Game 1 of the Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Florida Panthers was an insane way to start a Stanley Cup Playoffs series. We are expecting fireworks again in Game 2, as the Bolts look to get to a 2-0 series lead. The Panthers, meanwhile, are plotting a plan to even it all up before the series shifts to Tampa’s home.

With that, NitroBetting News goes over the highlights of the upcoming game, including recent team form, the latest NHL odds, betting trends, and betting predictions, all of which are geared to help you lock in those winning picks. Don’t forget to check out more Hockey odds and lines at our online BTC sportsbook before placing your bets!

Lightning vs. Panthers Game 2 Information

• When: Tuesday, May 18, 2021, 8:00 PM ET
• Where: BB&T Center, Sunrise, Florida
• TV: NBS, SN1, TVAS, ALT, BSMW
• Radio: (WFLA 970 AM Lightning) / (Fox Sports 640 South Florida)
• Live Stream: NHL Live
• NHL Betting Odds: Florida Panthers (-103) / OU: 5.5

READ MORE: Islanders vs. Penguins NHL Playoffs Odds and Game 2 Breakdown — May 18th, 2021

Why Bet on the Tampa Bay Lightning?

It was just fitting that it was Brayden Point who scored the game-winning goal for the Lightning in the topsy-turvy 5-4 Tampa Bay win in Game 1, as he was the team’s leading point-getter in the regular season. But you could also say that the real hero for Tampa Bay in the series opener was its special teams, as the Bolts struck not once, not twice, but thrice in four times on the man advantage.

The Lightning finished the regular season with a top 10 PP percentage in the NHL, and indeed, they took advantage of Florida’s penalty kill that was inconsistent back in the regular season. And then there’s also Point’s linemate, Nikita Kucherov, who scored twice in Game 1.

That line is breathing fire right now, and the Lightning will look to ride on that in Game 2 while hoping for goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy to bounce back with a much better performance after allowing four goals on 39 shots in the series opener.

Why Bet on the Florida Panthers?

The Panthers were oh so close to drawing first blood in the series against the Lightning. They had a one-goal lead midway in the third period but failed to take care of that cushion, letting Tampa Bay score two unanswered goals the rest of the way.

Sergei Bobrovsky put up a disappointing performance between the pipes, having allowed five goals, though he also faced 40 shots. The Panthers must find a way to limit Tampa Bay’s shot attempts and win the possession battle, not to mention being better in slowing down Tampa’s power plays.

There’s also a chance that Bobrovsky will get replaced by Chris Driedger, so keep a close eye on that. Jonathan Huberdeau scored a goal and assisted on two others in Game 1, while Alekasander Barkov and Owen Tippett had a goal apiece. Those are great signs for Florida’s offense that averaged 3.36 goals for per game back in the regular season.

Lightning vs. Panthers Betting Trends

• The Lightning are 5-1 in their last six games in the playoffs as the favorite.
• The Lightning are 5-2 in their last seven games as the favorite on the road.
• The Under is 3-1-1 in the Lightning’s last five road games.
• The Panthers are 6-1 in their last seven games.
• The Panthers are 4-0 in their last four games after getting one day of rest.
• The Over is 5-1-1 in the Panthers’ last seven games.

Lightning vs. Panthers Expert Betting Predictions

Taking the Panthers’ puckline as the home underdog can seem too good to pass up. They’re definitely a threat to score in bunches with that talented top and secondary lines.

But the Lightning can also do the same against any opponent. After all, they are the defending Stanley Cup champions. Perhaps the surer bet is to the Over.

Feel free to browse sports betting guides. While you are at it, go ahead and check out all the latest NHL betting odds and more in our online BTC sportsbook.

*All odds stated are subject to change without prior notice.