This is a big Saturday matchup in the NHL as both teams have high expectations and have the rosters to match it.
Vegas Golden Knights have been incredible to start the year with a 5-0-2 record, while Florida Panthers are still looking to find consistency due to a plethora of key injuries.
Injuries or not, we have two stacked lineups hitting the ice that know this is a big test.
To get you set for the action, here is our expert Golden Knights vs. Panthers prediction and analysis.
Vegas has been a huge threat in this league ever since they entered as an expansion team in the 2017-18 season and it is no surprise that they are one of the only NHL teams without a regulation loss, but something feels different so far this season.
Their strength is showing on all fronts and I think Florida will find it tough even at home.
The major offseason acquisition of Mitch Marner is paying dividends already, as the offense has exploded.
The Golden Knights lead the league in goals per game (4.3). Jack Eichel and Mark Stone are both averaging over two points per game and there are six players overall who are at least averaging a point per game.
They are yet to be elite on the defensive side of the puck, which is understandable after losing key defenseman Alex Pietrangelo to a year-long injury.
However, I still love their overall play and think they are far deeper than the injury-riddled Panthers.
The major change to this team has been the signing (and trading) of forward Marner.
In his first season not with the Toronto Maple Leafs, the dynamic winger picked up right where he left off as an elite producer. He has 10 points (two goals and eight assists), and he is showing no signs of slowing no signs of slowing.
After playing nine seasons with a stacked Maple Leafs forward group, he has quickly joined the elite forwards in Vegas and has bolstered the lineup.
The chemistry is evident, and he is on track for his second-straight 100+ point season.
Florida has shown to be a dominant team, but with their early-season struggles they have proven to be beatable.
Expect Marner to help lead the way offensively as he usually does, ultimately leading Vegas to a win.
Sam Bennett has been a key contributor for Florida consistently, especially in the playoffs, but it has been a very slow start for the forward with one goal and one assist in nine games and the Panthers desperately need him to step up.
While he is no major goalscorer (20+ goals in just three of his 10 seasons), make no mistake Bennett can be a force out there. This is especially true when he is leaned upon heavily.
Florida have a losing record and are very depleted, especially with forwards Matthew Tkachuk and Alex Barkov out for an extended period of time.
In a game that will be a challenge for the Panthers, it represents a great opportunity to Bennett to step up for his team.
Even in a potential losing effort, Bennett can bury his second goal of the season.
Read more betting picks and predictions for the NHL on site.
Vegas Golden Knights
-115
Florida Panthers
-106
Puck Line
VGS Golden Knights -1.5
Total
O/U 6.0
Jack Eichel (VGS Golden Knights)
+165
Sam Reinhart (FLO Panthers)
+170
Pavel Dorofeyev (VGS Golden Knights)
+180
Mitch Marner (VGS Golden Knights)
+190
Brad Marchand (FLO Panthers)
+190
Sam Bennett (FLO Panthers)
+200
Read the latest NHL news on site
This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
Third Party Marketing/Targeting
We use cookies to deliver a better and more personalized service. For more information, see our Cookie Policy
You must be over 21 to play.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800 GAMBLER.
© 2001-2025 bet365. All rights reserved.