Written by Graeme on Monday, June 5th, 2023
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Game 1 of the Stanley Cup playoffs saw the Knights victorious in a big 5-2 victory.
Really thought the Panthers would come out flying after that 2nd goal right at the death of the 2nd period, but they didn’t really show up in the last period too much.
I’ve always felt a break isn’t good for a team. Can take them a bit to get back into it. Always feel that can break a goalies mojo too, which is what Bobrovsky was riding.
That Hill save. Amazing.
So now the Panthers have had one game to shake it all off, can they tie it up before heading to Florida?
Knights vs Panthers Game 2 Betting Tips:
Scott: Well game 1 was a good one. It was tied 2-2 after the 2nd but the Knights scored twice and added an empty net goal in the 3rd to pick up the 5-2 win.
The game had lots of big hits and plenty of post whistle pushing. Late in the 3rd Tkachuk, Bennett and Cousins all got penalties at the same time, with Tkachuk and Bennett getting misconducts, which crushed any hope they had of a comeback.
Hill was incredible for the Knights making some huge saves which gave them a huge push in momentum. Bobrovsky was alright just wasn’t as good as Hill in that game.
The Panthers lost game 1 against the Bruins and responded with a win in game 2 so there is nothing to panic about yet.
This series is going to get even more physical with each game and when it does I feel it will help the Panthers. If the Panthers can win this game they will tie the series and head to Florida for the next 2 games.
Panthers win incl OT
Ontario: 2.20 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv
Canada: 2.23 Odds at BetOnline.
USA: +123 Odds at BetOnline.
Everyone Else: 2.23 Odds at BetOnline.
(Odds correct as of 2023/06/05 11:28:13 AM EST but are subject to change.)
Graeme: Looking around the net, the most popular bet today appears to be over 5.5. I do like that line, but it just feels a bit risky. First of all, Florida got here riding Bobrovsky. He hopefully had one game to shake off the rust. Then you have the performance of Hill in that last game, and he’s likely going to build on that.
The Panthers are in the bottom half for GF/60 for the playoffs as well as xGF/60. So not a big offense you can count on.
Looking at the metrics for Game 1 – I mean it’s just like I’ve been saying. Knights in 5 vs 5 just can get the job done, and they are just so clinical at scoring.
My favourite thing in hockey is when it’s all about the goaltender. And I do hope that the Panthers win tonight, in a tight 1 goal victory thanks to miracles from Bobrovsky. That’s the sorta shit I love.
But I backed the Knights to win this series due to their clinical finishing, and they demonstrated that in Game 1. Until the Panthers stop them from that, I’m happy to back Vegas again.
I’m going to go a bit more confident with Knights In Regulation.
Ontario: 2.30 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv
Canada: 2.30 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv
USA: +110 Odds at Bovada
Everyone Else: 2.30 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv
(Odds correct as of 2023/06/05 11:28:13 AM EST but are subject to change.)
To WIN moneyline: Vegas
I agree with Graeme that the OVER has reason for a red flag or two. If Florida plays more conservative, scared of parading off to the penalty box like they usually do, they will lose their entire OS, so I expect them to remain snarly, impulsive and continue to populate the penalty box. It’s too late for that tiger to change its spots (old comedy line). Plus, the goaltenders are both very good and the forechecking persistent. Could go 3-1 or 6-3. I think it gravitates to about 6, so I can’t see a betting option.
We saw Benn lose his marbles against Vegas in Round 3, and Tkachuk, Bennett and Cousins lose their marbles in Game 1 against Vegas. Vegas is everywhere on the ice and very clear that it won’t be lured into the penalty box, and the cartoonish childishness of many Florida players, taking such a very high count of penalties/game in the regular season, is bad karma coming home to roost. It’s usually not the case with other teams, but in these playoffs, Florida takes all kinds of stupid major penalties with the referees standing right beside them. WTF, sun state?