The finals are set. Florida and Vegas are stacked with stars, deep rosters, and respected coaches. Their power-plays and penalty kills are some of the best since playoffs began. Whoever wins the finals deserves the accolades and label of champion. It’s time to break down which team has the best chance of winning the finals and taking home both the Conn Smythe and Stanley Cup.
#8 Florida Panthers v. #1 Vegas Golden Knights
Looking back, these are the two perfect teams to play in the championship round. Besides their obvious warm locations and young fanbases, both franchises have two of the best coaches in the game, roster depth in every position, loved franchise stars and a hunger to win their first ever championship. It’s unfortunate only one team can win the title while the other will be known for coming a couple of wins short, pondering what-if’s in the offseason.
At the top, coaches Bruce Cassidy and Paul Maurice have been to the championship round before but came up short against two of the league’s most well chronicled teams in their peak. Maurice is the only coach in the NHL’s top-25 winning list to not win a title while Cassidy is the first coach to ever make both conference and championship finals guiding a team to over 50 wins in a season.
The depth for both teams should astound even casual fans. Florida and Vegas average 12 centers and forwards that would be on first or second lines for almost any NHL team if they weren’t on either roster. Determining who plays and on what line might be an issue for both coaches early this series. There are at least two goaltenders for each who might play and be tempted with trade offers in the offseason.
Series deciding factor: Aaron Ekblad and the Panthers defense v. Jonathan Marchessault and the Golden Knights offense
The first time Vegas made the Stanley Cup finals, they were broken down gradually by the Washington Capitals’ depth especially on special teams. Then coach Barry Trotz exposed holes and vulnerabilities on the Golden Knights roster that couldn’t be fixed and it led to a quick five game series. A similar situation presents itself five years later but this time Vegas has fixed their vulnerabilities. Florida’s lack of defensemen depth outside Brandon Montour and Radko Gudas on the second line will stand out deep in the series. The Golden Knights have at least three lines of defensemen who block shots in the middle of the ice and make forwards and centers uncomfortable in shot attempts. Their average height of six feet three inches clogs the offense’s vision, creating opportunities for more turnovers.
Taking special teams into consideration, every strong power-play unit Vegas faced was snuffed out four games into each series, driving the opposing coaches and captains crazy. The Golden Knights power-play led by Jack Eichel grows increasingly dangerous due to how fellow teammates adapt and uncover weaknesses in the defense. There’s a limited number of opportunities before Jonathan Marchessault and William Karlsson find and exploit holes where the puck can get past the resurgent Sergei Bobrovsky.
Verdict: One of two major factors determining who wins the championship is which team’s willpower stays longer after puck drop. Of the eight Cup finals winners, only one hoisted Lord Stanley’s trophy with more rest. It’s been almost two weeks since the Panthers played a game. There’s no mental lapse for Vegas and it could show early in the series.
The other is the Golden Knights’ serious tone. Their cup run in 2018 was a fun storyline and the franchise made the most that debut season. This series is about legacy for the original misfits and completing the original mission the franchise sought at their original expansion draft. Florida is almost there just like Vegas was last decade, but they’re not ready yet.
Prediction: Vegas Golden Knights defeat the Florida Panthers 4-2 and win their first championship in franchise history
Conn Smythe Winner: Jonathan Marchessault
2023 Total NHL playoffs record: 10-4
JD's Sportscorner 