Florida Panthers - Tampa Bay Lightning predictions and free betting tips [29/04/2024]

Today the 5th 1/8 final match-up of the Stanley Cup playoffs is set to kick off, featuring rivals from the Eastern Conference. Night-time hockey fans should gear up for the showdown between Florida and Tampa Bay.

Tampa Bay

The Tampa Bay players participated in 82 official regular-season NHL matches in the 2023-2024 season. With 82 games played, Tampa Bay managed to accrue 98 points, securing 6th place in the leaderboard of the Eastern Conference. Throughout the course of the 2023-2024 season, Tampa Bay has displayed relatively average results, standing amongst those who were not in contention for victory in the regular championship. After 82 games played, Tampa Bay stands in the 6th place of the Eastern Conference, conceding to rivals from Toronto, Boston, Florida, Carolina, and the Rangers. In the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, the Tampa Bay hockey players went up against the Florida team and so far, things are not looking up. After four games against Florida, Tampa Bay is lagging behind, on the brink of elimination from the playoffs. Currently, the score in the face-off between Florida and the 'Lightning' is 3:1 in favour of the stronger team. While the 'Lightning' has lost three consecutive matches, they only lost by a 1-2 goal margin. However, after experiencing a 3:0 series score, Tampa Bay managed to secure a victory. The fourth game ended with a 6:3 score in favour of the 'Lightning', who have no room for further mistakes.

Florida

The Florida club has played 82 official matches in the regular NHL season of 2023-2024. In these 82 matches, Florida gathered 110 points, leading to their 3rd place stand in the Eastern Conference leaderboard. Throughout the 2023-2024 season, Florida has displayed remarkable performances which is obvious from their place on the leaderboard. After 82 games, Florida manages to secure the 3rd place in the Eastern Conference, only trailing behind rivals from Carolina and the Rangers. Throughout the lengthened regular season, Florida proved resilient with no significant drops or falls. Up until the end of the regular season, Florida was contesting for the top spots, falling just 4 points behind the 1st place Rangers. In the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, Florida encountered the Tampa Bay hockey players and so far, the Eastern Conference leader faces no substantial problems. Winning three consecutive matches, Florida seemed to have bagged the next round's entry, but the 'Lightning' managed to score a victory in the fourth meet and extended the series. Florida's 6:3 defeat came as a total surprise. The most crucial aim now is not to lose again and avoid bolstering the opponent's confidence or setting the stage for a continued series.

Head-to-Head 

Florida and Tampa Bay have matched up in 86 official matches. Tampa Bay boasts 50 victories while Florida has dominated in 36 encounters.

Prediction

Florida will emerge winners in the primary time. Florida's hockey players overcame the 'Lightning' thrice in a row and stumbled only once. Right now, the most crucial task for Florida is not to let go of the control and psychological advantage over the opponent, who stands just one loss away from playoff elimination.