The Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers are back at FLA Live Arena in Sunrise for Game 2. Tampa was coming off a hard-fought, down to the wire series against the Toronto Maple Leafs, but they didn’t appear tired or bothered in Game 1.
All in a day's work for the Boss. pic.twitter.com/wCko3EqYUK
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) May 18, 2022
The Lightning erased a 1-0 deficit in the 1st period to dominate the 2nd and 3rd. They scored 4 unanswered goals for a 4-1 win and 1-0 series lead. Sergei Bobrovsky allowed 4 goals on 36 shots, while Andrei Vasilevski stood tall between the pipes with 33 saves on 34 shots.
This series is sort of simple for the Panthers. Bobrovsky needs to show up and show up big. The offense could have played better in Game 1, but as this season progresses, it will come down to how well Bobrovsky plays in the crease.
Much has been made about Bobrovsy’s contract and how he hasn’t lived up to expectations. Beating the Bolts in the second round of the playoffs is the perfect stage for him to earn his $70-million contract. Bobrovsky also has a no-movement clause in his deal.
The Panthers were all offense and believed they needed an elite goaltender to put them over the top. After winning the Presidents’ Trophy, I’d say they are going in the right direction, but Bobrovsky needs to take this team deep in the postseason.
HUG YOUR BIG CAT 🦁 pic.twitter.com/ezAvKJzEG4
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) May 18, 2022
Vasilevskiy doesn’t have it easy with a first-round matchup against the high-powered Maple Leafs and then the Panthers. He handled himself well in Game 1, but the Panthers need to capitalize more efficiently in Game 2. They didn’t generate the best scoring chances despite 34 shots on net.
Head below for our free Lightning vs. Panthers Game 2 prediction on May 19, 2022.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Florida Panthers Game 2 Live Betting Odds:
| Teams | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tampa Bay Lightning | +1.5 (-175) | +145 | Over 6.5 (-115) |
| Florida Panthers | -1.5 (+150) | -170 | Under 6.5 (-105) |
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| Team Data | Tampa Bay Lightning | Florida Panthers |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 56-26-8 | 62-21-6 |
| Puckline Record | 43-47 | 44-45 |
| Away/Home Record | 27-17-2 | 36-9-0 |
| Puckline Away/Home | 24-22 | 24-21 |
| Goals Per Game | 3.47 | 4.02 |
| Goals Against Per Game | 2.81 | 2.98 |
| Shots Per Game | 30.96 | 37.02 |
| Shots Against Per Game | 29.90 | 30.71 |
Lightning vs. Panthers Game 2 Prediction:
The Panthers need more Grade A scoring chances on Thursday night. They put pucks on Vasilevskiy, but didn’t put him in the worst possible situations.
In the regular season, the Panthers were the best team in the NHL at making life tough for goaltenders, so they’ll have to get back to that form.
Florida is first in the NHL with 4.02 goals per game and 37.3 shots on net. Their power play rates amongs the best as well, with a 24.4% success rate.
The Panthers started off well in Game 1, but faded without generating the best scoring chances. Credit to Vasilevskiy, though we’ve seen the Panthers much more aggressive in the past.
Their offense is likely going to get going tonight. They were on fire in a 5-3 and 4-3 win over the Capitals to close out the first-round. Expect them to find that form again in Game 2.
Bobrovsky has a 3.20 GAA, and 0.899 save percentage in 48 playoff games in his career. Bobrovsky has posted a 2.98 GAA and 0.903 save percentage in the playoffs through seven games.
Heading into the playoffs, Bobrovsky recorded a 2.67 GAA, and 0.913 save percentage in the regular season. The Lightning have peppered Bobrovsky for a 3.50 GAA, and 0.882 save percentage in 21 games.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Florida Panthers Game 2 Betting Trends:
Lightning
- 25-5 overall in their previous 30 semifinal games
- 12-3 overall in their previous 15 playoff games as an underdog
- OVER is 6-1 in their previous seven games following a one-day break
- OVER is 8-3 in their previous 11 games versus the Atlantic Division
- OVER is 8-3 in their previous 11 games versus a team with a winning record
Panthers
- 48-12 overall in their previous 60 games at home
- 17-5 overall in their previous 22 games games on a Thursday
- OVER is 10-3-1 in their previous 14 games versus a team with a winning percentage better than 60%
- OVER is 12-5-5 in their previous 22 games versus the Atlantic Division
- OVER is 10-4-1 in their previous 15 games at Florida
The Lightning aren’t going to stop coming at Bobrovsky in this one. They were fast in Game 1 and likely going to be just as dangerous in the second meeting.
In a regular season meeting in April, the Lightning scored 8 goals in an 8-4 win. They followed up in Game 1 for 4 more goals. Tampa has scored at least 3 goals on the Panthers in their previous four games.
Following a 4-1 final in Game 1, expect Game 2 to be closer. Look for a 4-3 score in a game that could go in either direction.
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