The first round playoff clash in the Stanley Cup between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Florida Panthers will take place on April 30 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 losing their last away game 2-4. Both goals were scored just 11 seconds apart, setting a new Stanley Cup record. In this playoff, Tampa Bay is among the teams with the lowest scoring, having netted only nine goals. Additionally, they have one of the weakest power play conversion rates at 6.7%.
- Tampa Bay has not scored more than three goals in regular time in 7 of their last 9 home NHL meetings.
- The team has lost 4 of their 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 lead in the series by securing their third win in four recent playoff matches. Highlighting Florida's lineup is Anton Lundell, who earned two points (1+1) in the last game. In the current Stanley Cup campaign, the club is one of the most reliable, having conceded only nine goals. They are also among the top three in penalty killing, with only Carolina boasting a better rate (93.3%).
- Florida has scored at least three goals in regular time in 7 of their last 9 NHL meetings at Tampa Bay's venue.
- The team has lost 6 of their last 8 league away games (1 in OT).
- At least six goals have been scored in regular time in 5 of the last 6 NHL games involving Florida.
Tampa Bay vs. Florida: Match Prediction
Paul Maurice's team is indeed outplaying their opponent in the current series and justifiably leads the contest. Tampa Bay has chances, but they have not been able to fully capitalize on them. Everything indicates that Florida might eliminate their opponent from the Stanley Cup in the upcoming match, as they have all the necessary tools.
Florida has won all their away games in regular time in the current playoffs. Furthermore, they have 7 wins in the last 9 NHL meetings at the opponent's venue after 60 minutes. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay has 4 regular-time losses in their last 5 league matches, including the regular season, and has lost 4 of their last 6 home games in the league (2 in OT).
Tampa Bay has not managed to turn the series around, either at home or away. I believe Florida has the strength to conclude their opponent's season in the upcoming match.
My prediction: Florida Panthers to win the match
