Mark Stone's broken stick assist is one of the best plays I've ever witnessed.

Florida fans are suddenly very focused on officiating. They weren't, when it worked in their favor. When Bennet was literally cross-checking Bunting to death. Or when Gudas was holding that stick which led to Leafs losing the game in OT. And many more. Suddenly its ref and its all rigged. They somehow overlook, that they haven't scored on 7 PP's in a row, and they are completely outgunned 5on5 and in goaltending. But ye, lets focus on refs.

The funny thing I've noticed is that, throughout the playoffs, when the No-Calls favored Florida, "its just hockey, toughen up!" was the refrain. When the shoe is on the other foot though...

If the Panthers can’t figure out how to actually win a hockey game by playing hockey this is over. VGK are not going to be baited into an MMA match after every whistle.

I think Barbashev laying out Gudas went a long way to showing the Panthers that their schtick isn’t gonna fly in this series

im sorry but... florida was just entirely outmatched. the no call doesnt change the fact florida has just been a total mess that have looked like amateurs these past two games. the fans are just trying to ignore the truth of the matter. like its frustrating when something goes uncalled but i just dont see how that ONE call suddenly made them lose 7-2. it just doesnt add up

This is literally a bi-product of the excellent coaching Vegas has enjoyed throughout this Playoff run.. Think about this.. Does Hill look as comfortable against EDM if he doesn't go in in relief of Brossoit the game before? Every match up has been carefully thought out by Butch, he adjusted lines early in the DAL series which changed the trajectory of that series. He create a mantra for each series and his driving home the idea that "it hurts to win." The VGK has been mentally preparing all playoffs for an opponent just like this. Then pair that with their depth. The VGK are steep hill to climb, no pun intended. If FL splits their homestand with the VGK, VGK will no doubt finish by 6. This series will not go all the way like some pundits would have you believe.

On paper I thought the Jets had a chance to beat the Golden Knights, not a chance. On paper and from what I had seen in the weeks leading up to the playoffs I thought the Oilers were going to have their way with the Knights, not even close. After those two series I didn't believe the Stars had a chance against the Knights, I finally learned my lesson. So what do the Knights have going for them; disciplined play, good defensive structure, 4 lines that are rolling, I mean high speed, high pace and heads up play making which is tough on any team. The back end is a big talented group of d-men with lots of support from their forwards, and it doesn't matter who you put in net: Thompson, Broissoit, Hill, Quick, and the # 1 goalie, Robin Lerner, remember him. I don't think it matters if the Panthers have the same offensive output that they did against any of their east division rivals. The Panthers haven't shown any inclination that they can stop the Knights skating and offensive playmaking. I believe this series is done, it could be over in 4 straight.

VGK got very disciplined after the first series, goal focused not falling into opponents traps. I think it’s due to the coach and the senior players

I'm an older hockey fan (though a casual one) and I can't help but think that the 10 day layoff for Florida did them no favors. I've seen what a three day layover did to teams in the 1970s and back then players even hated a two day gap between games. They wanted to keep the momentum going. Advantage always went to the team with the least rest. I turned this game off after correctly anticipating Vegas' goal directly after their penalty kill. You could just see it coming. This series is done. All credit to Vegas and my gut that told me before the playoffs started that whoever came out of the West would win the cup.

I'd also say, that Panthers are in a pickle. As you mentioned, Vegas dont bite. BUT. Vegas also arent scared. The team is huge. These boys hit hard themselves and totally outmuscle the Cats. So if the gorilla warfare doesnt work, all that is left is to play...You know..Hockey? The issue is, that Vegas is a better team. And if you leave all the nasty shenanigans that Panthers love so much behind, they still unlikely to beat Vegas.

Vegas isn't paying any attention to the panthers bullshit tactics and thats why they have outscored them 12-4 so far in this series.

How can anyone complain about the officiating benefitting Vegas? Florida is the one setting the tone. Tkachuck crosschecks and punches people after every whistle. Even with all the penalty minutes he has picked up most of them are misconducts instead of being actual penalties. The Refs like they have all playoffs long do not want to call a penalty on one team so they do both or none. Florida has got all the way to the Stanley Cup Final by being the aggressor and not getting penalty calls and suspensions against them. They seem to be going too far since Vegas is not losing their cool and giving it back to them. Tkachuck looks like the same frustrating player we saw for years in Calgary right now. All the good will and support he got the last month is out the window because he is not even attempting to play hockey. Florida is an embarrassment to the league right now having them in the Final.

I think the issue is nobody on the Knights are small enough to bully. Marchessaults probably the closest, but even being 5'9 he can throw his weight around, and if he can't he's got Barbashev, 6ft2 Eichel and which ever at minimum 6'2 defenseman is on the ice. I mean literally, Shea Theodore is their *smallest* defenseman at 6 foot 2, 197lbs.

Another perfect breakdown of a total ass whooping!!! We were there and it was electric, the Vegas D was like Florida humidity sticky and all over you. GO KNIGHTS GO!

The panthers have bullied their way to the final but is unraveling fast, stick it to them Bruce Cassidy we love you.

Regardless of what anyone thinks of the officiating and lets be honest evry year people complain about officiating. Vegas is simply outplaying Florida. The series isn't over yet but Florida has a tough hill to climb.

I love that florida fans are calling "its the refs fault" "we're being set up" "nhls rigged" but they are literally being outclassed. As a canes fan i definitely felt this way during the florida vs carolina series so it great to see them feeling the heat

People have been sleeping on Vegas the entire playoffs and yet they've been quietly dominating the entire run. Not relaying on one person to carry them just a complete buy-in top to bottom. You could make Conn Smythe cases for Eichel, Marchy, Karlsson Hill, Petro it's insane how well the entire team is playing No team has come close to them yet with 5 on 5 play there depth is just too much. Exciting times 2 more to go!!

The penalty minutes are 80-60 Florida-Vegas. The people claiming penalties are dictating the games are wrong. Both teams are getting power play opportunities. Vegas is doing much better with them.

I think we can all agree that Florida is now losing the mental warfare of this series. They aren’t playing the typical hockey game they played the whole playoffs. Vegas aren’t biting with their hits, penalties, anything to gain an edge mentally. Now it’s a great time to adjust for them.

Florida failing to goon it up is hilarious

So out of character that anyone from Florida would claim the game is rigged . . .

Florida were supposed to be bullies but the bullies ran into actual monsters

Florida will eke out 1 game, possibly two . . . but I think they've run into a better version of themselves in Vegas.

Oilers fan, but Iove Stone and hope he gets his cup

They say you aren't truly in trouble until you lose at home, but calls or non-calls not withstanding, Florida appears to be overwhelmed by the Vegas' defensive hockey and ability to truly role 4 lines. Florida has ot dealt with this kind of adveristy even in the Boston series.

Don’t blame bobrovski on anything Florida’s defense absolutely left him out to dry

2-2 at the end of second period of game 1. They been out scored 10-2 since.

Florida is quickly losing altitude at being the darling team. Play quality aside, you simply can't act the way they have been acting and expect anyone to continue to be in your corner

Another excellent video. You put together and replay the best footage. I couldn't watch the game because I was at work and couldn't figure out what had happened because of the poor replay selection in the highlight videos. Thanks.

The refs are well aware of Florida's style (gooning it up). Hill slashed Tkachuk after Tkachuk crosschecked him, BTW.

Florida beat three Eastern Conference giants to get to the Stanley Cup Finals, so they cannot be dismissed. However, they have not faced a strong, well balanced, deep team such as the VGK. Vegas can handle Florida's slap shot tactics. Hill has outplayed a now shaky Bobrovsky. Vegas' strong, experienced, Stanley Cup winning veterans keep the team focused on winning. Florida is too good to get swept, but it will difficult to beat a determined, confident Vegas Golden Knights team. OK, VGK, play hard. Play clean. Lift the Stanley Cup on the Strip.

I’m so glad I watched this game. Absolutely incredible

Men vs Boys. Vegas has breakout and transition game on lock. Florida has no behavior flexibility…

It'll be hard for Florida to pick up the pieces because Vegas is shredding them.

I think we can all agree the officiating throughout the playoffs has been absolutely terrible.

I think Florida will get a spark on home ice for sure and I think the games will be closer, but I'm thinking Vegas wins the series in 5 right now.

Vegas could be a team of destiny to, Bill Foley our owner said before our first game playoffs in 3 years cup in 6

remember when people were saying the east is so much better than the west😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

Vegas puts their checking line out there against Tkachuk line and they have matched their physical intensity. Never dreamed I would see Bobrovsky pulled after last 2 series!

I keep reading a lot of comments wondering how Florida could be collapsing like this and how they are getting screwed by officiating etc. I really don't think the Knights are getting enough credit for their actual play. I've been a casual hockey fan for decades and admittedly a VGK fan, but seriously...except for the first short-handed goal Florida scored in game 1 that was sloppily defended, the Knights have looked as good as a championship caliber team I've ever seen in a final. They have dominated Florida on both sides of the ice. They are playing with a focus and discipline along with their speed and skill that has obviously exposed the Panthers. Their passing, imagination, and shot-making has been world class. It doesn't matter the Knights have only been around for 6 years...they are for real and are executing in front of the world.

Florida is a team that that counts on effecting the other team mentally thus throwing them off their game. So they can play their game. Vegas is a highly physical team when they need to be. Its why they were one of the top 3 teams going into the play offs and arguably one of the best teams in the west in general only really being matched by Edmonton in physicality and ability. Florida needs to focus more on skill instead of mind games. Mind games will never work on vegas at least not in the way Florida wants.

Lets go Vegas!!!!!!!!!!! Babrovsky got pulled 🤣 supposedly the best goalie It is hard to come back from Vegas when they are leading the game My favorite player on Vegas are marchessault

Florida fans complaining about bad refs is so hilarious after their past 3 series of some of the biggest missed calls in playoff history that brought Florida to the cup finals. All fine and dandy until they’re the ones on the wrong end of it

Thats a really good point towards the end, the Knights are kinda pulling a Panthers on the Panthers themselves.

Vegas is just playing smarter, with more poise, more aggressive and really great on defense..........Hill is playing great but part of it is all the help he's getting from his teammates in clogging it up in front of the goal.

That’s what happens when you worry about a pound of flesh instead of playing the game

Now that Bob has reverted to form, Florida shows why they were a borederline playoff team. No disrespect to VGK, but with this Bob, the Leafs and Canes would have won their respective series. Vegas is lucky Florida cleaned up the east for them

They stopped getting literally every break. The real change is Bob has been very human this SCF so far.

They say youre not in trouble till you lose at home... but boy do the Panthers look like theyre in trouble, they better come out banging in game 3 if they want to make this a series

Reading thru comments in here shows either bitterness from fans of teams defeated by Florida and or how fickle hockey watchers can be. I'd not want anyone on my team who is a quitter after two games.

I don’t want to count out Florida after this run but Vegas looks like a wagon😅

The interesting thing about Vegas on its path to the Cup is that every team they've faced has had a glaring weakness that has been exposed. Winnipeg scraped by to get into the playoffs, but were relying on their previous momentum that got them INTO the playoffs to make a difference and just got beat down. Edmonton thought they could win with 2 players, a goon, and a ridiculous power play, and Vegas effectively managed to shut down McDraisaitl after game 1. The turning point was when Edmonton got 1 goal on their 5 minute major. Dallas thought they could win with the rush that crushed other teams and with Otter playing out of his mind, and Hill stopped all but one rush chance in the entire series, and Otter got chased twice. Florida is the last team who thought they could come in and bully Vegas the way they did everyone in the East, and it's just not working, and they don't have enough of a team behind them to play up to a higher level.

The way it ended was the nail in the coffin, Gudas would've given them confidence to be more physical but aside from that this team is toast.

You can't blame Bob a goalie need to see the puck, that means boxing out, and if you can't block the shot get out of the way. In today's NHL the team that blocks the shots and pays that price wins a lot of hockey.

Florida crying ref is so funny to me. I’m dying right now.😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

They are the only team that can possibly come back from 2-0 in the finals 😂

I'm sure this will be a contested opinion, but I never thought they had a shot to begin with (I called a gentleman's sweep). We can talk about "team of destiny" and "look who they beat" all we want, but Bob and Tkachuk have to stand on their heads if Florida is going to have a shot. Vegas is just too good. I'd say the biggest weak point is goaltending for them, but the rest of their team makes up for it.

This game was awesome! Vegas showed up and showed out even better than game 1. Stone and Eichel are just ballers and everyone seems to be showing up on the score sheet. Regardless of what anyone thinks of the officiating, this game was dominated by Vegas start to finish.

Honestly as a fan of Florida my whole life it was nice finally making it to the cup finals, I think it is safe to say most of the league is cheering for our downfall and it hurts. Vegas now has two cup runs in their 6 year history and we don't even have a single win. I was born in 2000 so I never even witnessed the first run and I'm 23, I think the VGK are a good team but every team we beat this playoff run has had their day in the sun, and I was hoping this would be ours. There is still more hockey to play but it sucks no one has empathy for cats fans. The refs are not the whole reason we lost, but come on? Why do they only get called when they are up, or at the end of periods. I am happy to see them make it this far, and I am going to game 4 to see them play. So even if they get swept again this has been a season to remember for the rest of my life! (I really fucking hope they win at least one game because Barkov and Ekblad deserve to feel glory in a SCF for this team.)

That chucky hit was clean

Florida doesn’t seem to fully understand the stakes, it’s abundantly clear that Vegas does. It’s also clear how lucky Florida has been.

No way Florida is coming back! They're dead in the water!!😂😂

I’m not gonna lie as a panthers fan I hope we get right on you guys because you have definitely been the better team so far. And for me to admit that is a lot for me because I’m very prideful. We haven’t had anything going for us since 1996 so to lose would be devastating. We finally got out from under the thumb of Tampa Bay just for things to be going this way in the end? It’s extremely disheartening. Although I will say that nobody ever expected us to make it in the playoffs- let alone to make it this far. I have to find reasons to be happy about this even though things may not go our way. We haven’t been on this stage in a long time and I guess that in and of itself is an accomplishment for us. We beat the Bruins. The Hurricanes. Every step of the way we’ve been doubted. It feels good to even be here. I have no hate towards the Golden Knights. I will also say that we are not called the cardiac cats for no reason. If we did it against Boston then you can bet your ass we can do it against Vegas too. We’re not looking good right now but I still have hope even if it doesn’t really exist for us. Even if we’re outmatched. It’s nothing new. May the best team win and GO CATS!

Goalies are allowed to slash when the opponent is hanging out in his net and getting in the way...

No comment on the birthdayboy Gudas reverse hit btw :) Perfectly executed by Barbashev, honestly I hope Gudas pulls through health wise. Certainly a turning point for the game... LEGGO KNIGHTS

In Stanley Cup Playoffs, no player wants to be penalized for retaliation. Panthers have been taking advantage of this but Tkachuk's sucker punch on Hague became the final straw for refs who would "let 'em play" normally. When the Panther's BS continued in Game 2 refs put their proverbial foot down. The BIG difference is that Cassidy & assistants have figured out Panthers forecheck. Centers ,Eichel, Stephenson, Karlsson and Roy have all been successful keeping the breakouts off the sidewall and gaining momentum thru center ice. Replays show Panther defense giving up their blue line especially for Eichel. Chaos on the forecheck was the Panther's calling card and VGK has figured it out. Game 3, Period 1 will be exciting. I for 1 won't be late. However, without a major strategy change, the Panther's coach will become a pumpkin.

Props to Eichel taking that hit. And coming back tougher. Clean hit 100%.

Remember this happened to Jiggy in 2003, then they returned home and the magic returned.

"Beat 'em at their own game" was Herb Brooks's objective at Lake Placid in 1980. (And if you haven't seen "Miracle," you're missing something.)

Big facts, "Knights are doing to the Panthers what the Panthers have done to everyone else all playoffs"

“It’s the refs”😂😂😂

I don't think I've ever cheered on the refs as much as I did last night. Florida had it coming. Vegas played smart, stuck to the process. Like you said in a previous video, team that does that, wins.

I don't why the panthers are so undisciplined. We also only have 2 shooters I feel like actually choose where they want to shot vs just panic shooting into a glove or chest. All the rebounds are just desperate chips and pokes. Barkov needs to show up offensively.

Personally I think that if Florida doesn’t take home game 3 I think that they’re going to lose. But something that surprised me this years playoffs was Adin Hill to be so unexpectedly good in my opinion.

I kept saying the fact that the Carolina Florida series was so close should be concerning for Panther fans. Canes were so heavily injured, and Canes didn't have a true offensive line. Now Panthers are playing a team late in the playoffs that's on full throttle and crumbling. Maybe we will see the Comeback Cats once again.

Vegas is just too good and that layoff hurt Florida. They are heavy and can bring it. The Golden Misfits on this team are still driving it.

Florida's toughness and bullying certainly got them there. And I commend them for the way they fought off Boston and pounded Toronto & Carolina. But they've met their match. As a Vegas fan I was concerned. But the Knights are standing up and playing the Panther's game right back at them. The depth and toughness we have this time around is a different story from 2018, just look at all the different players who've been a part of scoring and you can see. The fact that Florida has only scored two legit goals (Staal's wrap-around in game 1 missed but Hill knocked it in trying to dive across & the 1st goal game 2 went wide but bounced in off Martinez) in the first two games is a testament to our defense and goaltending. GO KNIGHTS GO!!

The VGK had the most points in the Confrerence and have still been systematically underrated every round of the playoffs. At some point these "experts" will realize that depth, having a very solid D-core, and not just the occasional highlight-reel goal, are what really matters in the playoffs.

Trouba's hit on Meier was still the biggest hit of these playoffs. I know it's hard to believe that happened in these playoffs it was so long ago.

VGK seems like the better hockey team. Disciplined, focused, and strong. Maurice is a nut case, and that extends to the players. Counter that with Cassidy, who always remains cool and competent. VGK has a better captain, also. That team is like brothers standing in for each other.

Your analysis is fantastic as usual

they’ve been down worse before against boston. series is far from over

WORST thing for a crazy hot goalie is a long break, and Bob had essentially a week off before the series started. That would bring any keeper down to earth. Panthers need some home cooking.

Florida crying about the refs as if they haven’t benefited from the the most in previous series 😂😢

Seems the major key to Florida success was the goal tending. We saw this in Toronto series. Toront basically would be here in this series if they could have figured out the Florida goal tender. Vegas has done a great job at screening and baiting Florida into joining the screen. Bottom line floridas goal tender out Florida is out

I love your channel and your takes.

Congrats to Coachella Valley and good luck in the Calder Cup Finals! Tye Kartye will be a Kraken full time next year.

Most impressed by Vegas' mental toughness so far. Not easy to play a dirty team like Florida and walk away from cross-checks, swipes, slashes, chirps about your family, and the laundry list of crap they throw at you. Knights are locked in physically and mentally - don't see FL coming back.

The Florida coach has a few things to think about. The goalie situation is delicate. Bobrovsky seems spent. And overall player discipline is out of control. They have earned each misconduct penalty several times over. The bench protests over no calls are pathetic. They need to try to tone their clownery down in game 3. Panthers will play a couple of tight home games to the best of their limited ability. They were very fortunate in tight games in previous series so they can hope for more of the same. Many people seem to forget that Florida is not a very good team.

I'm not a fan of either teams but I'm rooting for Florida. That said: Vegas is killing all three zones. They deserve a lot credit for staying focused. Florida, from my notes, look unsure. The puck rarely looks settled on their sticks. The offensive zone attacks look weak because I'm not seeing a consistent presence on the weak side to move in on shots on goal for second chance opportunities. And the continual dump-in and east-west passing versus north to south control is missing in action. And the shots on Hill need to be elevated. Hill isn't being handcuffed and with his side of net seal, wrap-arounds and quick shots low won't work. That said, it's gonna be fun watching to see what adjustments the Panthers make and whether it works.

i havent watched the games more than tuning in couple of min here and there. but is it like bobrovsky was "too good right now" like rinne in 2017 and just getting whacked in the finals?

Coach had a problem with Vegas dishing it out eh? 😀

Maurice pissed about the Hill slash, but ok with the rat trying to take Hill's legs out as he's pushing into the back of them while getting out of the net.

I think Vegas is one of the if not the best team in NHL to frustrate their opponent. And one the best examples is game 3 of the Dallas series after Benn got thrown out. Their nonchalant attitude coupled with their defencive structure is a recipe for success against Florida.

I just want to see Dale Tallon present Marchessault with the Conn Smythe

Panthers are busy playing games while the Knights are focusing on hockey.

Panthers have looked flat and undisciplined through two games, we’ll see if they can mount any kind of resistance at home

Vegas is playing like a team that was in the Finals five years ago, and knows quite well, thank you, how losing Finals teams play. Florida is playing like a ragtag bunch of upstarts that think upsetting the best of the East makes them a lock for the Cup. Vegas looks to be giving the Swamp Cats a taste of their own medicine. If they asked me for my advice (ha ha), I would tell Florida to work on their discipline. And then I'd tell Vegas to work on their bench presses, and make sure they can each bench at least thirty-five pounds.