The first-round playoff matchup in the Stanley Cup between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Florida Panthers will take place on May 1 at the Amalie Arena. The series score is 3-1 in favor of Florida. Tampa Bay vs. Florida: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Tampa Bay Lightning
John Cooper's team is on the brink of elimination from the playoffs after a 2-4 away defeat in the last match. Both goals were scored within just 11 seconds, setting a new Stanley Cup record. In this playoff, Tampa Bay is among the lowest-scoring teams, having netted only nine goals. Additionally, they have one of the weakest power-play percentages at 6.7%.
Note that Brandon Hagel will miss the upcoming match, as he did not finish the last game after a head injury.
- Tampa Bay has not scored more than three goals in regular time in 7 of the last 9 NHL home encounters.
- The club has lost 4 of the last 6 home games in the league (2 in OT).
- At least six goals have been scored in regular time in 8 of the last 9 NHL games at Tampa Bay's venue.
Florida Panthers
Paul Maurice's team strengthened their series lead by securing their third win in the last four playoff matches. In Florida's lineup, Anton Lundell stood out, earning two points (1+1) in the previous game. In this Stanley Cup run, the club is one of the most reliable, having conceded only nine goals so far. They also rank in the top three for penalty killing, with only Carolina having a better percentage (93.3%).
Note that defenseman Aaron Ekblad is suspended for two matches.
- Florida has scored at least three goals in regular time in 7 of the last 9 NHL encounters at Tampa Bay's venue.
- The team has lost 6 of the last 8 away games in the league (1 in OT).
- At least six goals have been scored in regular time in 5 of the last 6 NHL matches involving Florida.
Tampa Bay vs. Florida: Match Prediction
Paul Maurice's team has outplayed their opponent in the current series and justifiably leads the matchup. Tampa Bay has had chances, but they haven't been able to capitalize on them fully. Everything points to Florida potentially eliminating their opponent from the Stanley Cup in the upcoming match, as they have all the tools needed for this.
Florida has won all their away games in regular time in the current playoffs. Additionally, they have 7 victories in the last 9 NHL head-to-head encounters at the opponent's venue after 60 minutes. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay has suffered 4 regular-time losses in the last 5 league matches, including the regular season, and as hosts, they have lost 4 of the last 6 league games (2 in OT).
Tampa Bay has been unable to turn the series around, either at home or away. I believe Florida has the strength to end their opponent's season in the next match.
My prediction: Florida Panthers to win the match
