Ryan Hodges
Show Bio
The Panthers are in major need of some star performances as they look to avoid an 0-3 deficit in the Stanley Cup Final tonight. The way things have looked so far, this series may not make it back to Vegas. The Panthers players are anxious to change the early series trends and claw their way back into it. The Golden Knights, though, can almost taste a Stanley Cup win being within just 2 wins now. Regardless of Game 3’s outcome, look for a few players on both sides to step up in the big moments.
If you are looking to have some action in Thursday night’s Game 3, check out the player props below.
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Aleksander Barkov over 0.5 goals (+165)
Aleksander Barkov has been very good as an all-round reliable, 200 foot player. But in terms of point production, he has been a little bit hot and cold this postseason. Barkov had 9 points in the first 9 games of the playoffs, then had none for 3 games, then 4 points in 4 games, and so far no points in the 2 Stanley Cup Final. It’s time for Barkov to get hot again if he is going to help get the Panthers back in this series starting on Thursday night. Barkov had 78 points in 68 games during the regular season and has shown that he can produce in the playoffs. With their backs against the wall and a jolt of energy being back home, look for a little extra pep in the step of the Panthers’ captain.
Both the top line and top power play of the Panthers is centered by Barkov. At any time, he is likely on the ice with some combination of Carter Verhaeghe, Anthony Duclair, Sam Bennett, Matthew Tkachuk, Brandon Montour, Sam Reinhart and Aaron Ekblad, among other good Panthers players. That is a good mix for production if these guys can create space and get some favorable bounces. He is in a great spot with great players and logs heavy minutes. The tone will be set by the leadership of Panthers head coach Paul Maurice and captain Barkov. With extra adrenaline and focus in a huge game, it would not be a surprise to see Barkov getting on the board with a big goal.
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Ivan Barbashev over 0.5 points (+105)
Ivan Barbashev has garnered much deserved attention around the hockey world for his play in this postseason. He has been everything the Golden Knights were hoping for when they traded for him and then some. St. Louis fans knew that Vegas was getting a great but undervalued player. Then Vegas fans found out, and now the rest of the league and media are finding out. Barbashev plays as physically as anyone on the ice, but also can play in every situation and make plays when it counts. All of the above is exactly what he has done in this series and has made his presence known. The way the Golden Knights are playing overall, there is no indication that they will slow down and Barbashev is no exception.
After tallying 6 points in the first 9 games of these playoffs, Barbashev had found some strong form offensively and since Game 5 against Edmonton, he has 11 points in 10 games. His 17 points in 19 games in this postseason is tied for 3rd on the team. The chances continue to come as Barbashev is on the Golden Knights’ top line with Jack Eichel and Jonathan Marchessault, both of whom are on fire. He is also on the second power-play line with William Karlsson, Reilly Smith, Nicolas Roy and Alex Pietrangelo. If Vegas can continue a level even close to their Game 2 dominance, Ivan Barbashev has a great chance to continue to be part of the production.
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