The grandest stage of hockey is now set for an action-packed showdown in the 2023 Stanley Cup Final. The Vegas Golden Knights and the Florida Panthers are ready to clash in this best-of-7 series, promising a thrilling display of skill, grit, and a burning ambition to capture the championship title. In this comprehensive betting guide, we will explore every crucial aspect of this highly anticipated series, dissecting the factors that will be instrumental in dictating the final outcome.
Series Odds
The current betting odds strike an intriguing contrast to the NBA's Miami Heat scenario. Despite sharing a similar trajectory with the Heat—being an 8th-seed from Dade County, and also the #1 seed in their conference a year prior—the Florida Panthers are not seen as longshots by Vegas. As per the Westgate Nevada, the Vegas Golden Knights are tagged as slight favorites at -135, while the Panthers follow closely with odds of +115. We haven't witnessed a Stanley Cup Final with such closely drawn lines since 2016, when the Pittsburgh Penguins entered their series as -135 favorites against the San Jose Sharks, as indicated by data from SportsOddsHistory.com.
It's telling that in the NBA an 8th-seed is a +330 underdog, while an 8th-seed in the NHL is seen by the Vegas market as a coin flip to win it. Unlike basketball, hockey is played on ice, which adds an additional element of skill as well as unpredictability.
A Deep Dive into the Teams: Performance and Betting Returns
Vegas Golden Knights
The Vegas Golden Knights have proven their mettle in the NHL by reaching the Stanley Cup Final for the second time in their relatively short six-year history. The first time they achieved this feat was during their inaugural 2017-2018 season, where they fell to the Washington Capitals.
The Golden Knights have had an impressive regular season, posting a solid 51-31 straight-up (SU) record. If you were backing the Knights, you would have had a rewarding season, with the team providing over +10 Units in returns if you had bet them every game. The Knights didn't lose steam during the playoffs, going 12-5 SU and making +7.8 Units for their backers.
Despite a regular influx of public money backing the Vegas Golden Knights in the Vegas Valley, which in theory should inflate their value and make them a less attractive bet, the team has defied expectations by turning out to be a consistently reliable pick for sports bettors. In fact, had you taken the initiative to place a $100 wager on each and every game the Knights have played in their history, you'd now be enjoying a solid profit of over $1300.
Florida Panthers
In contrast, the Florida Panthers have been a part of the NHL for almost three decades. This series marks their second trip to the Stanley Cup Final, with their first appearance having been in the 1995/96 season. However, they were unable to overcome the Colorado Avalanche for the championship then.
The Panthers' regular season performance this year, with a record of 42-40, did not prove profitable for backers, resulting in a loss of -14.8 Units. After securing the #1 seed in the conference the previous season, Florida had a disappointing run in the playoffs, barely scraping into the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Nonetheless, they have defied the odds, becoming the first team in NHL history to enter the postseason as the lowest-seeded club and sweep a best-of-seven series to secure a place in the final. The Panthers are 12-4 SU, +14.2 Units for their backers in these playoffs.
Coaches at the Helm: Paul Maurice vs. Bruce Cassidy Both teams are under the guidance of veteran coaches. Paul Maurice of the Florida Panthers and Bruce Cassidy of the Vegas Golden Knights will be eyeing their maiden title in their second attempt. Maurice had previously led the Carolina Hurricanes to the 2002 Stanley Cup Final, where they succumbed to the Detroit Red Wings. Cassidy had a similar fate with the Boston Bruins in 2019, losing in a nail-biting seven-game series against the St. Louis Blues.
Journey to the Stanley Cup Final
Vegas Golden Knights
The Knights punched their ticket to the Stanley Cup Final by besting the Dallas Stars in six games in the Western Conference Final. Earlier in the playoffs, they overcame the Winnipeg Jets and the Edmonton Oilers. The Golden Knights have displayed their tenacity and come-from-behind ability, making them a formidable force in this showdown.
Florida Panthers
The Panthers, despite their underdog status, swept the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Final. This followed their impressive upsets over three of the four best teams from the regular season: the Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Carolina Hurricanes. Their resilience and defiance of the odds make them a deserving contender in the Stanley Cup Final.
Decisive Players and Matchups Vegas
Golden Knights' Key Players
The Knights have a couple of key players with a personal score to settle with the Panthers. Jonathan Marchessault and Reilly Smith were previously part of the Florida team before they were cast aside, only to join Vegas. Marchessault has since emerged as the all-time leader in goals, assists, points, and games for Vegas, with Smith following closely in these rankings.
Florida Panthers' Key Players
For the Panthers, Matthew Tkachuk has been the standout player in the postseason with 21 points (nine goals, 12 assists). His timely goals, including three in overtime, have played a pivotal role in the Panthers' underdog journey.
Key Matchups to Watch
A critical battle to keep an eye on will be the Golden Knights' attempt to neutralize Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk. Vegas has successfully contained top points leaders in the playoffs, but Tkachuk's current form could pose a significant challenge.
The goaltending duel between Vegas' Adin Hill and Florida's Sergei Bobrovsky will also be intriguing. While Bobrovsky has showcased elite form during the playoffs, Hill has risen to the occasion in the absence of Laurent Brossoit, boasting a 7-3 record with a 2.30 goals-against average and a .932 save percentage.
Odds to Win the Conn Smythe Trophy
The Conn Smythe Trophy is awarded to the most valuable player (MVP) in the NHL's Stanley Cup playoffs.
Here are the odds for the top contenders for the 2023 Conn Smythe:
2023 Conn Smythe Trophy odds (Odds via DraftKings Sportsbooks as of 5/30/2023)
Player Odds
FL Sergei Bobrovsky (GK) +210
FL Matthew Tkachuk (RW) +290
LV Jack Eichel (C) +425
LV William Karlsson (C) +700
LV Jonathan Marchessault (RW) +700
LV Mark Stone (RW) 11 to 1
LV Adin Hill (GK) 12 to 1
LV Chandler Stephenson (D) 30 to 1
FL Aleksander Barkov (C) 50 to 1
FL Carter Verhaeghe (LW) 50 to 1
Notable that while the top two favorites are Panthers, six of the top 8 are Golden Knights. This suggests that while the award will be wide open if the Knights win the Cup, the market believes only the top two Panthers have a realistic shot at the trophy should the Panthers prevail.
Expert Opinions and Predictions
Predicting the winner of the 2023 Stanley Cup Final is proving to be a tricky affair, with split opinions among NHL executives and coaches. Some favor the Vegas Golden Knights for their robust defense and depth, while others side with the Florida Panthers, pointing to their momentum, elite goaltending, and star player performances. Regardless, one certainty prevails: the 2023 Stanley Cup Final between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Florida Panthers will be a riveting and fiercely contested series.
Final Betting Outlook
The 2023 Stanley Cup Final is shaping up to be an electrifying encounter between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Florida Panthers. Both teams come with potent rosters, seasoned coaches, and a shared desire for the championship title. The betting odds suggest a tight series, offering opportunities for bettors to capitalize on. Don't miss out on this thrilling event, as the hockey world prepares to crown a new champion.
Schedule and Streaming Information
The 2023 Stanley Cup Final kicks off on Saturday, June 3. The Vegas Golden Knights hold the home-ice advantage in the series opener. Games can be streamed in the United States via TNT, while international streaming details can be found here.
2023 Stanley Cup Final Schedule
Game 1 – Saturday, June 3: Panthers at Golden Knights at 8:00 PM ET
Game 2 – Monday, June 5: Panthers at Golden Knights at 8:00PM ET
Game 3 – Thursday, June 8: Golden Knights at Panthers at 8:00PM ET
Game 4 – Saturday, June 10: Golden Knights at Panthers at 8:00PM ET
*If necessary:
Game 5* - Tuesday, June 13 (if necessary): Panthers at Golden Knights at 8:00PM ET
Game 6* - Friday, June 16 (if necessary): Golden Knights at Panthers at 8:00PM ET
Game 7* - Monday, June 19 (if necessary): Panthers at Golden Knights at 8:00PM ET
Whether you're backing the Golden Knights or Panthers, or are simply a hockey fan eager for action, the 2023 Stanley Cup Final promises high stakes, intense competition, and a multitude of betting opportunities. Happy betting!
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