Florida Panthers vs Tampa Bay Lightning Prediction 12-23-24 NHL Picks

In this article, we will formulate a Florida Panthers vs Tampa Bay Lightning  Prediction for this NHL game on Monday, December 23rd, at the Amernt Bank Arena. 

Panthers on Tired Legs

The Panthers are going to be on tired legs after facing off with the Lightning on Sunday. In the previous two games, the offense scored eight goals while the defense had given up only two goals. In the last game against the St Louis Blues, they were able to secure a 2-1 victory. The Panthers are averaging 3.53 goals, while their defense is giving up 3.12 goals per game. The offense is ranked 5th in the league while the defense is ranked 22nd. Sam Reinhart scored 20 goals and added 23 assists. There are six different players that have put up at least 23 points. After this game, Florida will take on Montreal.

Can the Lightning’s Offense be Strong Again?

The Lightning faced off against the Florida Panthers on Sunday and will do it again here on Monday. The Lightning two games ago faced off against the St Louis Blues and they were able to secure a 3-1 victory. Andrei Vasilevsky saved 31 of the 32 shots that faced. Gage Goncalves scored a goal to help pace the Lightning. The Lightning overall this season is averaging 4.0 goals while their defense is giving up 2.83 goals per game. 

The offense is ranked 1st in the league while the defense is ranked 11th. This is an elite offensive team and they are going to need to get the offense out to a fast start. Nikita Kucherov is having a strong season and he has scored 14 goals and added 35 assists so far this season. After the holiday break, the Lightning will face off against the New York Rangers on Saturday. 

Why the Lightning Will Beat the Panthers

• The Lightning have won each of their last six night games following a home loss.
• The Panthers have lost three of their last four games as home favorites against Eastern Conference opponents.
• The Lightning have covered the puck line in each of their last six night games following a home loss.
• The Panthers have failed to cover the puck line in eight of their last 10 games as home favorites against Eastern Conference opponents.

Florida Panthers vs Tampa Bay Lightning Prediction

Even on tired legs, I expect the Lightning and Panthers to both find offensive success. The Lightning are averaging 4.0 goals while the Panthers are averaging 3.53 goals per game. Look for the Lightning and Panthers to both score at least four goals here, and this game is going to be a shootout. Back the over. This is one of my favorite plays on the board