Panthers vs. Lightning Predictions, Odds, Preview

VegasInsider Staff Sports Betting Expert

2 minute read

May 26, 2021

by Joe Williams
VI Betting Expert
VegasInsider.com

Florida Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Game 6 Predictions

Score Prediction Lightning 3 Panthers 2

The Panthers turned to rookie Spencer Knight, their third starting goaltender in five games in this series. The third one was a charm, as he picked up his first-career NHL playoff win in his first-ever postseason start, helping Florida stave off elimination on home ice. The task will be much taller in his first-ever road start in the playoffs.

Florida has proven they can win on Tampa ice already, winning Game 3 by a 6-5 score in overtime, as the Lightning chased Chris Driedger after two periods and five goals. The Panthers erased a 5-3 deficit in the third, and picked up the game-winning tally from Ryan Lomberg of all people, stunning the Lightning and the Amalie Arena crowd.

It's not going to happen again.

The defending Stanley Cup champs went 21-7 on home ice this season, and a win over the rookie is going to happen. However, it won't be a slam-dunk play. Tampa Bay is going to have to earn this one in a hard-hitting, well-played game, and it might even require overtime.

Florida Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Game 6 Best Bets

• Lightning -150
• UNDER 6

Spencer Knight got the start in net for Florida for Game 5 and came up big for the win, forcing Game 6 back in Tampa Wednesday night. (AP)

Florida Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Game 6 Odds

First Round Series Odds

• Panthers +125
• Lightning -150
• Panthers (+1.5) -200
• Lightning (-1.5) +165
• Over 6 (+100)
• Under 6 (-120)

Florida Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Betting Analysis

• Venue: Amalie Arena
• Location: Tampa, Florida
• TV-Time: CNBC - 8:00 p.m. ET

Florida Panthers: 39-17-5 SU, 30-31 ATS, 30-26-5 O/U
Tampa Bay Lightning: 39-18-4 SU, 26-35 ATS, 30-28-3 O/U

This has been a rather wild series so far. The Lightning have outscored the Panthers 20-17 in the first five games, averaging 4.0 goals per game to 3.4 goals per outing for Florida. As a result, the OVER has hit in three of the games, including both meetings at Amalie Arena.

While the overall offensive production has been similar, we have actually had just two one-goal game, and only one trip to overtime. The favorite has hit the puck line in just two of the five outings, too. Look for a close battle here, as is typical when series go deep into Game 6 or 7. And look for the offense to dry up a bit, too, as the teams play it a little more closer to the vest.

Florida Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Series History

• 05/24/2021 - Tampa Bay 1 at Florida 4 (+1.5) - Under 6
• 05/22/2021 - Florida 2 at Tampa Bay 6 (-1.5) - Over 6
• 05/20/2021 - Florida 6 (+1.5) at Tampa Bay 5 - Over 6

Projected Goalies

Florida: Spencer Knight (4-0, 0 SO, 2.32 GAA, .919 SV%)

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

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