NHL Stanley Cup Finals Same Game Parlay Picks & Predictions (Panthers vs. Golden Knights)
The Vegas Golden Knights took Game 1 of the 2023 Stanley Cup Final in a 5-2 victory. However, anyone who watched the opening game knows this game was much tighter than the final score indicates. In fact, the game entered the third period tied at two before Zach Whitecloud scored what proved to be the game-winner seven minutes into the final period. Some undisciplined play from the Panthers led to Vegas padding its margin of victory.
Our same-game parlay sadly went 2-for-3, as the teams went over the first period goal total to sink our hopes early. Let’s see if we can bounce back with my same-game parlay for Game 2.
NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Best Game 2 Same Game Parlay Bet
All odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook
Florida Panthers (+115) at Vegas Golden Knights (-140), Total 5.5 (-120)
The odds have moved a bit in Vegas’ favor after the Golden Knights closed as -135 favorites on home ice in Game 1. The question is whether this small shift gives us a bit more value on the underdog.
From a 5-on-5 perspective, this game was played pretty evenly. While Vegas outscored Florida 3-1 at 5-on-5, the expected goals actually favored Florida ever so slightly, 2.38-2.28. The teams were pretty close in most other key statistical categories aside from high-danger chances, where Vegas held a 13-9 advantage.
The difference proved to be two factors I highlighted in my series preview: Florida’s discipline and special teams performance. The Panthers committed seven penalties accounting for 47 minutes in Game 1. Granted, a big chunk of that penalty time came toward the end of the game. Still, the fact remains that Vegas had seven power play opportunities and converted on a pair of them, while Florida went 0-for-3 on the man advantage.
In Game 2, I’m expecting a much cleaner effort from the Panthers, who also may have suffered from too long of a break between Game 1 following their Eastern Conference Finals sweep. Florida should clean some things up defensively while continuing to force Vegas miscues on the forecheck. If the Panthers can stay out of the box and show improvement in the faceoff dot, they certainly should have a better chance to win.
Despite the three-goal victory, Vegas didn’t really dominate Game 1. While I think Vegas’ depth will ultimately prevail in the series, I’m going to take the Panthers to send this series to Florida tied at 1-1. I also am taking Panthers defenseman Gustav Forsling to light the lamp, as I could see Florida’s defensemen jumping in to hold possession and more shots from the point as Florida looks to bury Vegas in its defensive end.
Parlay Odds: +900
Also make sure to check out our other best bets for Monday:
- MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks & Predictions
- MLB Same Game Parlay Odds, Picks & Predictions
- NHL Stanley Cup Finals Same Game Parlay: Game 2
- NHL Stanley Cup Finals Player Prop Bet Picks: Game 2 (Panthers vs. Golden Knights)
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