Stanley Cup Finals (Best-of-7 series)

Panthers vs. Golden Knights: Game 1 Saturday at Vegas, 8 p.m., TNT

Latest line: Vegas favored in Game 1 (-135)

Dave Hyde, Sports Columnist: Panthers in 6

They have the hottest goalie these playoffs in Sergei Bobrovsky and a player who might beat him for the Conn Smythe trophy as the playoff MVP in Matthew Tkachuk. Bobrovsky has won 11 of his last 12 games with a 1.95 goals-against average and .942 save percentage, while Tkachuk has four game-winning goals in these playoffs. Vegas is on a strong run with their back-up goalie (after injury). But this is the Panthers series to take.

Adam Lichtenstein, Sports Reporter: Panthers in 6

Can you really start doubting the Panthers now? They snuck into the playoffs and took down the Bruins, who had more regular-season wins than any team in NHL history. They knocked off the higher-seeded Toronto Maple Leafs. Then Florida outscored Carolina by four total goals, but won the conference finals in a four-game sweep anyway. With Matthew Tkachuk seeming to find the back of the net whenever it matters most, this team seems destined to bring the Stanley Cup to the southernmost town in the NHL.

Kathy Laughlin, Sports Editor: Panthers in 6

The Golden Knights are the No. 1 seed in the West, going up against the No. 8 seeded Florida Panthers. That doesn’t look good for the Panthers. Vegas has been racking up some high-scoring games, including in a jaw-dropping 6-0 win in Game 6 of the Western Conference final against the Dallas Stars. Also, not great for the Panthers. Of course, the Panthers didn’t need a Game 6 in their conference final against the Hurricanes. Florida swept, and they are rested.

Keven Lerner, Assistant Sports Editor: Panthers in 6

The red-hot Panthers look to continue their magical run in the Stanley Cup Final against a quality Vegas team. Florida reached its first Stanley Cup Final since 1996 with impressive series wins over higher-seeded Boston, Toronto and Carolina. The Panthers, who shouldn’t be considered underdogs any more, seem destined for another playoff upset. Matthew Tkachuk’s playoff grit and Sergei Bobrovsky’s dominance in net should continue.