NHL
2023 NHL Stanley Cup finals: who won the regular season games between Panthers and the Golden Knights?
Both Stanley Cup finalists, the Golden Knights and the Panthers, won in their home games during this year’s regular season of the National Hockey League.
Regarding franchise history, the Vegas Golden Knights and the Florida Panthers have not yet achieved championship success, and it will certainly not stay like this until the end of this season.
The Panthers had a remarkable surge in 1996, but the impressive accomplishments of the Golden Knights have overshadowed their status as the top expansion tale in the NHL. During their debut season, the Golden Knights clinched their division title. They made it to the Stanley Cup Finals, effectively taking the title of “most successful expansion team” from the Panthers. In contrast, the Panthers have only made it to the playoffs six times in the years since, but unfortunately, they have never advanced beyond the first round.
In the history of the NHL, Vegas and Florida have only played against each other 11 times (including the recent Stanley Cup Finals game), with the Golden Knights leading the series with a score of 7-4. Both teams won one home game in the current season’s regular league.
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Florida Panthers - January 13, 2023
On January 13, 2023, the Vegas Golden Knights faced off against the Florida Panthers in their first match of the season. The game was held in front of a crowded audience at the T-Mobile arena and ended with the Golden Knights emerging as the winners with a final score of 4-2.
The game kicked off with an explosive start in the 1st period, as Nick Cousins of the Panthers found the back of the net just 2 minutes and 2 seconds into the game. Aaron Ekblad and Eetu Luostarinen provided the assists, showcasing their seamless coordination through the Golden Knights’ defensive line.
In the 2nd period, Vegas equaled through Nicolas Roy, who capitalized on an opportunity at the 4-minute and 8-second mark, courtesy of an assist from Keegan Kolesar. The Golden Knights’ momentum halted as Sam Reinhart converted a power-play opportunity at the 12-minute and 47-second mark. Matthew Tkachuk and Aleksander Barkov set him up for the goal and a 2-1 lead for the Panthers.
Entering the 3rd period, the Golden Knights regained their offensive prowess, with Jack Eichel equaling the 8-minute and 37-second mark. Kaedan Korczak played a crucial role, assisting Eichel in securing the goal. The Panthers struggled to contain the relentless Golden Knights’ offense, as William Carrier found the back of the net at the 17-minute and 24-second mark, assisted again by Keegan Kolesar.
As the match drew close, the Golden Knights sealed their impressive performance with a final goal from William Karlsson, who scored 18 minutes and 53 seconds into the 3rd period.
Florida Panthers vs. Vegas Golden Knights - March 8, 2023
The latest regular season game of the current Stanley Cup finalists was a thrilling match at the FLA LIVE Arena on the Panthers’ home ice rink. The Panthers were victorious with a 2-1 score, thanks to their impressive performance in the 1st period, where they were the only team to score. The remaining two periods were relatively equal, with both teams having moments of field advantage.
In the first period, Ryan Lomberg of the Panthers scored with an assist from Josh Mahura, giving them the lead. Aleksander Barkov scored with assistance from Anthony Duclair and Cousins in the second period, increasing their lead to 2-0. The final score was set by Shea Theodore on a power play after impressive Golden Knights teamwork from Jack Eichel and Reilly Smith.