Lightning at Panthers: The Battle of Florida resumes

Game Sixty: Tampa Bay Lightning (35-20-4) at Florida Panthers (37-21-3)

Time: 7:00 PM EST

Location: Amerant Bank Arena, Sunris

TV/Stream/Radio: FDSNSUN, Scripps, ESPN+, 102.5 FM, Lightning App

Odds: Lightning +105

Know the Opponents: Litter Box Cats

A benefit of the Lightning’s recent eight-game winning streak is that it lessens the importance of this game. Had the Lightning continued their meandering accumulation of points that we saw in January, this contest would have a heightened sense of importance. Now, however, the need to win isn’t quite there. That being said, it’s always fun beating the Florida Panthers, especially on their ice.

The Bolts have solidified their position in the Atlantic Division with an eight-point lead over the Detroit Red Wings (and a game in hand). Right now they are three points behind the Panthers for second place (with two games in hand) and four points behind the Maple Leafs (one game in hand). A win would trim that lead Florida has over them and deny them the chance to move atop of the standings.

We haven’t checked the potential match-up odds for the playoffs yet, but with just over twenty games to go for most teams, the chances for these two teams to meet up in the second season is pretty good, so tonight could very well be a preview of yet another Lightning/Panthers series. Good times!

Much like the game against Washington on Saturday, today will be a good test to see where the Lightning are at in regards to play-off like competition. Florida made their big move (or, at least their first big move) by acquiring Seth Jones to bolster their defense. He should make his debut tonight on the second pairing with Nikko Mikkola.

As for the Lightning, there is a good chance they roll 11/7 again as it seems to have worked for them since the return of J.J. Moser. One thing to keep an eye on will be if Jon Cooper flips Gage Goncalves for Cameron Atkinson. While Over-Age Gage did score against the Caps, Coach Cooper doesn’t like to have his extra forwards sit too long. In the past he’s shown a tendency to flip forwards in and out on back-to-backs, and the Bolts do have a game against Columbus tomorrow.

Buckle up for what should be a fun game. Sadly, we won’t have a rematch of the Brandon Hagel – Matthew Tkachuk 4 Nations Face-Off fight due to Tkachuck’s injury, but it would be wildly shocking if there isn’t at least one fight between these two rivals. The Lightning need to keep doing what they’ve been doing – playing team defense, strong special teams play, and scoring up and down the line-up. That’s proven to be successful in the play-offs, and it’s the style they need to perfect over the next 20+ games.

Potential Lines

Tampa Bay Lightning

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Defense:

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Florida Panthers

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