Panthers vs Lightning Odds, Lines and Picks on March 21st

• The Tampa Bay Lightning (22-6-2) host the Florida Panthers (20-6-4) on Sunday
• Both teams played on Saturday afternoon and are expected to switch goaltenders for this match up
• Here are the odds, team previews, and the best value bet available

Get ready for a heavyweight tilt in the Sunshine State on Sunday.

Florida can move into a tie for top spot in the Central Division with a win over Tampa Bay.  The season series is tied 1-1 and every game between the two will be important as the playoffs get closer. Here are the odds, team break downs and the best bet on the board.

Panthers vs Lightning Odds

Odds taken Mar. 20th at DraftKings

Panthers Continue To Prove They Belong

Consider the first half of the season a coming out party for the Panthers. They are sporting a 20-6-4 record and are just two points shy of the defending Stanley Cup champion Lightning. Saturday afternoon they put on an absolute clinic against Nashville. They picked up a 2-0 win outshooting the Predators 49-21. It was yet another complete performance in a long line of them.

You just know Aleksander Barkov (@Barkovsasha95) is burying those. pic.twitter.com/wvE3pNVngY

— NHL (@NHL) March 20, 2021

Aleksander Barkov was the best Panther on the ice and that’s pretty routine. He’s quietly developed into one of the best players in the league. In 30 games this season he has 13 goals and 22 assists while playing a complete 200 foot game. Teammates continue to rave about Barkov’s talent and skill and it really is time for hockey fans to take notice.

He’s the type of forward that gives Florida a chance to win every single night.

No Stanley Cup Hangover For Tampa Bay

The Lightning enter Sunday’s game with a 22-6-2 record and look more than capable of repeating as champions. They are also coming off a win on Saturday after beating the Blackhawks 4-1. Victor Hedman continues to prove he is the best defenseman on the planet. He had three assists against Chicago and now has 32 points in 30 games this season.

How Swede it is to become the 6th Swedish defenceman to reach 500 NHL points – congratulations to Victor Hedman! pic.twitter.com/vn0DceFvy9

— NHLPA (@NHLPA) March 17, 2021

The 2018 Norris Trophy winner is the favorite this year and for good reason. Unlike other offensive defenseman like Tyson Barrie of the Oilers, Hedman is also an absolute work horse in his own end. Despite all the offensive fire power on the Lightning roster, it’s their 30 year old Swedish superstar that stirs the drink.

Watching him go head to head with Barkov will be a treat.

Sunday Showdown Could Come Down To Goaltending

In this shortened season teams have been hesitant to play goalies on back to back nights. This is important to note since both the Panthers and Lightning played on Saturday. Florida shut out Nashville using their back up Chris Driedger meaning he’ll likely sit against the Lightning. That will give the crease to Sergei Bobrovsky who is 12-3-2 this year with a 2.90 goals against average and .906 save percentage. There’s a reason Bobrovsky was signed to a contract that pays him $10-million a year. He’s the only active NHL goalie with multiple Vezina trophies.

Aleksander Barkov, best player in the NHL?

After his sixth-straight win, Sergei Bobrovsky couldn't say enough good things about the @FlaPanthers star.

(🎥 @FOXPanthers) pic.twitter.com/0lUvSP96Qv

— NHL (@NHL) March 16, 2021

On the flip side Tampa Bay started Andrei Vasilevskiy in their win over Chicago. He was sensational as always but will likely rest in favor of back up Curtis McElhinney who has been less than stellar this season. McElhinney has two wins in six starts with a 3.19 goals against average and .874 save percentage.

The Lightning are currently slight favorites and you should try and take advantage of the great value. In this match up of top tier opponents, the big edge in goal will likely be the difference. Trust the Panthers to take advantage and get a much needed two points.

The Pick: Florida Panthers Moneyline (+130)