Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are happening and gives our predictions for each one, breaking down head-to-head and other factors that may play in. We also have a featured game of the day, which is considered must-watch TV. Today’s featured game is the Florida Panthers vs Vegas Golden Knights. Keep checking our NHL predictions throughout the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
NHL Predictions
Florida Panthers vs Vegas Golden Knights
Series: Panthers 0-0 Golden Knights
Our NHL predictions have arrived at the Stanley Cup Final that not many foresaw. The Florida Panthers could have missed out on the post-season entirely had results not gone their way. However, the Cats have taken advantage of their opportunities and reached their second Cup Final. Sergei Bobrovsky will draw the start and has been stellar this post-season. He’s slowly proving doubters wrong that thought he was struggling. Matthew Tkachuk has been a dominant force in this Stanley Cup Final run and is on the Conn Smythe watch list. He leads the team in points with 21 while Carter Verhaeghe is second in line with 15 points.
Adin Hill will get the call for the Golden Knights after taking over for Laurent Brossoit. Hill has filled in very well for the injured Brossoit and Hill’s stellar play comes at the right time. He becomes an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season and he’ll get a big payday. Jack Eichel is enjoying his first post-season tournament as the team’s leader in points. Eichel leads a balanced team scoresheet with 18 points while Jonathan Marchessault is right behind him with 17 points. The Golden Knights’ defence may not get the press the offence does, but they’ve been very effective in the playoffs.
It’s going to be tough tell how Florida will look after the long layoff. The Panthers are road warriors, but T-Mobile Arena has been a tough place to play. Vegas will get the win, but Florida will have shaken the rust by the end of the game.
Prediction: Golden Knights win 4-2.
Main photo by: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
