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Lightning vs. Panthers Prediction and Odds (Back Tampa as Rare Underdogs)

By Ben Heisler

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (77) leads the Lightning in goals and assists over their last five games.
Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (77) leads the Lightning in goals and assists over their last five games. / Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
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Two of the Eastern Conference's best clubs match up in Surprise, Fla. this evening when the Tampa Bay Lightning head to the southeast part of the state to face the Florida Panthers.

The Lightning are 9-1-0 over their last 10 games with wins in four straight. Meanwhile, Florida enters this game 5-4-1 over its last 10 contests.

Both teams now play for the first time all season on Panthers' ice, with both splitting their series in Tampa.

Here's how the odds for tonight stack up at WynnBET Sportsbook:

Lightning vs. Panthers Odds and Total

Moneyline:

  • Lightning: +135
  • Panthers: -155

Puck Line:

  • Lightning: +1.5 (-200)
  • Panthers: -1.5 (+165)

Total:

  • 6.5 (Over -125 | Under +105)

Lightning vs. Panthers Prediction and Pick

With both teams likely playing with backup goaltenders, I initially wanted to lean on the over; but 6.5 goals is an awfully high number to climb even with two teams that offer the firepower that Tampa Bay and Florida have.

Instead, I'll jump on the rare chance to get the Lightning as an underdog.

Panthers goaltender Spencer Knight is likely to start in place of Sergei Bobrovsky who got the victory for Florida last night. Knight's goals against average this season isn't particularly impressive at 3.42, with a save percentage right around 89%. The former first rounder has a bright future ahead of him at just 20 years old, but the two-time defending champion is an awfully difficult test.

Knight also gave up a career high eight goals against the Ottawa Senators, who own the third worst record in the Eastern Conference.

Tampa Bay also plans to start Maxime Lagace tonight in just his second start of the season this year. The 28-year old call-up from the AHL picked up the win on Tuesday vs. Montreal stopping 27 of 31 shots in the victory, although it was more in spite of him than because of him.

While money has moved the Panthers' line at WynnBET towards Florida. I'll follow the lead of our normal NHL insider Iain MacMillan and not "overreact" to the push towards the Panthers.

Pick: Lightning +135

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