Stanley Cup Finals, but are still converting at 24.0% for the playoffs. The penalty kill is operating at 69.8%. After being pulled in game two, Sergei Bobrovsky will start again in game three. Bobrovsky has an 11-4 record, .925SV%, and 2.50 GAA in the playoffs.
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Florida Panthers Betting Picks
Pick 1: The first of our Golden Knights vs Panthers picks is to take the Florida Panthers to finally win a game in the Stanley Cup Finals. If the Panthers do not win tonight, the Stanley Cup Finals will be over in four or five games.
Pick 2: Our second pick is to follow the Finals’ trends and take the over.
If you love sports and want more sports betting information follow us as @InsidersBetDig on Twitter and sign up to our mailing list for free betting picks.