Florida Panthers vs. Vegas Golden Knights Prediction: NHL Stanley Cup Final

And then there were two. 

After three brutal playoff rounds, only the Florida Panthers and Vegas Golden Knights remain in contention for the Stanley Cup. As of May 31, the online sportsbook has the Golden Knights at -130 to win, with the Panthers trailing at +110.

So who will win the Stanley Cup Final, and which players should you watch?

Panthers vs. Golden Knights: Series Prediction

I predict the Vegas Golden Knights will win the Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers in six games, and according to implied betting odds, the Golden Knights are predicted to win the series with 56.52% confidence.

In the 2022-23 regular season, the Golden Knights met the Panthers twice and won once, with each team winning their respective home game.

Even after watching the Panthers upset the Boston Bruins in the first round and sweep the Hurricanes in the third, I think Vegas has the edge in this series. With that being said, I expect it to be tight and wouldn’t be surprised if it goes to the full seven games.

MATTHEW TKACHUK SENDS THE FLORIDA PANTHERS TO THE STANLEY CUP FINAL 🚨🚨🚨 pic.twitter.com/zL87bLtVuX

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 25, 2023

Since the Golden Knights had the better regular-season record and, therefore, have home ice advantage, Games 1, 2, 5, and 7 will be played at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, while Games 3, 4, and 6 will be played at FLA Live Arena in Sunrise.

Panthers vs. Golden Knights: Player Predictions

Jonathan Marchessault Will Record Over 20 Shots

In the regular season, Marchessault recorded 28 goals, 29 assists, 57 points, and 234 shots for the Golden Knights before adding another 12 shots in the first round of the playoffs, 34 in the second, and 16 in the third. Going into the Stanley Cup Final against the Panthers, I think Marchessault will continue to be a player to watch.

This is Marchessault’s seventh trip to the playoffs and his fifth with the Golden Knights. He’s proven himself essential to Las Vegas’s success this season, and another 20 shots in the Stanley Cup Final shouldn’t be too much of an ask.

Jonathan Marchessault blasts Eichel's great pass into the back of the net to put Vegas up just 1:11 in!#VegasBorn pic.twitter.com/a60Idhkzne

— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) May 24, 2023

Matthew Tkachuk Will Record Over 7 Points

Tkachuk recorded 40 goals, 69 assists, 109 points, and 322 shots during the regular season before backing it up with 11 points in the first round of the playoffs, five in the second, and five in the third. Now heading into the Stanley Cup Final to face the Golden Knights, I wouldn’t be surprised if the 25-year-old left wing continues to turn up the heat.

This year has been huge for Tkachuk, and not just because it was his first with the Panthers. After winning All-Star Game MVP in February, his regular-season stats set new personal bests in assists, points, and shots, and he was recently named a finalist for the Hart Memorial Trophy.

This is Tkachuk’s fifth playoff appearance in his seven-year career. He’s already established himself as an incredibly reliable presence on the ice for the Panthers, and I doubt his performance in the Stanley Cup Final will be any exception. 

I think another seven points in this series is very doable.

Panthers vs. Golden Knights: Schedule