Florida (0-0) at Tampa Bay (0-0)
- When: Apr 22 2025, 8:30 PM
- Where: Amalie Arena, Tampa, FL, USA
- TV: TVAS2
Panthers vs. Lightning NHL Playoffs Betting Preview & Prediction
Moneyline Favorite: Tampa Bay -128 | Total: 5.5
Two fierce in-state rivals open another chapter in their playoff saga as the Tampa Bay Lightning host the Florida Panthers in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round matchup Tuesday night. This marks the fourth time in five years these two will clash in the postseason.
Florida Panthers Outlook
Despite being favored to represent the East in the Stanley Cup Final, the Panthers enter the playoffs ice-cold. They stumbled to a 7-10-1 finish over their final 18 games, largely due to key injuries, including Matthew Tkachuk’s lengthy absence with a lower-body injury. Though he hasn’t suited up since early February, the star forward returned to practice and is likely to play on the second line alongside Sam Bennett.
The return of Tkachuk adds a much-needed spark to an offense that struggled late in the year. Top-line center Aleksander Barkov, who posted 71 points in 67 games, remains one of the best two-way players in the league. However, the absence of defenseman Aaron Ekblad for the first two games (serving a suspension) is a blow to Florida’s blue line.
Tampa Bay Lightning Outlook
The Lightning finished the regular season with 102 points and were dominant at home (29-8-4). Offensively, they’ve been a powerhouse, leading the NHL with 292 goals. Nikita Kucherov was a force once again, claiming his second straight Art Ross Trophy with 121 points. His chemistry with newly acquired winger Jake Guentzel (42 goals) and Brayden Point (also 42 goals) makes Tampa’s top line lethal.
Between the pipes, Andrei Vasilevskiy continues to be a game-changer. He posted 38 wins with a .921 save percentage and six shutouts. He’ll be facing Florida’s Sergei Bobrovsky, who had a solid season himself, but the edge goes to Tampa in net.
Betting Prediction
Tampa Bay holds the momentum, home-ice advantage, and a healthier, more potent lineup heading into Game 1. While Florida might keep things tight with Tkachuk back, the Lightning’s depth and offensive firepower should prevail.
Final Score Prediction: Lightning 4, Panthers 2
Best Bet: Tampa Bay ML (-128)
Over/Under Lean: Over 5.5 (-112) – with both teams capable of scoring and power plays in play, expect the lamp to be lit often.
- NHL Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
