We're back in business on the ice after the all-star break. My best NHL bet for Monday is the 8-2 Lightning roughing up the home side Panthers. The Lightning aren't as good on the road as at home, but they have had good success when visiting the Panthers. The Panthers are just 5-5 in recent games and are missing both of their top goalies. Journeyman goalie Lyon will likely be in net again. He has started 6 straight games, and has been better expected, but he'll face Tampa's potent top 4 offense and top 3 PK. The Panthers can put the puck in the net but their defense and PK has been suspect irregardless of whoever has tended the net this season. Lyon will face a ton of shots again. Vasilevsky will start for the Lightning. He has been super-sharp in his last couple of games, and is a winning machine again this season.

The favorite usually wins when these two State rivals face off. The Lightning are definitely the better team this season, and their goalie superiority is the clincher. Take the Lightning to strike again on the road.