Lightning vs Panthers Prediction, Trends and Betting Odds for Game 2 NHL Playoffs

The NHL Playoffs started off with a bang. The first three games all went into overtime, with the lone game being settled in regulation being between Tampa Bay and Florida. Even without overtime, Lightning vs Panthers Game 1 will be remembered for a long time with neither team willing to back down. So, what can we expect in Game 2? This NHL betting preview for the Lightning vs Panthers NHL Playoffs matchup will provide game info, betting trends, odds and a prediction for Game 2 of this series.

Lightning vs Panthers Betting Preview and Prediction | NHL Playoffs

NHL Central Division Semifinals NHL Playoffs Game 2 (TB Leads 1-0)
Tampa Bay Lightning (36-17-3, 15-10-3 Away) vs. Florida Panthers (37-14-5, 20-5-3 Home)
Date: Tuesday, May 18th, 2021
Time: 8:00 pm EST
Venue: BB&T Center – Sunrise, FL
Coverage: CNBC

The Florida Panthers had the Lightning’s number all season, but couldn’t quite close the deal in Game 1. They twice went up a goal, once heading into the second period and once with just over 15 minutes left in the game. In almost every category, the Lightning and Panthers were dead even. However, when it came to the power play, Florida just couldn’t keep up. Tampa Bay converted on three out of the four, where the Panthers could only score on one of three. Florida must either cut down on the penalties or improve their penalty kill in Game 2.

The Lightning will find themselves, at worst, splitting with the Panthers heading back to Tampa. Although they got the win, they weren’t too sharp either. The biggest problem for the defending champs was the turnover battle. They had only five takeaways to Florida’s nine, and 12 giveaways to Florida’s nine. With Florida unable to stop their power play, the best way to put some distance between themselves and Florida is to either make the Panthers make mistakes offensively, or stop giving the puck away.

Lightning vs Panthers NHL Betting Odds

Moneyline: TB: -115 | FLA: -105
Spread: TB: -1.5 (+200) | FLA: +1.5 (-240)
Total: 6 – Over: (-105) I Under: (-115)
Odds to Win Series: TB: -330 | FLA: +265

Lightning vs Panthers Betting Trends

• The total has gone over in five of Florida’s last seven games
• Florida are 4-1 straight up in their last five games this season
• Tampa Bay is 1-3 straight up in their last four matchups with Florida
• Tampa Bay is 3-6 straight up in their last nine games in May

Lightning vs Panthers Prediction

This NHL prediction uses NumberFire’s probability model. They give Tampa Bay a 51.1% chance to win Game 2 of this NHL Playoffs matchup.