The first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Florida Panthers and the Tampa Bay Lightning will take place on April 29 at the FLA Live Arena in Sunrise. The series score is 2-1 in favor of Florida. Florida vs. Tampa Bay: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Florida Panthers
Paul Maurice's team, after two consecutive victories, suffered a 1-5 defeat at home to Tampa Bay in the last match. In the current Stanley Cup campaign, Florida is among the best in terms of goals conceded. Additionally, they are in the top three in this playoff for power-play conversion (50%).
- Florida has not scored more than two goals in regular time in their last four NHL home meetings.
- The club has not lost in 10 of their last 13 home games in the league after three periods (3 draws, 7 wins).
- No more than six goals have been scored in regular time in 11 of the last 12 NHL matches at Florida's home ground.
Tampa Bay Lightning
After three consecutive defeats, including the regular season, John Cooper's team managed a 5-1 victory in an away game against Florida. Despite the big win, Tampa Bay is currently among the worst in this playoff for scoring efficiency. They are also in the bottom three teams for power-play conversion percentage (14.5%).
- Tampa Bay has not scored more than three goals in 5 of their last 7 NHL meetings at Florida Panthers' home ground.
- The club has not conceded more than two goals in regular time in 5 of their last 6 away games in the league.
- At least five goals have been scored after three periods in 10 of the last 12 away NHL matches involving Tampa Bay (2 after shootouts).
Florida Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning: Match Prediction
Florida faced challenges in the last match, but this time the team will surely work on their mistakes and strive to claim victory over Tampa Bay. The hosts of the upcoming encounter are adept at executing sharp attacks: the club has scored at least three goals in 4 of their last 5 NHL home games in 60 minutes. Additionally, matches involving Florida have often been quite high-scoring: at least six goals have been scored in 4 of their last 5 league games in regular time.
The visitors, in turn, will do everything possible to level the series. Tampa Bay will play openly, which should lead to a good scoring outcome: at least six goals have been scored after three periods in 7 of the last 9 NHL matches involving Tampa Bay. It's also worth noting that only one of the last four head-to-head league meetings saw fewer than six goals scored in 60 minutes.
The hosts of the upcoming match will aim to increase their series lead, while the visitors will take risks to level the score in the first round of the Stanley Cup. My prediction: Total over 5
