In this article we will formulate a Florida Panthers vs Tampa Bay Lightning prediction for this NHL game on Tuesday, April 23rd at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida. Let’s take a look at the prediction for game two in this series.
Panthers Preview
The Florida Panthers went 52-24-6 during the regular season and they were able to pass Boston for first in the Atlantic in the last week of the season. Florida has won five games in a row and six of their last seven, after they won game one by a score of 3-2. The Panthers scored just six minutes into the first period on a goal from Sam Reinhart, but they allowed a late goal and went into the intermission tied at one. After a scoreless second period, Florida scored a power play goal just 58 seconds into the third. Florida added an empty net goal from Matthew Tkachuk, but did give up a late one to make it a one goal game. The Panthers recorded 28 shots on goal and went 1-3 on the power play in the win. Florida is scoring 3.23 goals per game and they are allowing 2.42 goals against per game, while going 23.5% on the power play and 82.5% on the penalty kill. Matthew Tkachuk and Aleksander Barkov led the Panthers with two points in game one. The projected starting goalie for Florida is Sergei Bobrovsky, who allowed two goals on 19 shots in the first game.
Lightning Preview
The Tampa Bay Lightning were 45-29-8 in the regular season, but they lost three of their last four games before the postseason. Tampa Bay played decently well in game one of this series, but came away with a 4-3 loss. The Lightning were able to tie the game at one late in the first period on a goal from Hagel, but they couldn’t find the back of the net again until late in the third. After they tied the game at one, Tampa Bay allowed the next two goals, before getting a goal from Stamkos with 10 seconds left for the loss. The Lighting recorded 19 shots on goal and went 1-2 on the power play. Tampa Bay only won 46.2% of the face-offs and recorded 60 hits in the loss. The Lightning are scoring 3.51 goals per game and they are allowing 3.26 goals against per game, while going 28.6% on the power play and 83.3% on the penalty kill. Steven Stamkos led Tampa Bay in game one with one goal, one assist, and three shots on goal. The projected starting goalie for Tampa Bay is Andrei Vasilevskiy, who allowed two goals on 27 shots in game one.
Florida Panthers Team Facts
- The Panthers have won each of their last seven games at Amerant Bank Arena following a home win.
- The underdogs have covered the puck line in each of the last seven games between the Lightning and Panthers at Amerant Bank Arena.
- The Panthers have won the second period in each of their last four night games against the Lightning following a win.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Panthers’ last eight games against Atlantic Division opponents.
Tampa Bay Lightning Team Facts
- The underdogs have won six of the Lightning’s last seven games at Amerant Bank Arena.
- The underdogs have covered the puck line in each of the Lightning’s last seven games at Amerant Bank Arena.
- The Lightning have won the second period in six of their last seven games against the Panthers following a road loss.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1’ market has hit in each of the Lightning’s last five night games against opponents on a winning streak.
Florida Panthers vs Tampa Bay Lightning Prediction
Florida was able to pick up the win in game one of this series, but I thought Tampa Bay played decently well in the game. The Lightning need to get more shots on goal, but they have struggled on the road all season. On the other side, Florida was 26-13-2 at home in the regular season and they are one of the best defensive teams in the NHL. Florida did win two out of three regular season meetings with the Lightning, but Tampa Bay did get a 5-3 win on the road in March. This should be another very physical game, but I think we are going to see more goals. The Lightning know they need to put more pressure on Bobrovsky, which may open chances for Florida going the other way. Take the over here.