Analyzing the 2023 NHL Stanley Cup Final Odds: Panthers vs. Golden Knights

The 2023 Stanley Cup Final continues with the Vegas Golden Knights visiting Florida Panthers for Game 3 at FLA Live Arena on Thursday. Vegas dominated the first two games of the series at home, outscoring Florida 12-4 on their way to two victories. The Panthers are seeking their first Stanley Cup Final victory as they come into the third game at the back of a 7-2 defeat.

### The Odds and Predictions

According to the latest Panthers vs. Golden Knights odds, Florida is the -125 favorite to win. The over/under for total goals scored is set at 6 with a puck line of Florida -1.5 (+196). The Vegas Golden Knights have scored 18 goals in their last two games, while the Panthers are 0-6 all-time in the Stanley Cup Final.

SportsLine Projection Model has simulated every NHL game 10,000 times, taking into account factors like current form, individual matchups, injuries, and short- and long-term trends when making NHL predictions. The model’s Game 3 pick is leaning Over on the goal total, as the simulation has the teams combining for 6.5 goals.

### Advantages of the Panthers

Despite his lack of discipline in the first two games, Matthew Tkachuk remains one of the top offensive performers in the league this postseason. The 25-year-old left wing is tied for second with 22 points, shares first place with four game-winning goals and has been kept off the scoresheet in only four of his 18 outings. The Panthers have also been receiving solid production from Anthony Duclair during their run, who has registered 11 points in 17 playoff games.

### Advantages of the Golden Knights

Nine different players have recorded at least one goal for Vegas thus far in the Final. Jonathan Marchessault has scored three goals during the final to give him a franchise playoff record 12 tallies. Jack Eichel, who finished the regular season with a nine-game streak, has registered a point in 13 of 19 contests during his first NHL postseason. Vegas’ defense corps has also been contributing offensively in the series, accounting for three goals so far, and Ivan Barbashev, the center, has been chipping in at a strong rate too.

### Final Words

The third game will be critical for both teams, with Florida seeking to turn the series around and the Golden Knights aiming to solidify their lead. The Panthers will need to put discipline first, while the Golden Knights will look to exploit their goal-scoring abilities. The SportsLine Projection Model’s picks and NHL predictions suggest a close and electrifying game, with leanings towards Over on the total goal.