Florida Panthers - Tampa Bay Lightning: NHL match betting tip and bets

Current form

It seemed that Florida did not approach the playoffs in the best shape, as it experienced difficulties in the final matches of the regular season and even suffered a crushing defeat from its future opponent in the opening series in the face of Tampa Bay. Despite this, the Panthers were able to successfully start their performance in the Stanley Cup and in the very first match the Lightning left no chance, defeating them with a score of 6:2. What is especially noteworthy is that in three periods they managed to make only 17 shots at the opponent's goal, but this turned out to be more than enough, since their accuracy off the charts.

In the second away match, the Panthers also played inactive offensively and focused on defense, which allowed them to beat the Lightning dry (2:0). Goalkeeper Bobrovsky showed a great game, reflecting all the shots, thereby making a shutout. It seemed that by returning to the home arena, Florida would be able to earn a critical advantage in the series, winning for the third time in a row, but this did not happen. To the great surprise of the fans, the club played much worse at home and was defeated by a four-goal margin (1:5). This time, goalkeeper Bobrovsky did not cope with his main task.

Disqualifications and injuries

All the players are in formation.

Interesting betting trends

• On average, Florida makes 20 shots.
• According to statistics, the Panthers win 54.5% of face-offs.

Current form

Just before the end of the regular season, Tampa Bay began to experience difficulties and continued to do so as part of the playoffs. Many predicted that the home walls would help the Lightning achieve the desired result, but they had to suffer two defeats in a row (2:6 and 0:2). The league's most productive club failed to show its attacking potential, and in just both meetings, it made 41 shots at the Florida goal, which was not enough.

Nevertheless, the lightning were able to gather their strength and finally showed everything they were capable of in the first away match, winning a landslide victory (5:1). Kucherov and Gunzel were the most productive, scoring three points each. It is also impossible not to mention the efforts of goalkeeper Vasilevsky, who reflected 33 shots out of 34. This victory was of great importance for several reasons. Firstly, we managed to raise morale and regain confidence in our strength. Secondly, another defeat would put Tampa on the brink of relegation from the playoffs.

Disqualifications and injuries

Oliver Bjorkstrand will definitely not play in the upcoming match.

Interesting betting trends

• Tampa statistically gets 9.5 minutes of penalty time.
• Lightning wins 45.5% of face-offs