Two hockey long shots to wager on
The Vegas Golden Knights and Florida Panthers are so evenly matched that oddsmakers are having a difficult time deciding which team will come out on top in the Stanley Cup Final. Currently, the Knights are favored to win with -130 odds, but this is the tightest gap in odds for the Stanley Cup Final since the Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the San Jose Sharks in 2016.
Despite having the best record in the Western Conference and a 12-5 postseason record, the Golden Knights haven’t gotten as much respect from the market as expected, particularly against the Panthers, who clawed into the playoffs as an eight seed. However, the Panthers have proven themselves to be no ordinary eight seed by only losing four times this postseason, with three of those defeats coming in Round 1 against the record-setting Boston Bruins.
One factor contributing to the skepticism towards the Golden Knights is the goaltending matchup. Adin Hill has been stellar in replacing the injured Laurent Brossoit since the end of Round 2, but his career numbers are closer to average than the elite stats he has put up during this playoff run. On the other hand, Sergei Bobrovsky has been on a hot streak for the Panthers, but it remains to be seen if he can maintain that level of play.
There are also questions surrounding Florida’s defense and the effect of the two-week break between games. Ultimately, it seems that oddsmakers have priced this series correctly, and it may be wise not to bet on the series as there are too many unpredictable factors for both teams.
However, for those looking to make some punts with value ahead of Game 1, Ivan Barbashev to win the Conn Smythe at 66/1 odds or Nick Cousins to lead the Stanley Cup finals in goals at 200/1 odds may be worth considering.
FAQs:
What are the current odds for the Vegas Golden Knights and Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final?
– The Knights are currently favored to win with -130 odds.
Why is it surprising that the odds for this matchup are so tight?
– The Golden Knights had the best record in the Western Conference and a 12-5 postseason record, while the Panthers are an eight seed that barely made it into the playoffs.
What factors are contributing to the skepticism towards the Golden Knights?
– The goaltending matchup, particularly with Adin Hill’s elite playoff stats but average career numbers, is a concern for some.
Is it wise to bet on the series?
– It may be best to avoid betting on the series as there are too many unpredictable factors for both teams.
Are there any punts with value for game 1?
– Ivan Barbashev to win the Conn Smythe Trophy at 66/1 odds or Nick Cousins to lead the Stanley Cup finals in goals at 200/1 odds may be worth considering.
“Two Unlikely Hockey Bets to Consider”
Oddsmakers are struggling to differentiate the Vegas Golden Knights and the Florida Panthers. With the game just days away, the Knights are favourites by -130 over the Panthers. This is the smallest gap between odds in a Stanley Cup Final since 2016 when the Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the San Jose Sharks. Despite the Golden Knights having the best record in the Western Conference and going 12-5 in the postseason, they have not gained much respect from the market against the eight-seeded Panthers. The Panthers, on the other hand, have only suffered four losses in the postseason, with three coming in Round 1 against the Boston Bruins.
There are also questions regarding the goaltending matchup. Though Adin Hill has been impressive since replacing the injured Laurent Brossoit at the end of Round 2, his career numbers are much closer to average than the impressive stats he has registered during the playoffs. Sergei Bobrovsky, too, has been exceptional for the Panthers, but a bet on him to maintain that level may be risky. The layoff is also going to impact Florida, and it is uncertain as to whether the two-week breather will be helpful or hurtful.
Despite the uncertainties, it seems the bookmakers have priced the series right. With too many questions for both teams that are difficult to answer, it is hard to get involved with a series bet when it is so closely priced. However, there are some worthwhile punts with value available before the game. For instance, Ivan Barbashev has been priced at 66/1, which means that if he is the star of the series, he could win the Conn Smythe Trophy. Additionally, Nick Cousins, who has a prime spot on Florida’s best line with Tkachuk and Sam Bennett, is available at 200/1 to lead the Stanley Cup finals in goals.