This rivalry affair projects to be a good game. The Lightning lead the season series 2-1 and can clinch a series win with a victory on Tuesday. However, the Panthers won’t go down without a fight and would love to even things up.
Oddly enough, both the Panthers and Lightning have gone 2-3 over their past five games and are both fresh off losses heading into this contest. Florida was most recently defeated 3-1 by Buffalo, while Tampa Bay lost 7-3 against Pittsburgh.
Something has to give on Tuesday night, and we should be in store for plenty of excitement.
This game is scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM EST on Tuesday, February 28th, at Amalie Arena in Tampa Bay, FL. Let’s take a look at the odds, trends, and predictions for this matchup.
Overall Game Info & Outlook
- Florida Panthers at Tampa Bay Lightning
- The Panthers are 2-3 over their last five games.
- The Lightning are 2-3 over their last five games.
- Amalie Arena
- This game is scheduled for 7:00 PM EST
TOP #3 Sports Betting Sites to Bet on NHL
Florida Panthers at Tampa Bay Lightning Betting Preview
Florida Panthers Preview
The Florida Panthers haven’t played their best hockey in recent action. Injuries have played a role, but in the end, a slump is a slump. However, pure motivation is something bettors need to keep in mind.
The Panthers and Lightning have a rivalry, given their location. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Florida turn things around and give Tampa Bay a run for their money as road underdogs.
Let’s take a look at the Panthers’ against the spread records this season.
- The Florida Panthers are 23-38 against the spread this season.
- The Panthers are 11-22 against the spread when playing on the road.
- Florida has a 35-24-2 over/under record so far during the season.
- They are 13-17 overall when playing on the road this year.
The Panthers have endured their struggles on the road, especially against the spread. Their overall road mark isn’t anything to write home about, and they have been dreadful in regards to covering away from home.
The Panthers tend to lean on their strong offensive attack. They rank fifth in goals for, sixth in assists, 14th in power play percentage, and 25th in shooting percentage.
Defensively, they’ve allowed 212 goals which ranks 26th.
Carter Verhaeghe leads them with 31 goals to go along with a steady number of 22 assists. Matthew Tkachuk has the most assists on the Panthers’ 50.
Goalie Sergei Bobrovsky has tallied 17 wins, a .902 save percentage, and a 3.12 GAA. He’s been decent at times this season, but Florida has still struggled to limit opposing offenses.
Aleksander Barkov and Sam Bennett have both been previously dealing with injuries.
Overall, the Panthers’ chances of winning this game may not seem great. For those betting on this game, it comes down to whether you believe their motivation to win will be enough to at least cover the road spread.
Tampa Bay Lightning Preview
The Tampa Bay Lightning have labored of late. Their offense has been inconsistent, and it is typically their bread-and-butter.
The Lightning’s offense should be able to get back on track versus the Panthers’ questionable defense. Although, they can’t simply expect to dominate and take Florida for granted.
Here’s a look at their against the spread records.
- The Tampa Bay Lightning are 28-32 against the spread this year.
- The Lightning are 16-13 against the spread when playing at home.
- Tampa Bay has a 30-26-3 over/under record so far this year.
- They are 22-4 overall when playing at home.
The Lightning have had their ups and downs against the spread. On the one hand, their overall record is below .500 against it. On the other hand, they are three games above .500 against the spread at home.
Their eye-popping overall home record stands out. Going 22-4 at home is an incredibly difficult task and is a stat that the Panthers will want to take note of.
Tampa Bay, as mentioned earlier, leans on their offense. They are fourth in goals for, second in assists, second in power play percentage, and fifth in shooting percentage.
They have surrendered 174 goals which is good for 13th. Their defense isn’t abysmal by any means and has nights where they are able to shut down the competition. With that being stated, inconsistency has been a factor on defense.
Brayden Point leads the Lightning with 36 goals. Nikita Kuchrov has the most assists on the team, with 62.
Goalie Andrei Vasilevkiy has 28 wins, a .919 save percentage, and a 2.55 GAA.
Top Sportsbooks Odds
Betonline: Tampa Bay Lightning -1.5
Bovada: Tampa Bay Lightning -1.5
MyBookie: Tampa Bay Lightning -1.5
BetUS: Tampa Bay Lightning -1.5
BetNow: Tampa Bay Lightning -1.5
The Tampa Bay Lightning are favored to win. Here’s a look at the complete betting odds for Tuesday evening.
Florida Panthers at Tampa Bay Lightning Odds & Picks
Odds for this Matchup:
Florida Panthers | +1.5 | +140 | O/7 |
Tampa Bay Lightning | -1.5 | -155 | U/7 |
Recommended Pick:
Which team should you roll with?
The Panthers have a chance to upset the odds, but betting against the Lightning would be risky, to say the least. In the end, Tampa Bay is the team to beat at home.
Roll with the Tampa Bay Lightning as your Tuesday night NHL betting selection.
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