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NHL best bets today (Expect another offensive showdown)

By Iain MacMillan

Jun 3, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Florida Panthers center Anton Lundell (15) takes a shot against Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Zach Whitecloud (2) during the third period in game one of the 2023 Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 3, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Florida Panthers center Anton Lundell (15) takes a shot against Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Zach Whitecloud (2) during the third period in game one of the 2023 Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /
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Not to brag, but I went 3-0 with the picks I gave out for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. The Golden Knights won, the total went OVER, and Jonathan Marchessault popped a goal.

We’re on to Game 2. I’m going to stay away from a side tonight, but I’m back on another total bet and I have a player prop bet to go along with it.

Let’s dive into them.

Best NHL best for Stanley Cup Final Game 2

  • OVER 5.5 (-120)
  • Sergei Bobrovsky OVER 29.5 saves (-106)

Panthers vs. Golden Knights OVER 5.5 (-120)

My main bet for Game 1 was the OVER and based what happened in Game 1, I simply must make the same bet again Game 2.

The opening game of the series was completely wide open and did not resemble a matchup that should have a 5.5 total. If you look at expected goals, the Golden Knights had 4.4 and the panthers had 3.09. That’s a combined expected goals of 7.49, well above the set total of 5.5.

The Golden Knights also accumulated 21 total high-danger scoring chances while the Panthers racked up 10.

Before the Panthers went on this playoff run, they were will known as a team that were extremely offensive minded. All offense, no defense. That has still been largely the case in the playoffs, but the play of Sergei Bobrovsky has made people forget it to be the case.

I’m shocked the total is once again at 5.5. Give me the OVER.

Sergei Bobrovsky OVER 29.5 saves (-106)

With the same thought process as the OVER for the score of the game, we’re also going to take the OVER on Bobrovsky’s save total. This way, if he decides to stand on his head again like he has several times in the playoffs, we can cash on the saves prop despite potentially not winning the OVER on the score.

He faced 36 shots in Game 1 and the Panthers defense was decimated throughout. Unless they sharpen things up defensively, he’s going to be in for another long night in Game 2.

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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.