The final score of 5-2 in game one of the Stanley Cup finals isn’t an indicator of how this series will go or game 1 itself. Heading into the third-period game 1 was tied 2-2, but the Vegas Golden Knights took control of the third period scoring three times, taking the win in game 1.
With the rust of their post-season holiday knocked off, the Florida Panthers look to even the Stanley Cup Finals in game two and improve on their 8-2 road record, while VGK aims to move one win closer to touching Lord Stanley’s silverware and improve on their 7-3 home record. We’ll review the stats, trends, and odds before making our predictions for game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals.
You can catch game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals on TNT, Sportsnet, and TVA Sports – among various streaming options – at 8:00 PM ET.
Florida Panthers vs Vegas Golden Knights Game 2 Odds
The Florida Panthers enter game 2 as slightly larger underdogs compared to game 1. The Panthers (+1.5) are listed between +115 and +120. Florida has a 45-54 ats record, are 8-2 on the road, and 12-5 in the playoffs.
The Vegas Golden Knights (-1.5) are the slightly larger favorites heading into game two, listed between -135 and -140. VGK has a 13-5 playoff record and a 54-46 ats record.
The total goals line is listed at 5.5 or 6.0 total goals, depending on your sportsbook of choice. The predominant line remains 5.5 total goals, with the over listed from -121 to -128 and the under from +105 to even odds. For those total lines at 6.0 total goals, the over is listed at even odds, while the under is listed at -120.
The Panthers have a 50-41-8 over/under record, while the Golden Knights have a 47-48-5 over/under record.
Florida Panthers vs Vegas Golden Knights Betting Trends
- The Panthers and VGK have combined for a 1-2 over/under record. Two of those games have ended with 6.0 total goals or higher.
- Florida and Vegas are averaging 5.33 total gpg in three head-to-head matchups this season.
- The home team is 10-1 in the previous 11 matchups.
- The Favorite is 7-1 in the previous eight meetings.
- The over is 5-1 in the last six games in Las Vegas
Florida Panthers vs Vegas Golden Knights Game 2 Preview
While the Florida Panthers have the statistical special teams advantage, they’ll want to avoid penalties, as VGK went 2 for 7 on the powerplay in game one. Florida is converting at 26.1% on the powerplay and operating at 71.2% on the penalty kill in the playoffs.
Conversely, Vegas’ special teams’ stats won’t improve dramatically after the beating they took against the Edmonton Oilers. VGK is converting at 19.7% on the powerplay while operating at 65.3% on the penalty kill in the playoffs.
Florida is averaging 3.06 gpg while giving up 2.82 gpg in the playoffs. Vegas is averaging 3.72 gpg, while giving up 2.61 gpg.
Your top prop bet targets are Matthew Tkachuk and Jonathan Marchessault for the Florida Panthers and Jack Eichel and Mark Stone for the Vegas Golden Knights.
The starting goalies for game one should be the same as game two. Current Conn Smythe Trophy favorite – especially in a Panthers’ Stanley Cup loss – Sergei Bobrovsky should start for Florida, with an 11-3-0 record, .931 SV%, and a 2.32 GAA, while Vegas will counter with fourth-stringer turned Stanley Cup starter Adin Hill, who has an 8-3-0 record, a .938 SV%, and a 2.06 GAA.
Florida Panthers vs Vegas Golden Knights Game 2 Prediction
We aren’t high on South Florida vibes, but we’re expecting the Florida Panthers to mimic their regional counterparts – the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals – and draw even in the Stanely Cup Finals with another road win, improving their road record to 9-2 in the playoffs.
Considering the Panthers and Golden Knights are averaging 5.3 gpg in the three head-to-head matchups this season, our second pick is to take the over of 5.5 or 6.0, whichever total goals line your sportsbook of choice is listing game two at.
