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Florida Panthers vs Tampa Bay Lightning Prediction 4/24/25 NHL Picks
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Tampa Bay Lightning (47-27-8) vs Florida Panthers (47-31-4)
April 24, 2025 at 06:30 PM EDT
The Line: Betting Odds: Tampa Bay Lightning -130 / Florida Panthers +110 — Over/Under: 5.5
In this article, we will formulate a Panthers vs Lightning prediction for this NHL game on Thursday, April 24, at Amalie Arena in Tampa, FL. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Florida Panthers Betting Preview
The Florida Panthers (48-31-4, 36-47 ATS) lost seven of the final ten regular-season games and dropped to 3rd place in the Atlantic Division, losing the home-ice advantage in Round 1 of the playoffs. However, that home-ice advantage is already restored in Game 1 of the series against the Lightning, after the Panthers celebrated a 6-2 victory on the road. Matthew Tkachuk starred with two goals and an assist in his first game following a two-month absence. Florida scored six goals from just 17 shots! Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 20 of 22 shots he faced.
The Panthers average 3.00 goals per game this year (15th), while they allow 2.72 GPG (7th). Sam Reinhart leads the team with 83 points (40 G and 43 A). Aleksander Barkov contributes 73 points (20 G and 53 A), while Matthew Tkachuk has 60 points (24 G and 36 A).
Sergei Bobrovsky (34-19-2) will likely take his place in the cage for the Panthers on Thursday against the Lightning. The 36-year-old is allowing 2.44 goals per game this year with a .906 SV% and five shutouts.
Tampa Bay Lightning Betting Preview
The Tampa Bay Lightning (47-28-8, 43-40 ATS) had more success than Florida late in the season and managed to leapfrog the Panthers in the Atlantic Division standings and secure the No. 2 spot. Even though they secured a home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs, the Lightning displayed some horrific defense and lost 6-2. Andrei Vasilevskiy had one of the worst performances of his career as he let six goals on just 17 shots. Jake Guentzel and Brayden Point scored for the Bolts.
The Lightning score 3.56 goals per game on average (1st), while they concede 2.63 GPG (4th). This season, Nikita Kucherov leads the team with 122 points (37 G and 85 A). Brandon Hagel has 90 points (35 G and 55 A), while Brayden Point chips in with 83 points (43 G and 40 A).
Andrei Vasilevskiy (38-21-5) is expected to start for the Lightning at the goal on Thursday against the Panthers. The 30-year-old is allowing 2.18 goals per game this year with a .921 SV% and six shutouts.
Why the Lightning will beat the Panthers
- The Lightning have won each of their last 10 Thursday night games at Amalie Arena.
- The Panthers have lost each of their last four road games following a road win.
- The Panthers have failed to cover the puck line in five of their last six games against opponents on a losing streak.
- The Lightning have covered the puck line in nine of their last 11 night games at Amalie Arena following a home loss.
- The Panthers have lost the third period in each of their last four games as road underdogs against opponents on a losing streak.
Total Goals Facts
- Each of the Lightning’s last eight home games have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Each of the Panthers’ last four night games at Amalie Arena against opponents on a losing streak have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Four of the last five night games between two teams from the Atlantic Division have gone OVER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1’ market has hit in seven of the Lightning’s last eight games as home favorites.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Panthers’ last four night games at Amalie Arena.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Tampa Bay Lightning rank 4th in the league for goals against per game this season (2.63).
- The Tampa Bay Lightning rank 5th in the league in power play percentage this season (25.86%).
- The Florida Panthers rank 2nd in the league in short-handed goals this season (12).
- The Florida Panthers rank 3rd in the league for shots per game this season (31.6).
Panthers vs Lightning Prediction
The Panthers won seven of the previous ten H2H encounters. This season, Florida won three of five meetings, including Game 1 of this series. Following a disastrous display at the goal, I am backing Vasilevskiy to bounce back and show us why he is one of the best goalies in the NHL. The luck will turn its back on the Panthers, and the Lightning know they will be in big trouble if they don’t tie the series at 1-1 here. Go with Tampa Bay.
