The Florida Panthers broke open Game 1 with two goals in 14 seconds en route to a 6-2 victory.
Facing a 0-2 deficit, the Lightning will need to find a response, and as my Panthers vs. Lightning predictions explain, this veteran team should be able to offer one up.
Find out why in my NHL picks for Thursday, April 24.
Who will win Panthers vs Lightning Game 2?
The Tampa Bay Lightning got smacked in the face in Game 1, and there were plenty of questions about the Florida Panthers' health going into the series, but the Panthers showed up. Luckily for the Lightning, they have a day in between to watch video, do some prep, and get their minds right for what feels like a pivotal Game 2 in this series.
Tampa’s ability to bounce back in games after losses in the playoffs has always been strong. I see that being the case once again.
Panthers vs Lightning prediction
My Panthers vs Lightning pick: Lightning moneyline (-125 at Sports Interaction)
Andrei Vasilevskiy had an incredibly uncharacteristic Game 1 performance where he allowed six goals against on just 17 shots on goal. The good news for Tampa is that their big players were able to contribute offensively. Jake Guentzel and Brayden Point found the back of the net while Nikita Kucherov and Victor Hedman got on the score sheet with assists. If they’re going to win this series, they need those guys to produce.
For Florida, they were able to feed off of their heart and soul player, Matthew Tkachuk, who played in his first game since the Four Nations tournament and was an immediate difference maker. The biggest difference in this game to me was the Panthers' power play going a perfect three for three. Odds are that it probably won’t happen again.
Another thing that most likely will not happen in Game 2 is Vasilevskiy skating to a -2.45 goals save above expected. He is one of the sharpest net-minders in the league, who had an off night, but he has been nothing but a playoff performer in his career. Vasilevskiy is 66-47 with a .918 save percentage and a 2.44 goals against average in his postseason career.
The Panthers are a tough team to play against, there is no denying that, but I have a hard time believing that a team as good as the Lightning won’t have a response.
Panthers vs Lightning same-game parlay (SGP)
Lightning moneyline
Nikita Kucherov 3+ shots
Nikita Kucherov only had two shots in Game 1, but this season, he was averaging 3.40 shots on goal per game. Kucherov is the most dangerous offensive player in this game, and the Lightning's power play runs through him. I expect him to have a much bigger impact.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Panthers vs Lightning odds
Panthers vs Lightning live odds
Panthers vs Lightning opening odds
- Puck line: Florida +1.5 (-250) | Tampa Bay -1.5 (+200)
- Moneyline: Florida (+105) | Tampa Bay (-125)
- Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-115) | Under 5.5 (-125)
Odds courtesy of Sports Interaction.
Panthers vs Lightning trend
Andrei Vasilevskiy after a loss in the playoffs since 2020: 22-6, .922 SV%, 2.13 GAA, 5 SO. Find more NHL betting trends for Panthers vs. Lightning.
How to watch Panthers vs Lightning
| Location | Amalie Arena, Tampa, FL |
| Date | Thursday, 4-24-2025 |
| Puck drop | 6:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | TBS, truTV, MAX |
Panthers vs Lightning latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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