Florida Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning: Picks, Predictions, Odds and Player Props

It's the battle of Florida as the NHL regular season winds down and this matchup between Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning holds high importance.

Home ice advantage for the first round of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs is the major implication in this game, as the winner could ultimately secure it.

Not only that, but these teams from Florida have a deep rivalry and must use this game as preparation for a potential matchup in the playoffs.

The Panthers are 2-1-0 in the three meetings this season and will look to make it a strong finish to their season series. Tampa Bay, meanwhile, still has an outside chance at winning the division, so expect both teams to bring their A-game.

To get you set for this NHL action on Tuesday, we are here to provide our expert Panthers vs. Lightning prediction and odds.

Florida Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning betting picks and predictions

Florida Panthers +1.5 (-170)

The Panthers are missing a large group of their best players such as Aaron Ekblad, Matthew Tkachuk, and Brad Marchand, but with how deep this team is, they have been fine.

They are coming in off a loss but were previously on a three-game winning streak and they should have no issue getting up for this one.

The problem for Florida is that they are heading to enemy territory against an elite Lightning team. Tampa Bay is on a 2-0-3 run, earning 7 of a possible 10 points.

They have far more to play for in this game, as they look to leapfrog the Toronto Maple Leafs in the Atlantic Division standings.

No matter who ends up winning this game, we should be in for a great battle which could set the tone for the upcoming playoffs.

This potential playoff preview should finish within one goal, so take Florida +1.5 with strong odds.

Over 5.5 Total Goals (-115)

When looking throughout these lineups, you will see stars everywhere. Even with some strong players out of this game, offensive threats will be hitting the ice each shift. 

Tampa Bay currently leads the NHL in scoring, averaging 3.6 goals per game. This has been a consistent trend that has led them to a successful season.

Florida has also been strong in this department, to nobody's surprise. They average 3.0 goals per game but can light up a team at any given moment.

Both teams are offensively gifted and, in what could be a back-and-forth affair, expect all defensive efforts to be bested by the offensive side of the game. Take the Over for this one.

Nikita Kucherov Over 2.5 Shots on Goal (-150)

Not only is Nikita Kucherov the driving force of the Lightning, but he is one of the best players in the entire NHL.

Kucherov leads the NHL in points (119) and is third on his team in goals (36), but his shots total (259) leads the way by a wide margin. He leads the Lightning by 37 shots and has him ninth in NHL shots overall.

The Russian has only hit more than 2.5 shots in three of the last six games, but this is a big game, so expect Kucherov to have a major impact in this game, as he usually does.

Shots should be flying from him throughout the game, especially if we see overtime.

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Florida Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning odds

Florida Panthers	+150 ML
Tampa Bay Lightning	-180 ML
Puck Line	Tampa Bay -1.5
Total	O/U 5.5

Florida Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning player props

Anytime Goalscorer

Brayden Point (TB Lightning)	+130
Nikita Kucherov (TB Lightning)	+150
Jake Guentzel (TB Lightning)	+150
Sam Reinhart (FLA Panthers)	+180
Aleksander Barkov (FLA Panthers)	+200
Brandon Hagel (TB Lightning)	+200

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.