Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Florida Panthers 4/21/24 – As the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs heat up, a riveting match-up is on the horizon between the Tampa Bay Lightning (45-29-8) and the Florida Panthers (52-24-6). This Sunday’s game not only promises high stakes but also critical data for those making a Stanley Cup prediction today. As these teams clash at the Amerant Bank Arena, all eyes will be on the outcome to gauge the potential contenders for the championship.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Florida Panthers 4/21/24
When: Sunday, April 21, 2024, at 12:30 PM ET
Where: Amerant Bank Arena
TV: ESPN
Stream: NHL.TV
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Florida Panthers 4/21/24 Betting Odds:
| Team | PUCKLINE | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lightning | +1.5 -180 | o5.5 -116 | +147 |  |
| Panthers | -1.5 +160 | u5.5 +100 | -165 | |
| ||||
Headed south ✈️ pic.twitter.com/6hS8Kw5Q1d
— x – Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) April 20, 2024
The Lightning enter this game as underdogs, which reflects their slightly less consistent season compared to the Panthers. However, their odds suggest a tight contest. Bettors might find value in the Lightning’s +1.5 puck line, given their competitive recent form. Meanwhile, the Panthers, with a more robust season record, justify their favorite status, though the +1.5 spread offers less enticing returns.
Goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy vs. Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky
The Lightning’s Andrei Vasilevskiy has demonstrated amazing talent and flexibility through 52 games in limiting the opposition shots to 90 % mark. He will bring memories of major tournament games, the experience of which is invaluable against an opponent who threatens his backline with several high scoring players. Vasilevskiy’s capability to cope up well with under heavy shots is going to be critical for Tampa Bay’s defense.
However, the Panther’s Sergei Bobrovsky has a save percentage of .915 which is outstanding over his 58 games while being the shield of his team. With their performance, they possibly hold the critical role especially when their threat is measured against Kucherov and Stamkos from Tampa Bay who have proven scoring prowess throughout the season.
Lightning Leaders: Power Plays and Precision
The Lightning’s best player has been Nikita Kucherov, with an outstanding 144 points, comprising 44 goals, with Brayden Point and Steven Stamkos putting in great performances. This threesome employed a form of power play which eventually got them quite a number of points in the team’s arsenal. Whether the Lightning can get on board with these chances may well determine the tide of the game, especially against a fairly good net minder like Bobrovsky.
Panthers’ Prowess: Versatile Scoring
Sam Reinhart and Matthew Tkachuk have affected the team’s performance. Reinhart, who managed to make 57 goals and to be in every situation either in power play or a short man, taking into consideration Tkachuk’s creative prowess, offers Florida a multi-talented and dualistic offense. The defenders might have the strength to counter this, but there might be some holes that the attackers could only imagine in making the scoring chances possible.
Trends
Tampa Bay Lightning Betting Trends
Lightning are 3-2 in their last 5 games.
Tampa Bay Lightning are 3-2 in their last 5 games against the spread
Lightning are 20-21 in their road games against the spread
The totals have gone OVER in 2 of Lightning’ last 5 games
The totals have gone OVER in 23 of Lightning’ 41 last games at home
Florida Panthers Betting Trends
Panthers are 3-2 in their last 5 games.
Florida Panthers are 2-3 in their last 5 games against the spread
Panthers are 27-14 in their road games against the spread
The totals have gone OVER in 2 of Panthers’ last 5 games
The totals have gone OVER in 15 of Panthers’ 41 last games at home
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Florida Panthers Betting Picks
Considering both teams’ recent form and the critical abilities of their goaltenders, this game is poised to be tightly contested. The betting trends and player performances suggest that taking the Lightning with the +1.5 puck line might be a safer bet. However, the Panthers’ strong season record and home advantage could ultimately see them through.
In conclusion, while the Panthers are favorites, the Lightning’s resilience should not be underestimated. Bettors should also keep an eye on the total, as both teams have tendencies that could tip it over. For those looking to place bets, checking out the top online betting sites for the latest odds and potential prop bets could provide additional value.
Score Prediction: Panthers 4, Lightning 3.
