Lightning vs. Panthers Predictions, Odds, Preview

May 16, 2021

Thom Cunningham
VI Betting Expert
VegasInsider.com

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Florida Panthers Game 1 Predictions

Score Prediction Panthers 4 Lightning 2

The Panthers have had Tampa Bay's number all season long, including the prior two meetings. However, Tampa Bay is due for a win which makes this Game 1 a bit more unpredictable. Florida has momentum and the record against Tampa Bay, but the Lightning are due to break their losing streak - which is currently three games long.

Therefore, the best bet might be in a different market. The goal total has failed to go OVER in three of the last four meetings. However, the winning team has scored five goals in three of the last five meetings. Also, Tampa Bay has gone OVER the goal total in four of the last five games played on a Sunday.

Florida has seen at least one team score four or more goals in 12 straight games, while the combined O/U for both clubs slightly favors the goal total going OVER by four games. If the goal total scares you, stick to the goal-scoring prop bet as a winner bet should either be with the underdog that has won seven straight or left for Game 2.

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Florida Panthers Game 1 Best Bets

• Over 5.5 (-110)
• Patric Hornqvist Goal +250
• Brayden Point Goal +175
• Panthers ML +109

The Florida Panthers have won the second period in seven of their last eight home games after winning the game prior. (AP)

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Florida Panthers Game 1 Odds

First Round Series Odds

• Lightning -125
• Panthers +109
• Lightning (-1.5) +195
• Panthers (+1.5) -250
• Over 5.5 -110
• Under 5.5 -110

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Florida Panthers Game 1 Betting Analysis

• Venue: BB&T Center
• Location: Sunrise, Florida
• TV-Time: NBCSN - 7:30 p.m. ET

Tampa Bay Lightning: 37-17-3 SU, 24-32 ATS, 27-26-3 O/U
Florida Panthers: 37-14-5 SU, 27-29 ATS, 27-24-5 O/U

Tampa Bay has lost -$487 when playing away from Amalie Arena. Despite this, the Lightning hold a 15-10-3 record when playing on the road. The Panthers are money at home, winning bettors $900 when playing in Sunrise, Florida during the regular season. Florida is 20-5-3 when playing at home this season.

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Florida Panthers Series History

• 05/10/2021 - Tampa Bay 0 at Florida 4 (-1.5) (Under 6)
• 05/08/2021 - Tampa Bay 1 at Florida 5 (-1.5) (Push 6)
• 04/17/2021 - Florida 5 (+1.5) at Tampa Bay 3 (Over 5.5)

Florida has won three straight games against Tampa Bay, covering the puck line in four straight as well. The winning team has scored four or more goals in four of the last five meetings.

Projected Goalies

Tampa Bay: Andrei Vasilevskiy (31-10, 5 SO, 2.21 GAA, .925 SV%)

Florida: Sergei Bobrovsky (19-8, 0 SO, 2.91 GAA, .906 SV%)

2021 NHL Playoff First Round Betting Resources

• Stanley Cup Playoff Central
• NHL Futures
• Stanley Cup History
• 2020 NHL Playoff Results
• Point Totals Odds
• Playoff Prop Odds

Odds per BetMGM - Subject to Change