The Stanley Cup Finals kick off Saturday in Vegas in what should be a wildly exciting series between the Panthers and Golden Knights.
The majority of analysts and fans are split about which way the series might go, and I would tend to agree that Game 1 doesn't feature a clear betting side with value.
A fun way to get some action on a seemingly tough-to-predict Game 1 is this longshot same-game parlay, which revolves around a regulation tie, and ideally, a long overtime session.
Check out my same-game parlay for Panthers vs. Knights Game 1 below, which includes picks for a regulation tie, Anthony Duclair and Jonathan Marchessault.
Same Game Parlay: Panthers vs. Knights Game 1
The Parlay (+2200 bet365)
- Regulation Tie
- Anthony Duclair Over 1.5 Shots on Goal & Brandon Montour Over 2.5 Shots on Goal
- Jonathan Marchessault Over 2.5 Shots on Goal & William Karlsson Over 1.5 Shots on Goal
Regulation Tie
A regulation tie is a logical result in this matchup and would go a long ways to cashing the rest of our legs.
Florida has played almost exclusively in single-goal contests this postseason. In general, the strategy has been to win closely-fought games with incredible goaltending coming from Sergei Bobrovsky.
The Panthers have gone to overtime six times in their 16-game postseason run. All four matchups against Carolina were of the single-goal variety, and for many of the same reasons, this series could play out in a similar fashion.
The Knights have played in four overtime sessions this postseason, including three last round against the Stars. They're playing an excellent team game in all areas right now, and I don't imagine many versions of this game in which Vegas loses big.
With that said, it's hard to imagine any team creating separation on the scoreboard versus Bobrovsky.
Those factors should make a regulation tie a good longshot bet, which would give serious life to our longshot parlay, as shooters can backdoor the over on their shot props with an extra period.
Anthony Duclair Over 1.5 Shots on Goal & Brandon Montour Over 2.5 Shots on Goal
Duclair could become a potential X-factor for the Panthers in this series. It took some time to fully find his legs this season after a grueling rehab from an Achilles tear, but it was clear last round that his game is back in a good place.
Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov also continues to display better offensive form. That's good news for Duclair, as the duo skates together on the Panthers' top even-strength line.
At a low total of 1.5 Duclair's over should be quite safe in a game that goes into the extra period.
Montour, meanwhile, has been a machine all postseason long for the Panthers. He continues to create a wealth of shooting opportunities with his ability to beat forwards up the ice as a trailing option at even strength and also manages a lot of shots on the Panthers' top power-play unit. He has averaged 3.93 shots on goal this postseason and should be noticeable in this matchup.
Jonathan Marchessault Over 2.5 Shots on Goal & William Karlsson Over 1.5 Shots on Goal
Florida has allowed 32.98 shots against per 60 minutes this postseason, and it's easy to make the case for backing some top Knights shooters in Game 1.
Marchessault leads Vegas by a wide margin with 20.5 shot attempts per 60 this postseason. That comes playing on a strong top line and top power-play unit, and it's an easy call here to keep riding the hot hand.
Karlsson paces the team with 10 goals this postseason and is the top shooting option on the Knights' second line. He could make a big impact, so hitting an over of 1.5 is definitely feasible — especially if he had an extra period.
