With something left on the line to play for, the Lightning will give it their all against a Panthers team settled into its playoff position. Tampa wins in regulation.
Todd Cordell • Betting Analyst
Apr 15, 2025 • 11:37 ET • 4 min read
The Tampa Bay Lightning have dropped four of the past six games as their play has dipped down the stretch.
Tonight, they’ll be looking to get back on track and keep their Atlantic Division chances alive with a win over their interstate rival, Florida Panthers.
My Panthers vs. Lightning predictions expect them to do just that, with star forwards Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point leading the charge.
Let’s take a closer look at my NHL picks for Tuesday, April 15.
Panthers vs Lightning prediction
My best bet: Lightning 3-way moneyline (-120 at bet365)
My analysis
The Tampa Bay Lightning still have something to play for. If they win their final two games — and get help — they could steal the Atlantic Division crown from the hands of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The first order of business is getting two points against the Florida Panthers, which should be an easier task than usual.
With the Panthers firmly entrenched in their spot as the No. 3 seed in the Atlantic, they have nothing on the line tonight, and their lineup will reflect that.
Head coach Paul Maurice had already been taking key players out of the lineup to heal bumps and bruises and get his guys extra rest before the playoffs. It makes no sense for the Panthers to ice anywhere close to their best lineup in this game, especially against the team they’re likely to draw in the opening round.
Thus, the Panthers should be trotting out a watered down lineup against a Lightning squad putting its best foot forward.
The Panthers will also have Vitek Vanecek playing behind said lineup. The veteran backup has struggled mightily this season, posting an .886 save percentage and winning only five of 23 starts.
While Vanecek has performed better behind a more talented and structured Panthers team, he has still lost four of his last five games.
Look for Nikita Kucherov, Brayden Point, and a high-powered Bolts offense to take advantage of the Panthers’ B squad.
Panthers vs Lightning same-game parlay (SGP)
Lightning 3-way MLNikita Kucherov Over 2.5 shots on goal
Brayden Point Over 0.5 points
Kucherov is a very consistent shot generator, having recorded three shots or more in 68% of his games this season, averaging 3.4 on 7.1 attempts.
He’s taken his numbers up a notch following off-days, piling up 3.8 shots on 8.1 attempts over his last 10 games after a rest day.
Kucherov has also benefited from the promotion of Yanni Gourde to the top line. He’s averaged more than 10 shots and 24 attempts per 60 minutes of 5-on-5 play with Gourde on his opposite wing.
Those are much better outputs than he’s managed with Jake Guentzel on his wing, producing a hair over eight shots and 16 attempts per 60 minutes in that time.
Point has hit the scoresheet in 70% of Tampa Bay’s home games and 81% of home wins. He also has a great track record against Florida, picking up a point in 14 of the last 19 head-to-head meetings.
Expect him to get in on the action against a depleted Panthers lineup with little to play for.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Panthers vs Lightning odds
Panthers vs Lightning live odds
Panthers vs Lightning opening odds
- Puck line: Florida 5.5 (-125) | Tampa Bay 5.5 (+105)
- Moneyline: Florida +135 | Tampa Bay -160
- Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-125) | Under 5.5 (+105)
Panthers vs Lightning trend
The Tampa Bay Lightning have covered the Puck Line in 25 of their last 44 games at home (+10.10 Units / 19% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Panthers vs. Lightning.
How to watch Panthers vs Lightning
Location Amalie Arena, Tampa, FL Date Tuesday, 4-15-2025 Puck drop 7:30 p.m. ET TV ESPN
Panthers vs Lightning latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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