NHL Stanley Cup Final 2023: Odds, Hot Takes, Top Storylines for Game 4
The Florida Panthers gained some much-needed hope on Thursday night with a 3-2 win over the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final.
Florida was on the brink of disaster as the series moved to FLA Live Arena. Vegas had outscored the Panthers 12-4 in the first two games and was close to setting up a potential sweep with a 2-1 lead late in Game 3.
However, Matthew Tkachuk tied the game with 2:13 left in regulation, and Carter Verhaeghe scored in the extra period to ensure that the series will go back to Vegas on Tuesday.
On Saturday, the Panthers will try to even the series, while the Golden Knights will try setting up a chance to win on their home ice. In other words, Game 4 is a pivotal contest either way.
By Sunday morning, we'll know whether the Panthers have truly wrestled away the momentum from the Golden Knights or whether Thursday night's outcome was simply a road bump in a dominant Vegas run.
Game 4 Odds
Money Line
Florida: -120 (bet $120 to win $100)
Vegas: +100 (bet $100 to win $100)
Puck Line
Florida: -1.5 (+200)
Vegas: +1.5 (-240)
Over/Under: 6
Vegas Must Apply Pressure
The Golden Knights will still have home-ice advantage if they return to T-Mobile Arena with the series tied. However, they would lose the momentum they built over the first two games by doing so.
"They got a little momentum off winning the last game. It ends after that game," Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb said, per ESPN's Kristen Shilton. "Both teams have a chance to regroup. We know what's at stake for Game 4 and it's a big game for us."
Allowing a late rally cost Vegas a chance at a commanding 3-0 series lead. To avoid the possibility of a repeat, the Golden Knights need to apply pressure early and force the Panthers out of their comfort zone.
Even if the Golden Knights take an early lead, the Panthers will have a chance if the margin is narrow late. Seven of Tkachuk's 11 goals this postseason have been scored in the third period or overtime, and the Panthers are now 7-0 in overtime playoff games this year.
Building a large lead could be Vegas' key to preventing any comeback heroics, and the Golden Knights have the offensive prowess to get one.
Led by star center Jack Eichel (17 assists, 23 points) and winger Jonathan Marchessault (13 goals, 23 points), 20 different Golden Knights skaters have scored points this postseason. Fifteen have produced points in this series alone.
Vegas' defense and goalie Adin Hill have played well in this series. However, a home team that has proved it can surge late should have the edge in a defensive battle.
Florida Can Ride the Momentum Wave of a Franchise First
If the Panthers continue to build on what they accomplished Thursday night, Tkachuk's late goal could be viewed as the turning point in this series. It has already led to a historic moment in Panthers history.
After being swept by the Colorado Avalanche in 1996 and losing the first two games to Vegas, Thursday's win marked the first Stanley Cup Final victory in the franchise's 30-year history.
"It's amazing. I'm not going to lie," 27-year-old captain Aleksander Barkov said, per Helene Elliott of the Los Angeles Times. "I've been here for a long time and this is the best time in my life to play in front of that crowd and battling for something you've been dreaming of since literally I was born. It's huge."
Both teams are searching for their first Stanley Cup title, but the Golden Knights have only been around since 2017 and notched a Final victory in their inaugural season. For the Panthers—who, before this year, had not advanced past the second round since 1996—Thursday's victory was huge.
Longtime Panthers like Barkov can now believe that winning a championship is a real possibility.
"There's a little bit of collective confidence,” Florida head coach Paul Maurice said, per Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press.
A second straight win would lead to even more confidence, as it would ensure that the Panthers will return home for Game 6. Expect the Panthers to try to set the pace early.
If they can play the sort of methodical, efficient game that has carried them through most of the postseason, they'll know it can lead them to victory over Vegas.
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