The 2023 Stanley Cup Final finally begins tomorrow night in Las Vegas, when the puck drops for a matchup between the Golden Knights and the Panthers. Vegas has the home-ice advantage, with Florida hosting Game 3, Game 4, and Game 6 (if necessary). Here’s the full schedule, with all games starting at 8:00 PM ET:
– Game 1 | Panthers vs. Golden Knights | Saturday, June 3 | TNT
– Game 2 | Panthers vs. Golden Knights | Monday, June 5 | TNT
– Game 3 | Golden Knights vs. Panthers | Thursday, June 8 | TNT
– Game 4 | Golden Knights vs. Panthers | Saturday, June 10 | TNT
– Game 5 | Panthers vs. Golden Knights | Tuesday, June 13 | TNT
– Game 6 | Golden Knights vs. Panthers | Friday, June 16 | TNT
– Game 7 | Panthers vs. Golden Knights | Monday, June 19 | TNT
*Games 5-7 if necessary
This is the first time that Turner will host the Stanley Cup Final, with the entire series airing on TNT. Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, Anson Carter, Henrik Lundqvist, Paul Bissonnette, and host Liam McHugh will anchor the coverage pre-game, post-game, and during period intermissions.
The NHL released a trailer ahead of tomorrow night:
https://twitter.com/NHL/status/1664324872737046537?s=20
Las Vegas Golden Knights
The Golden Knights have returned to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since their inaugural season in 2017-2018. A small but key group of key players from their expansion roster remains, including William Karlsson and Jonathan Marchessault, but the Golden Knights have matured as a team in their return to the Final. Former No. 2 overall pick Jack Eichel (acquired from the Sabres in 2021) has been a standout performer for his club during this run, leading the team in playoff points. With a balanced offense and strong goaltending from Adin Hill, the Golden Knights are a formidable force looking to secure their first-ever championship.
Florida Panthers
The Panthers have made a remarkable return to the Stanley Cup Final after a long absence since 1996. Boasting a talented lineup, the Panthers are headlined by Matthew Tkachuk, who has been a sensational leader throughout the playoffs. Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky has been sensational, helping the Panthers overcome a 3-1 deficit in the first round versus the record-breaking Boston Bruins. With a potent power play and a knack for overtime victories, the Panthers have shown resilience and determination as the eight seed in the East. They aim to capture their first-ever Stanley Cup, with brothers Eric Staal and Marc Staal playing key roles in their quest for glory after knocking out the Carolina Hurricanes and their brother Jordan in the Eastern Conference Final.
Prediction
If Bobrovsky can stand on his head, and the Panthers can continue to play has hard and as well as they have, the magical run can be capped with a triumphant hoisting of the Cup. But I like the Golden Knights franchise to finish what they started in their inaugural season.
Golden Knights in six