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Last Updated: April 24, 2025 6:39 AM EDT • 6 minute read X Social Google News Link
I can’t imagine things getting much uglier for the Tampa Bay Lightning than their hideous Game 1 performance, in which the Florida Panthers shelled Andrei Vasilevskiy en route to a 6-2 victory. Our Panthers vs. Lightning Game 2 prediction and player props suggest that a second straight dud from a proud Tampa team is unlikely, providing the bedrock of our NHL picks.
Despite the lopsided series-opening setback, the Lightning are the favorites across our best sports betting sites for tonight’s game at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla. (6:30 p.m. ET, TNT).
📡 How to watch Panthers vs. Lightning live (Game 2)
📅 Thursday, April 24
🕗 6:30 p.m. ET
📍 Amalie Arena (Tampa, Fla.)
📺 TNT, SN360 | 🛜 Max, Sportsnet+
📈 Check out our Panthers vs. Lightning matchup page for full team stats and betting line history.
✅ Against the spread pick: Panthers +1.5 (-245 via bet365) ⭐⭐⭐
✅ Moneyline pick: Lightning (-125 via BetMGM) ⭐⭐⭐
✅ Over/Under pick: Over 5.5 (-115 via Caesars) ⭐⭐⭐
The series opener marked the second time in a row the Lightning have laid a massive ostrich egg against the Panthers in the playoffs. In Game 5 of last year’s first round, the Panthers thrashed the Lightning 6-1. In Tampa’s defense, the Panthers scored twice into an empty net to put last season’s first round to bed, making the score look worse than it was.
The same was not the case in Game 1; the score accurately reflected the on-ice proceedings. Sergei Bobrovsky wasn’t required to stand on his head, finishing with a respectable 0.64 goals saved above expected.
Meanwhile, Vasilevskiy – one of the league’s best netminders down the stretch – will want to quickly forget about his six goals against and -2.45 goals saved above expected.
It wasn’t so long ago that Vasilevskiy was immaculate after a playoff loss.
As of May 13, 2022, the former Vezina winner enjoyed a 17-0 streak in the playoffs after a loss. More than ever, the Lightning need that version of Vasilevskiy. While he’s struggled against the Panthers in the playoffs recently, I’m baking on a strong response from him.
His subpar evening wasn’t the only Lightning issue, with the Panthers roasting the home team on the power play, going a perfect 3-for-3.
That was another shocker as the Lightning had the best home penalty kill in the regular season, reinforcing the clean slate the postseason represents.
I’m the first to hold my hand up, admitting my wayward prediction that Matthew Tkachuk would be off the pace in his first game back. He was anything but, representing one of the difference-makers for the defending Cup champs. In his first game in over two months, Tkachuk finished with three points, scoring two power-play goals to put the game out of reach.
I predicted a long series and am steadfast in that forecast.
For that to occur, the Lightning need to win Game 2. That desperation should come to the fore, and with Jon Cooper’s adjustments, I expect the league’s fourth-best during the regular season to level the series. The Lightning winning, however, is predicated on the team staying out of the sin bin, especially after Anthony Cirelli’s injury.
The Game 2 status for the Lightning’s best defensive forward is still unknown. The Lightning might be able to make do without him in the short term, but any long-term absence would probably be fatal.
✅ Best bet: Lightning ML (-125 via BetMGM)
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Tkachuk is so good he didn’t miss a beat after being out of the lineup for over two months. Re-entering the fray against one of the best teams in the playoffs, no less, and dominating is a testament to his elite pedigree. I was incorrect in thinking he’d struggle to keep up with the pace for a game or two, and I won’t make that same mistake twice.
He had two goals, an assist, three shots, and five shot attempts in his long-awaited return. Lock in Tkachuk to secure at least 2.5 shots. I also like the unicorn to notch at least one helper.
💰 Best odds: -130 via bet365
Guentzel was one of the Lightning’s bright spots in Game 1, scoring a goal and firing six shots on Bobrovsky. He doesn’t usually let rip as often, but I like him to get at least three shots to get this series back to Sunrise, Fla., tied at one. Before Game 1, he had at least three shots in six of the last eight regular-season meetings with Florida.
A winning $10 bet will profit $10.
💰 Best odds: +100 via DraftKings
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Point has a goal in three straight against the Panthers and four of the last five. He scored his goal in Game 1 on just two shots and three attempted shots. I expect him to fire more liberally in Game 2, and he’ll be desperate to extend his goal-scoring hot streak against the Cats. DraftKings offers the longest odds of our best NHL betting sites, and a winning $10 bet would profit $16.50.
💰 Best odds: +165 DraftKings
🧪 Want to make your own SGP? Check out our NEW parlay calculator to get the best odds for any same-game parlay.
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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