Sharp Bettors Target Game 1: Lightning vs Panthers Elite NHL Pick 4/22

The Battle of Florida is back. For the fourth time in five seasons. The Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning are set to clash in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Game 1 of this Eastern Conference first-round series gets underway Tuesday night at Amalie Arena, with puck drop scheduled for 8:30 p.m.

Both teams enter the postseason with proven playoff experience, star power, and a strong recent history against one another. Tampa Bay won the first two playoff meetings between these teams in 2021 and 2022. While Florida returned the favor last season, eliminating the Lightning in five games en route to their first Stanley Cup title.

Florida Panthers Outlook

The defending champions finished third in the Atlantic Division with a 47-31-4 record. But closed the season on a slump, going 3-6-1 in their final 10 games. Injuries played a role in their late-season dip. With key players like Matthew Tkachuk, Sam Bennett, Aaron Ekblad, and Dmitry Kulikov missing time.

Florida’s offense ranked 15th in goals per game and 3rd in shots on goal. Though they struggled with efficiency, finishing 28th in shooting percentage. With Tkachuk expected to be a game-time decision and Brad Marchand now in the lineup. The Panthers could see a jolt in offensive production.

On defense, the Panthers were solid, ranking 7th in goals allowed and 5th in shots against per game. Special teams were a strength, with Florida ranked 13th in power play percentage and 10th on the penalty kill.

In goal, Sergei Bobrovsky is expected to start. He posted a 33-19-2 record with a 2.44 goals-against average and a .906 save percentage during the regular season. Known for his playoff performances, Bobrovsky could be a deciding factor in this series.

Notably, Aaron Ekblad will miss the first two games of the series as he serves the remainder of a 20-game suspension for a performance-enhancing substance violation.

Tampa Bay Lightning Outlook

The Lightning finished second in the Atlantic Division with a 47-27-8 record and 102 points. They remained strong down the stretch, going 5-2-3 in their final 10 games, and were dominant at home with a 29-8-4 record.

Offensively, Tampa Bay was among the NHL’s elite. They led the league in goals per game (3.56), ranked second in shooting percentage, and finished 12th in shots per game. Nikita Kucherov won his second consecutive Art Ross Trophy with 121 points (37 goals, 84 assists), while Brayden Point and newcomer Jake Guentzel each surpassed the 40-goal mark.

Defensively, the Lightning ranked 4th in goals allowed and 14th in shots allowed per game. Their special teams were also top-tier — 5th on the power play and 6th on the penalty kill. Discipline remains an issue, with the team averaging four penalties per game, making their strong penalty kill all the more important.

In net, Andrei Vasilevskiy is set to start Game 1. He posted a 38-20-5 record with a 2.18 GAA, a .921 save percentage, and six shutouts this season. Vasilevskiy, widely regarded as one of the league’s best postseason goaltenders, presents a major challenge for the Panthers.

Oliver Bjorkstrand, acquired at the trade deadline, is expected to miss the entire first-round series due to a lower-body injury, according to head coach Jon Cooper.

Head-to-Head and Series Outlook

The regular season series between these teams was split 2-2. Both teams have proven they can win on the road, though Tampa’s strong home record gives them an early edge. The Panthers did pick up a key win in Tampa on Dec. 22, just before the holiday break.

This series offers a compelling mix of star talent, playoff pedigree, and in-state rivalry — a treat for hockey fans in the opening round. With high-caliber goaltending, potent offenses, and physical playoff experience on both sides, expect a tightly contested, emotional series.

Lightning vs Panthers Elite NHL Pick 4/22

So far in the month of April here at Elite Sports Beat I am 11-7 (61%) +$3,835 overall. (proof here). So far in the NHL playoffs I am 2-1 +$940 (proof here). And so far this baseball season I am 10-5 (66%) +$4,215 (proof here)

📩 Want expert analysis and elite sports betting picks? 📩

If you’re serious about improving your betting strategy, start with discipline. Bet less, research more, and focus on value. For more insights, elite sports picks, and a smarter approach to the game…..Subscribe now to Elite Sports Beat receiving a 31 day all access pass for just $125. Guaranteed to show a profit otherwise you will receive a full refund.