It's a rematch of the 2023 Stanley Cup Finals on Sunday night in the NHL when the Vegas Golden Knights host the Florida Panthers. The core that played in that all-out war is still intact, meaning it should be a spirited contest between these rivals.
This game will have an impact on the standings as well as they are both in extremely close races for the lead in their respective division. This is a must-watch game, and we are here with our Panthers vs. Golden Knights predictions.
Vegas has been on the road for five of their last six games, but are now starting a three-game home swing. They can now settle back in their own building, where they have been strong all season. Vegas is also desperately searching for a win as they are 1-4-1 in those last six games. and an increased effort level is expected that should be hard for Florida to counter.
This is Florida’s fourth-straight road game, and second in as many nights. They have a very strong roster, but any team going through a stretch like this should be fatigued. Vegas will pounce on them early to wear them down.
Both rosters are strong and the teams have been performing well overall. However Vegas also has a defense group that is unmatched in the NHL, which should give Florida major issues. Vegas should take this at home.
Offensive prowess is extremely prevalent in this matchup. The Golden Knights currently rank fourth overall with a 3.4 goals per game average, and the Panthers are not that far behind in eighth with 3.2 goals per game.
Alternatively, both are very competent in defensive efforts, but they are both outside the top 10 in goals against average and offense is expected to be the story of this game.
The Panthers have Sam Reinhart who is second in NHL scoring with 29 goals, and two others with 15 goals. Vegas meanwhile brings a more balanced approach, and has four players with 15+ goals. There is a good chance we see lots of goals from each.
Matthew Tkachuk is an absolute force in the league, and I expect him to be one on this night. He is second on the team with 15 goals, and averages 2.7 shots per game.
This is a huge test for the Panthers, and Tkachuk is a leader who will look to lead by example. Expect an increased energy level from him as he looks to set the tone for his team.
The Panthers could see themselves down in this game early and often, which will require a strong offensive attack. Tkachuk should lead the charge, throwing lots on net and being a force in the crease.
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Florida Panthers | +105 ML |
Vegas Golden Knights | -125 ML |
Puck Line | VGS Golden Knights-1.5 |
Total | O/U 6.0 |
Sam Reinhart (FLA Panthers) | +160 |
Jack Eichel (VGS Golden Knights) | +175 |
Mark Stone (VGS Golden Knights) | +200 |
Pavel Dorofeyev (VGS Golden Knights) | +220 |
Matthew Tkachuk (FLA Panthers) | +225 |
Aleksander Barkov (FLA Panthers) | +225 |
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.