Golden Knights, Panthers players who will decide series

The Vegas Golden Knights reached the Stanley Cup Final in their first season and the Florida Panthers made it in their third.

The Panthers needed much longer to get back, reaching for the first time since 1996, while the Golden Knights are making their second appearance in the franchise’s sixth season.

Both teams feature strong top scoring lines and impressive goaltending. The Golden Knights’ defense is excellent at blocking shots while the Panthers’ defense chips in more goals. Vegas has the better offensive numbers while Florida has better special teams. The Golden Knights have four former Stanley Cup winners among their regulars while the Panthers have two.

STANLEY CUP PICKS Golden Knights, Panthers battle for first title

So which team prevails and wins its first Stanley Cup title? Here are 10 players, five from each team, who will have a major impact on winning the series:

VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS

The No. 2 overall pick of 2015 hadn’t made the playoffs before this season, and he’s making the most of it. He’s the No. 2 scorer in the Final (18 points) behind Florida’s Matthew Tkachuk (21 points). Eichel has had three three-point games and one other multipoint game.

The Golden Knights missed the playoffs last season because of Stone’s prolonged injury absence. They made the Final this year because their captain was able to return from another prolonged absence. In addition to his 15 points, he’s a strong defensive presence (the winger is a four-time finalist for the Selke Trophy). He leads the playoffs with 22 takeaways and has only three giveaways.

Goalie Adin Hill

Perhaps goalie coach Sean Burke is the hero here. The Golden Knights didn’t have Robin Lehner all season, used five goalies and still won the Pacific Division title. Hill, who was acquired from the San Jose Sharks because of Lehner’s season-ending surgery, has fit in seamlessly since he replaced injured Laurent Brossoit in the second…