Stanley Cup Finals Betting: David Alter’s Game 4 Preview
With the Florida Panthers now back in business, David Alter is on hand to assess if they have got what it takes to level the series on home ice.
What a difference overtime can make.
When Florida Panthers forward Carter Verhaeghe’s shot slipped past Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Adin Hill in overtime of Game 3, the interest in the Stanley Cup Final increased.
Let’s face it. It would have been lame to see the Panthers go down 0-3 in their best-of-seven series with the Golden Knights.
Now it’s a series. And the Panthers finally got their monkey off their back. They had been 0-6 in Stanley Cup Final games dating back to their 1996 sweep at the hands of the Colorado Avalanche.
The Panthers are slight -115 favourites on the money line and for good reason. Matthew Tkachuk came alive in this series with a goal and an assist. Despite having to leave Game 3 after a hit from Vegas’ Keegan Kolesar, he provided the screen that led to Verhaeghe’s OT winner.
“I’m ready to go. Everybody’s excited that we’re in this position right now,” he said.
The Golden Knights could have won the game and Bodog has them at -105. Florida continues to put themselves in penalty trouble and Vegas has scored at least two power play goals in all three games of this series.
“We’ve managed to stay composed throughout these playoffs,” Vegas forward William Karlsson said on Friday.”
The Panthers are a ridiculous 7-0 in overtime during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Along with the play of goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky in previous rounds. It comes down to their clutch factor.
Tkachuk’s goal in Game 3 tied the game late as the Panthers pulled Bobrovsky for an extra attacker.
If the Panthers can stay out of the penalty box, perhaps we can see a more dominant effort from the club.
Vegas’ depth continues to be a huge factor. Jonathan Marchessault took the lead in goal scoring with his 13th of the playoffs. Jack Eichel continues to be a big factor in his first Stanley Cup Playoffs. Jack Eichel leads the Golden Knights with 23 points in 20 playoff games.
What I like
I picked Florida -1.5 in the last game and that ended up being the right call. Because I don’t think we’ve seen the best from the Panthers, I think the value there at +215 is definitely the way to go.
Go with the over
We haven’t seen Florida explode for goals yet. Picking the over 5.5 looks like the way to go there.S
Sam Reinhart power play point
I fully expect the Panthers to get on the board on the power play in this one and Sam Reinhart at +135 is excellent value.
William Karlsson 3+ shots on goal at +165.
The Golden Knights are going to get their shots in. Regardless of quality, Wild Bill Karlsson will feed the net and is sure to get at least three shots on goal.
Hail Mary Big bet on Nick Cousins
Nick Cousins just seems to be there for the big moments. Bodog has Cousins at +5500 to record at least three points. I think this game opens big time and Cousins finds a way to be a factor here. Maybe a small bet, but a huge payout.