Advantage to the Panthers: Our analysts weigh in on the Stanley Cup Final

< /p> UPDATE DAY

Very few pundits predicted before the start of the playoffs that the Vegas Golden Knights and Florida Panthers would meet in the Stanley Cup Finals. < /p>

None of our 15 analysts had predicted this unexpected scenario, while the majority had rather anticipated a duel between the Boston Bruins and the Edmonton Oilers for the ultimate confrontation. 

On paper, Vegas must be considered the favorite team to lift the precious trophy. On the other hand, nine of our participants expect the Panthers fairy tale to continue until the end. 

The first meeting of the series kicks off Saturday night (8 p.m. EST) in the gambling capital. 

The Year of Bobrovsky 

Michel Bergeron is certainly not convinced of his choice, but he still puts the Florida formation to defeat the Golden Knights in six games. 

“I take for the Panthers for the simple and unique reason that Sergei Bobrovsky was exceptional in net. It’s his year”, indicated Michel Bergeron from the outset. 

“It's thanks to him that this team made it to the Stanley Cup final, thanks also to Matthew Tkachuk. But hey, the Golden Knights scare me. They are also a good team and I am very happy to see that it brings together Quebec players whose contribution has been noticed since the start of the playoffs.” 

Cassidy's good decision  

“I have to admit that Golden Knights coach [Bruce Cassidy] made the right decision to demote Nicolas Roy from the second line to the fourth line. What a fourth unit he forms with William Carrier and Keegan Kolesar!” added the TVA Sports analyst and Journal columnist. 

“What I also like, he concludes, is that two former players of the Quebec [Anthony Duclair and Jonathan Marchessault] will meet in the final.” 

More depth 

Yvon Pedneault also hesitated before delivering his prediction. 

“I'm going for Vegas in six games because this formation has more depth. Their defensive brigade is notably better than that of the Panthers. And she can count on four effective lines,” he said. 

The Journal columnist also regrets that four years ago, Roy, a who is 6 feet and 4 inches, had a discreet career in the American League and that the Canadian could have obtained it at a very good price.

OUR ANALYSTS' PREDICTIONS FOR THE STANLEY CUP FINAL SERIES 

Michel Bergeron, columnist, Le Journal de Montréal 

• Vegas against Florida: Florida in 6  
• Results of the first three rounds: 6 in 14 (43%)  

Jonathan Bernier, journalist, Le Journal de Montréal 

• Vegas vs. Florida: Florida for 6  
• First three round results: 6 for 14 (43%)  

Jean-Nicolas Blanchet, Assistant Sports Director 

• Vegas vs. Florida: Vegas in 7  
• Results of the first three rounds: 7 in 14 (50%)  

Mathieu Boulay, journalist, Le Journal de Montréal 

• Vegas against Florida: Vegas in 6  

< li dir="auto">Results of the first three rounds: 6 in 14 (43%)  

Louis Butcher, Journalist, Le Journal de Montréal 

• Vegas vs. Florida: Vegas in 6  
• Results of the first three rounds: 6 in 14 (43%)  

Stéphane Cadorette, journalist, Le Journal de Québec  

• Vegas vs. Florida: Florida in 7  
• First three round results : 7 in 14 (50%)  

Jean-François Chaumont, journalist, < strong>Le Journal de Montréal 

• Vegas versus Florida: Vegas in 6  
• Results of the first three rounds: 5 in 14 (36%)  

Marc De Foy, columnist, Le Journal de Montréal &nbsp ;

• Vegas vs. Florida: Florida in 6  
• Results of the first three rounds: 6 in 14 (43%)  

Kevin Dubé, journalist, Le Journal de Québec 

• Vegas against Florida: Florida in 6 &nbsp ;
• Results of the first three rounds: 8 in 14 (57%)  

Jean-Charles Lajoie, TVA Sports host 

• Vegas against Florida: Florida in 7 &nbsp ;
• Results of the first three rounds: 4 in 14 (29%)  

Jessica Lapinski, Journalist, Le Journal de Montréal  

• Vegas vs. Florida: Florida in 7  
• First three round results : 8 in 14 (57%)  

Yvon Pedneault, columnist, Le Journal de Montréal 

• Vegas against Florida: Vegas in 6  
• Results of the first three rounds: 7 in 14 (50%)  

Denis Poissant, sports director  

• Vegas against Florida: Vegas in 6  
• Results of the first three rounds: 5 in 14 (36%)  

< p>Mylène Richard, journalist Le Journal de Montréal 

• Vegas versus Florida: Florida in 6  
• Results of the first three rounds: 6 in 14 (43%)  

Réjean Tremblay, columnist Le Journal de Montréal  

• Vegas vs. Florida: Florida in 7  
• Results of the three first rounds: 8 in 14 (57%).