The 7-3 Lightning have been money in the bank against sub-.500 teams and at home this season, and have an enviable record against today's opponent, the Panthers. It is hard to think of Florida as underachievers, but they are definitely sub-par on defense. Tampa bests them on offense, and has a distinct advantage on special teams, pitting their 3rd ranked PP against a 20th ranked Panthers PK. Florida continues to struggle on the road this season. They have Bobrobski in net, who was fine in his last start, but has had some shockingly poor games this season. Vasilevskiy will likely start for Tampa. He has been very sharp after a brief rough patch in November.
Tampa is the healthier of the two teams and look to continue their fine record against the Panthers tonight. Take Tamp to win.