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🏆 Playoffs
Last updated: April 22, 2025 4:58 PM EDT • 5 min read
The Florida Panthers enter their first-round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning with shorter Stanley Cup odds. However, our Panthers vs. Lightning Game 1 prediction and NHL picks favor Tampa Bay for tonight’s opener at Amalie Arena (8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN). 
The Lightning were the better, more confident team down the stretch, while the Panthers will start the series with too many uncertainties. Let’s dive into the most consequential storylines with tonight’s opener beckoning.  
📡 How to watch Panthers vs. Lightning live Game 1
📅 Tuesday, April 22
🕗 8:30 p.m. ET
📍 Amalie Arena (Tampa, Fla.)
📺 ESPN, Sportsnet 360 | 🛜 ESPN+, Sportsnet+
📈 Check out our Lightning vs. Panthers matchup page for full team stats and betting line history. 
✅ Against the spread pick: Lightning -1.5 (+220 via bet365) ⭐⭐
✅ Moneyline pick: Lightning (-115 via BetMGM) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
✅ Over/Under pick: Over 5.5 (-108 via DraftKings) ⭐⭐⭐
The Lightning enter the playoffs in markedly better form than their Sunshine State adversaries. While confidence won’t be an issue for the defending Cup champions, the Panthers stumbled into the postseason and should struggle to overcome a healthy, in-form Lightning team.
The Panthers were tied for the second-worst road record (3-8-1) and scored the fewest goals per game (1.83) in enemy rinks since the 4 Nations break.
Hamstrung by the loss of Matthew Tkachuk and Aaron Ekblad, the Cats were a tamer, more listless version of their former selves. While Tkachuk’s presence in Game 1 will be a game-time decision, Ekblad will not feature until Game 3. 
Even if Tkachuk plays, I can’t see him being at his sharpest after missing two months of action, particularly against a scorching-hot Lightning outfit.
Since the 4 Nations break, the Lightning had the third-best home record (11-1-2). I have no doubt the Panthers will improve as the series transpires, but the Lightning should have the upper hand in the opener. 
✅ Best bet: Lightning ML (-115 via BetMGM)
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Due to the short -145 odds, Guentzel to notch at least a point is a three-star play. While the profit on a $10 bet will be just $6.90, Guentzel tallied a point in seven straight against the Panthers. He notched a point in eight of the final 13 regular-season games and posted a point in four of his final six playoff games with the Carolina Hurricanes last season. 
💰 Best odds: -145 via bet365
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Gourde finished the season with at least two shots in seven of the final nine games. Though it was two seasons ago, Gourde was productive the last time he was in the playoffs, with five Overs in his previous six appearances. He’s built for the playoffs, and I expect him to raise his level for Tuesday’s opener. bet365 offers the longest odds of our best sports betting sites, and a winning $10 bet will profit $9.09. 
💰 Best odds: -110 via bet365
Bennett was one of the Panthers’ most influential players in their Cup-winning run. He had 14 points in 19 games and was an omnipresent threat. After missing a few games down the stretch due to an upper-body injury, Bennett is healthy and good to go. He’ll be playing with Tkachuk if he returns to the lineup, with the pair finding superb chemistry last playoffs. Even if Tkachuk doesn’t play, Bennett raises his level in the playoffs and should make his presence felt. 
💰 Best odds: +110 via DraftKings
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Latest Panthers vs. Lightning odds from our best sports betting sites.
Opening odds via BetMGM.
Ready to place your hockey bets today? Here are the best NHL betting sites and best sportsbook promos for the Stanley Cup playoffs:
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