Ryan Hodges
Show Bio
The first 2 games of the Stanley Cup Final have not gone the way many fans anticipated. Despite this being a #1 seed vs #8 seed matchup, the way both teams had ben playing indicated a tightly-played and long series. With the exception of the first 2 periods played in Game 1, that has not been the case. Although this is not yet an elimination game, it feels like a must-win for the Panthers.
If you’re looking to have some action on Game 3, check out our Golden Knights vs Panthers SGP below. You can also read our NHL predictions for picks on the side and total.
Panthers ML (-125)
Under 6.5 (-140)
Aleksander Barkov over 0.5 goals (+165)
Same Game Parlay odds: +575
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Panthers ML (-125)
After bullying their way through 3 elite opponents, the Panthers will not lose 3 straight games when it matters most, will they? The Golden Knights have outplayed the Panthers overall, but the Panthers have done plenty of things to hurt themselves too, with some brutal defensive breakdowns and undisciplined play.
Granted, this does not exactly sound like a ringing endorsement for Florida to win Game 3. But if they can clean up their sloppy play and revert to what made them successful in the 12 games leading up to this Stanley Cup Final, they should give Vegas a much better game this time. When the Panthers were down 3-1 to the Bruins in the first round, they kept their composure and made the necessary adjustments that ultimately led to them winning 3 straight to close out the series. There is no reason that the Panthers cannot do that again.
Under 6.5 (-140)
The total will likely be determined by how the Panthers play. If they do not improve game over game and again play as poorly as they did in Game 2, then the Golden Knights will likely run up the score leading to another over. That has happened in both games thus far. But if the Panthers can get back to their style of play that got them to this point, then a low-scoring game is more likely.
The under has hit in 8 of the Panthers’ last 11 games. In those 8 games, Florida won all of them and the average game total was 4.63 goals. The Golden Knights have shown their ability to hold their opposition in check. That is a recipe for a low total.
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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 in 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 games.
It is 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.
You can also check out our NHL player prop picks for Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals
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