Jun 3, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Florida Panthers center Zac Dalpe (22) waits for a face off against the Vegas Golden Knights during the first period in game one of the 2023 Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
NHL: Stanley Cup Final-Florida Panthers at Vegas Golden Knights
(New York, NY) — A competitive back and forth matchup in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals quickly grew out of hand for the visiting Florida Panthers as the Vegas Golden Knights rallied for three goals in the third period from T-Mobile Arena to win the first match of the series 5-2.
Heading into Game 2, the biggest key for the Panthers will be staying out of the penalty box. Florida racked up a staggering 46 total penalty minutes through Game 1, with four minor calls and three misconduct majors given in the 3rd Period alone.
On top of the Knights capitalizing on two of their seven power play opportunities, the Panthers high flying offense was working with clipped wings for a majority of the game. They were unable to put up much effort outside of a handful of breakaway chances, especially after extracurriculars sent Sam Bennett and star forward Matthew Tkachuk back to the locker room late in the third.
For the Golden Knights, Game 1 was headlined by goalie Adin Hill, who in a netminding matchup with the white hot Sergei Bobrovsky, saved 33 of 35 shots faced including a mind-blowing goal line stick save on Nick Cousins, and let nothing past him in the final frame to secure the victory.
The home team was well disciplined in their approach, serving only two minor penalties all game, and with the benefit of some puck luck and a few lenient calls, the consistently potent Vegas offense was able to punch four past Bobrovsky and one into the empty net.
The first two periods of action showed that this series will likely be much closer than the final score appeared to project. If both teams stay this aggressive, and the Panthers can limit their penalties, this series may drag into a war of attrition. However, Florida must steal tonight’s game in Sin City first to send the Finals back to Sunrise knotted at a game apiece.
Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals airs tonight on TNT beginning at 8pm EDT from Las Vegas.
