NHL Stanley Cup Final Game 3: Can the Panthers Claw Back?
Photo credit to John Locher / AP
TAMPA – In an exciting show of dominance and skill, the Vegas Golden Knights take a commanding 2-0 lead in the Stanley Cup Final, overpowering the Florida Panthers in an impressive 7-2 victory.
Building on their impressive performance in Game 1, the Golden Knights showcased their offensive power, as well as their solid defense, to take a commanding lead and have taken another step towards capturing their first Stanley Cup.
Right from the opening puck drop, the Golden Knights displayed their intent to control the pace of the game. Their offensive onslaught came early, with a goal from Jonathan Marchessault, who scored on the power play not even halfway through the first period, setting the pace for the rest of the game. Another goal would come with 2:01 on the clock, as Ivan Barbashev gets the assist on the Alec Martinez snap-shot goal.
The line of Mark Stone, Chandler Stephenson, and Brett Howden proved to be a dominant force on the ice as well, generating numerous scoring opportunities throughout the game. They combined for a total of five points, with Howden scoring two goals, Stephenson with two assists, and an assist from Mark Stone. Their chemistry on the ice overwhelmed the Panthers’ defense tremendously, leaving them struggling to find an answer.
While Howden’s line was exceptionally strong, it was the Golden Knights’ depth that was shown in Game 2. Players from each line stepped up and delivered goals that shut down the Florida Panthers altogether. Jonathan Marchessault, Alec Martinez, Nicolas Roy – these players all found the back of the net, displaying the Golden Knights’ firepower.
The Golden Knights’ defensive unit played an essential role in securing the victory. Alec Martinez and company were able to shut down the blue lines, as the Panthers were unable to find the offensive zone or scoring opportunities. With the team’s commitment to shutting down the Panthers’ offense and maintaining pressure on defense, the Golden Knights were able to maintain control and the pace of the game.
In the battle between the pipes, Vegas goaltender Adin Hill provided a stellar performance, proving that he is a reliable last line of defense. Facing a determined and hungry Panthers offense, Hill’s positioning, reflexes, and calmness under pressure were on full display. With an impressive 29 saves and two goals allowed, he leaves him at a 93% save percentage. With the number of saves made, the Panthers’ efforts of scoring and staging a comeback dwindled.
With an outstanding Game 2, the Vegas Golden Knights have firmly shown that they are the team to beat in this Stanley Cup Final. With their offensive firepower, strong-willed defense, and outstanding goaltending, it looks as though the Panthers have their hands full.
For Vegas to win, they must remain focused, don’t take any penalties, and play their game, maintaining control of the flow. For the Panthers to stay in the fight, they must find a way to get into the offensive zone and disrupt the flow from Vegas’ goaltender Adin Hill. Shots on net are essential.
The Panthers will face the Golden Knights on their home turf in Game 3 on Thursday, June 8, at 8:00 pm EST. Can they claw their way back into the series, or will they fall prey to the Vegas juggernaut that is hungry for glory?