The first-round playoff clash in the Stanley Cup between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Florida Panthers will take place on April 25 at the Amalie Arena. The series score is 1-0 in favor of Florida. Tampa Bay vs. Florida: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Tampa Bay Lightning
John Cooper's team started this Stanley Cup campaign with a 2-6 defeat. Jake Guentzel and Brayden Point scored for the hosts. Andrei Vasilevskiy, who conceded six goals from 16 shots in this match, set a record low for save percentage in an NHL playoff game (62.5%). Notably, after the first game in this Stanley Cup, Tampa Bay has the lowest penalty kill percentage, tied with Minnesota, both having conceded in every penalty kill situation in these playoffs.
- Tampa Bay has not scored more than three goals in regulation time in 6 of their last 8 home NHL meetings.
- The team has not lost after three periods in 8 of their last 9 home league games (6 wins, 2 draws).
- At least six goals have been scored in regulation time in Tampa Bay's last eight home NHL games.
Florida Panthers
Paul Maurice's team took the lead in the series, ending a six-game road losing streak (1 in OT). Matthew Tkachuk was the most productive player in Florida's lineup in the first game, earning three points (2+1). Notably, the team scored more than five goals for the first time since late January, despite only having 16 shots on target. Currently, in the Stanley Cup, Florida has the highest power-play conversion rate, tied with Vegas (100%), having scored three times with a man advantage in the last game.
- Florida has won in regulation time in 6 of their last 8 NHL meetings at Tampa Bay's venue.
- The team has not conceded more than three goals in regulation time in 5 of their last 6 away league games.
- The team has lost in regulation time in 4 of their last 5 NHL away games.
Tampa Bay vs. Florida: Match Prediction
As one of the main contenders for the Stanley Cup, Tampa Bay is unlikely to accept a series defeat and will surely make adjustments before the next game. At home, John Cooper's team consistently collected points towards the end of the regular season and currently has only one regulation-time loss in their last nine NHL games (6 wins, 2 draws).
Florida approached the first game of the series wisely, trying to shut down the main opponent's leader, Nikita Kucherov. However, given the team's recent away results, I do not believe in a second consecutive victory. Moreover, the team has lost in 6 of their last 7 away NHL games (1 in OT).
Tampa Bay appeared relatively calm in the first game of the series, but after the defeat, their competitive spirit and more convincing play from the hosts should influence the result. I believe conclusions will be drawn.
My prediction: Tampa Bay Lightning to win
