Lightning vs. Panthers prediction: NHL odds and picks tonight

The Tampa Bay Lightning are not any strangers to sluggish begins to a season. It looks as if it’s a ceremony of passage at this level that, come late October, the hockey world says stuff like, “The Lightning look drained, I'm wondering if all that hockey is catching as much as them.” 

With only one win of their first 4 video games and a back-to-back in opposition to the Panthers and Islanders looming, we’ve reached a well-recognized spot on the hockey calendar for the Lightning.

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Lightning vs. Panthers prediction: Lightning -105 (Caesars)

Whereas all people anticipated the Lightning to do what they at all times do that season and cruise into the playoffs, some reputable questions had been being requested in regards to the Panthers, who made some large modifications after successful the Presidents’ Trophy in 2021-22. 

Florida’s protection appeared skinny, which was regarding for a staff that was undone by shaky play in its personal zone within the postseason. We all know the Cats can rating, however defending leads and managing video games, nicely, that’s a special story.

And people questions solely grew to become louder after Aaron Ekblad and Brandon Montour received injured. Montour is a depth defenseman, greatest suited to a bottom-pair position, however Ekblad is the heartbeat of this roster, and shedding him for some time is a big blow for a protection that's severely missing depth. Gustav Forsling, Lucas Carlsson, Radko Gudas, and Josh Mahura initiatives to be Florida’s top-four, and that appears nearer to the blueline for a lottery staff than one on a contender. 

Florida can at all times outscore these points, however that turns into a way more troublesome proposition in opposition to a Lightning staff that performs a troublesome 200-foot sport. 

Andrei Vasilevskiy #88 of the Tampa Bay Lightning stops a shot from Zack MacEwen #17 of the Philadelphia Flyers
Andrei Vasilevskiy #88 of the Tampa Bay Lightning stops a shot from Zack MacEwen #17 of the Philadelphia Flyers
Getty Photographs

Betting on the NHL?

The Lightning are on the primary leg of a back-to-back and we haven’t acquired goaltending affirmation but, however it will play out one in every of two methods. Both the Bolts will begin Andrei Vasilevskiy and have a definite benefit in objective in opposition to Sergei Bobrovsky, or the market will transfer drastically in direction of Florida after Tampa Bay pronounces Elliott because the starter. If the latter occurs, it’s prone to be an overreaction as Florida’s weak protection ought to mute the netminding edge in Bobrovsky vs. Elliott. In different phrases, you'll be able to wait out the market and purchase Tampa at the next quantity if Elliott goes.

When these two groups are totally wholesome and in type, the Panthers needs to be a slight favourite at house. However with Ekblad out, the staff nonetheless adjusting to shedding Mackenzie Weegar and a determined Tampa Bay staff coming into city, this worth seems low cost on the Bolts.

The Wager: Tampa Bay Lightning -105 (Caesars)

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