Lightning vs Panthers Game 1 Odds and Picks

• The Florida Panthers host the Tampa Bay Lightning for Game 1 of their series on Tuesday, May 17th
• The Lightning eliminated the Panthers in 6 games in the playoffs last year
• Read below for Game 1 Lightning vs Panthers odds, picks and betting prediction

It’s a rematch of the battle of Florida as the Panthers look to get revenge on the Lightning for eliminating them in the first round of the playoffs last year. Game 1 between the Lightning and Panthers is on Tuesday, May 17th with the puck drop scheduled for 7:00 pm ET at FLA Live Arena. TNT will have the broadcast for this game.

As the best team in the league this season, the Panthers are -150 home favorites in the Tuesday NHL odds against the Lightning. The Cats also have the benefit of having played one less game in the first round as well as getting one more day of rest.

It may not be quite the Battle of Alberta in the West, but this is one of the most anticipated matchups in the 2nd round of the NHL playoff bracket. Let’s look at the Lightning vs Panthers odds for Game 1 and give you our best NHL bet for this matchup.

Lightning vs Panthers Odds Game 1

Odds as of May 16th at Barstool Sportsbook.

The over/under total for this game has been set at an unusually high number of 7 goals. One of the reasons why that number may be set so high is because the Panthers had the highest scoring offense in the league this season, averaging 4.1 goals per game.

With moneyline odds of -150, the Panthers have an implied win probability of 60% to take Game 1 of this series.

Florida Panthers Betting Analysis

With one round in the books, the Panthers still own the shortest 2022 Stanley Cup odds of any team in the Eastern Conference, with only the Colorado Avalanche stronger favorites of any team left in the postseason.

It's a battle of the Sunshine State. ☀️

The @FlaPanthers and @TBLightning will meet in the Second Round. #StanleyCup

NHL x @dunkindonuts pic.twitter.com/pefEYPWNEp

— NHL (@NHL) May 15, 2022

This team’s offensive depth is quite remarkable. Jonathan Huberdeau, who was a strong challenger in the Hart Trophy Odds throughout the season, only tallied three points in the series, tied for 5th on the team. However, the Panthers still averaged over three goals per game against Washington.

The Panthers were the most dominant home team in the NHL this season with a record of 34-7-0. They also took two out of three games in their first round series against the Capitals at home and are an incredible 48-11 in their last 59 home games overall.

Tampa Bay Lightning Betting Outlook

The two-time defending Stanley Cup champions just squeaked through an intense seven game series against the Toronto Maple Leafs. We’ll see how much gas is left in the tank for a squad that’s played more hockey than any other team in the NHL the last three years.

The Tampa Bay Lightning win in Game 7! pic.twitter.com/svCMjYuhZL

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) May 15, 2022

Nevertheless, they have championship pedigree which cannot be ignored. Incredibly, Jon Cooper’s team is 17-0 in their last 17 playoff games following a loss. It’s an incredible statistic that shows their true mettle.

They are anchored by Victor Hedman, once again a finalist in the Norris Trophy Odds and goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy, who gave up three or more goals in every game of their first round series against the Maple Leafs, except the deciding game 7, when he shut the door allowing only one puck to get by him.

Tampa Bay vs Florida Injury Updates

A major factor playing into the hands of the Florida Panthers for Game 1 and likely throughout this series, is the loss of Brayden Point. It seems highly unlikely he’ll be available for Game 1 and probably at any point in this series judging by the pain etched on his face after going into the boards in game 7 against Toronto.

Brayden Point's injured. Just brutal. pic.twitter.com/AvJqhDtmBA

— Shayna (@hayyyshayyy) May 14, 2022

It’s a huge loss for the Bolts, as Point has the most goals in the playoffs over the last two plus years. He scored the overtime winner in game 6 against the Maple Leafs, forcing the deciding game 7 against Toronto and always shows up in the biggest moments.

For Florida, defensemen Aaron Ekblad and Ben Chiarot were banged up following their series victory against the Capitals, but both are expected to be on the ice for Game 1 against Tampa. However, power forward Mason Marchment is not expected to play as he continues to nurse a lower body injury that forced him out of the lineup for the last two games of the series against Washington.

Lightning vs Panthers Recent Results

These two sides split the season series, with each team winning two of four games during the year.

Lightning vs Panthers Pick & Prediction

While there is a bit of a little brother trying to beat big brother scenario happening here, Florida are quite comfortable favorites in the Lightning vs Panthers Game 1 Tuesday NHL odds for a reason. They were the best team in the league during the year in addition to having rest and health on their side for Game 1.

We meet again. 😼#TimeToHunt pic.twitter.com/yrFSXFcC3d

— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) May 15, 2022

Tampa definitely has the edge in goal. Vasilevskiy is the most reliable active goalie in the NHL postseason with his play over the last few years. The jury is still out on Sergei Bobrovsky. He’ll hope to put bury the ghosts from last year’s playoff series against Tampa where he played in just three games and had a 5.33 goals against average.

Still, the Panthers scoring depth is incredible and the Point injury will loom large over this series and should hurt the Lightning’s chances in Game 1. Florida is 7-1 in their last eight games when playing on three or more days rest. Couple that with their incredible home success and the Panthers are the best NHL pick at Barstool Sportsbook.

Pick: Panthers Moneyline (-150)