The Florida Panthers are heading down the road as they take on the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday night. This Atlantic Division rivalry on the NHL schedule has two Sunshine State teams competing for the same two points in a matchup that promises big hits.
The Lightning currently sit third in the division, three spots ahead of the Panthers. The difference lies in games played, with Tampa having 61 games to the Panthers’ 59. In this Panthers vs Lightning betting analysis, Florida has a chance to give itself a boost if it can pull off a win tonight. Among all NHL games, this one should promise to be entertaining.
Florida Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Odds
Florida Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Information
Florida Panthers vs Tampa Bay Lightning
Location: Amalie Arena, Tampa, FL.
Date and Time: Tuesday, February 28, 2023, 7:05 PM ET.
How to Watch: Bally Sports Sun
Florida Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Recent Scores
Florida lost their last game at home against the Buffalo Sabres 3-1 on Friday night, and their frustration over this season’s performance is showing.
In making NHL expert picks, the Lightning didn’t do too well in their last outing, either, taking a 7-3 thumping by the Pittsburgh Penguins Sunday. However, that was the tail end of a back-to-back, with Tampa taking the first game against the Detroit Red Wings, 3-0.
Florida Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Betting Analysis
Florida Panthers Facts to Know
These two NHL teams met in the last playoffs, where the Lightning destroyed them in the series 4-0. After that, the Panthers went into a sharp decline, which was reflected in the NHL odds. With the arrival of Paul Maurice, the change of head coach didn’t bring any improvements, and now the Panthers are outside the top eight of the Eastern Conference.
Still, Florida has shown modest results in the regular season, as they play spectacularly and efficiently. In looking at the overall Panthers vs Lightning betting analysis, in their last eight away games, there were 53 goals total, a very high figure, even for the NHL.
As a result of losing 3-1 to the Sabers in their last game, the Florida Panthers will need to win in their next outing. They also received ten penalty minutes for the game and had three opportunities to utilize a power play but didn’t get a single chance to utilize it. The Panthers did not have the best offensive game, only making one out of 50 attempted shots.
The Panthers have given up 155 goals when evenly matched against their opponents, scoring 163 under the same condition. When undermanned on power plays, they have allowed just 57 goals on 221 tries, enough to put them in second place in the league.
Tampa Bay Lightning Facts to Know
Jon Cooper’s team doesn’t have the same problems as the Panthers. The Lightning play well, especially at home, where they have won 14 of their last 16 games. However, they also miss certain key opportunities.
In their most recent game, the Lightning faced the Pittsburgh Penguins and lost 7-3. They attempted 29 shots but only landed three and missed two of the three power play advantages they had.
The Lightning have scored 158 goals when evenly matched and typically do well on power plays. In the NHL standings, they’re third in the league when they have the advantage, having scored 52 goals.
Tampa Bay has scored 210 goals and earned 78 points on the season. On defense, they’ve given away 139 goals playing at even strength and 35 when short. According to their statistics, on 186 power play opportunities for their opponents, the Lightning have a penalty kill percentage of just over 81%, with a save percentage of 90.6%.
Updates
In setting the Florida Panthers odds, Florida will have to play without Sasha Barkov tonight, which will be a significant blow. He’s had some issues since he took a hit the last time these two met on February 6. On the NHL injury report, Sam Bennett is still being watched to see if he is well enough to play following his hip injury.
In the Tampa Bay Lightning picks, Tampa Bay hasn’t reported any serious injury absences. Erik Cernak, often a top Tampa player in the NHL player stats, was suspended for two games after the Sabres match but could be on the ice today.
Florida Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Betting Preview
In the Panthers vs Lightning betting analysis, the moneyline favors Florida to win, putting them at around -170 in front of Tampa’s +150. Based on the history between these two, covering the 6.5 over/under won’t be a problem.
Florida Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Betting Prediction
These two are among the most inconsistent in the NHL lately, although the Lightning seems to be making good progress toward the playoffs this season. Getting in the second wild card spot in the East still requires the Panthers to beat several teams, and better health will help them do so.
The Panthers haven’t been able to win many games against Tampa Bay lately, with the Lightning taking two of the last three. In the NHL picks, that trend continues Tuesday night, and the underdog wins.
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