Tip: Can the cat claw back?

After just two games in the Stanley Cup Final, the Vegas Golden Knights have taken a commanding 2-0 series lead against Florida Panthers. This marks the first time the Panthers have found themselves trailing 0-2 in a series throughout this postseason. Unfortunately for them, their struggles in Cup Final games continue. Since their inaugural appearance in 1996, the Panthers have failed to secure a single victory in the Cup Final, currently holding a disappointing 0-6 record, including their recent losses against Vegas. Back in 1996, the Colorado Avalanche swept the Panthers in a series. Despite this precarious situation, it is on home ice that the Panthers have been most unstoppable in recent seasons, and I believe we will witness a desperate Florida team turning the tide in Game 3.

The goaltending and defense will be the key for Florida

In this series, the goaltending performance for Florida has been below the standard set in the previous 11 games. Sergei Bobrovsky has only managed to save 38 out of 46 shots in the first two games, and he was replaced in Game 2 after conceding four goals on just 13 shots. Bobrovsky played a crucial role in the Panthers' winning streak, but whether it was due to the time off or simply a regression in form, it would be unrealistic to expect the same level of goaltending that he exhibited with a .954 save percentage in Rounds 2 and 3. However, we can likely count on a determined Bobrovsky seeking redemption, as he has demonstrated an incredibly high level throughout the playoffs as a whole.

Another challenge that the Panthers are finding difficult to adapt to is the formidable play of the Vegas defense. While Florida found success with a physical offensive forecheck against the Maple Leafs and Hurricanes, they now face a much larger and more imposing Vegas defense. The Panthers are struggling to win battles on their dump-ins and are finding it challenging to establish control in the offensive zone. Of course, this is something that the team in Florida is well aware of, and I would be surprised if we don't witness a slightly different strategy in the third game.

The Panthers have what it takes to turn the tide

Feeling calm after the Game 1 loss might have been acceptable, but after a Game 2 defeat that resulted in Sergei Bobrovsky being replaced by Alex Lyon? If you're a Panthers fan, you might have already hit the panic button. However, it's time to shift focus and find some positives. While the Panthers boast a winning record at home in the playoffs (4-3), they will require more than just home advantage to halt the Golden Knights. Florida possesses one of the league's most feared offenses, and if they can find alternative ways to enter the offensive zone and start capitalizing better on their chances, I believe Vegas will face a completely different level of pressure. Hopefully, the goaltending performance can also be elevated.

Additionally, it is crucial for the Panthers to maintain composure and avoid unraveling at the end of games, unlike Matthew Tkachuk, who has been ejected from as many games as the Golden Knights have wins.

Even though Vegas has been the dominant force on the ice, the Panthers have demonstrated throughout the playoffs that they have the capacity to defeat a team like Vegas. After all, they reached the finals by defeating the Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Carolina Hurricanes. The key will be to remain composed and have faith in the team's high inherent capability, especially on the offensive end, without succumbing to unnecessary pressure.

Conclusion and prediction

When a team continues to lose games, it's very easy to fall into a one-track mindset. "Vegas has already won the first two games easily, so why wouldn't they win the next one as well?" The problem with this thinking is that it doesn't address the most fundamental question in sports betting: "How often do teams win?" NOT "if they win." I believe we have reached a point in this series where Florida is actually being undervalued. Considering the team's inherent capability and strong home record in recent seasons, I think it's time to bet on Florida!

Therefore, I will be placing a bet on them to win the game in regulation time at +140 with Bet365.