Saturday’s encounter in Game 4 had the Panthers with good chances to tie the series, though failed to do so, as the Lightning hammered them 6-2. Now Florida is headed back home for Game 5, one which they have to win in order to keep their chances up in the Playoffs. If they lose, it’s over for them. Way too much on the line is an understatement.

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 5 Information

• When: Monday, May 24th, 2021, 8:00 PM ET
• Where: BB&T Center, Sunrise, Florida
• TV: CNBC, FX-CA, TVAS.ca, BSFL, BSSUN
• Radio: WFLA 970 AM (Lightning) / Fox Sports 640 South Florida (Panthers)
• Live Stream: NHL Live
• NHL Betting Odds: Tampa Bay Lightning (-111) / OU: 5.5

READ MORE: Maple Leafs vs. Canadiens NHL Playoffs Odds and Game 3 Preview – May 24th, 2021

Why Bet on the Tampa Bay Lightning?

Although they took the Panthers for quite the ride in Game 4, they might have some difficulties heading into Game 5, as there are a couple of injuries looming. One is defenseman Mikhail Sergachev and the other is star Nikita Kurcherov, who was out the entire season dude to an hip injury. It seems that he will be playing tonight, but it’s yet to be confirmed.

Another player who returned to action from last month was Steve Stamkos. He did play 38 games of the regular season and has been able to create opportunities and get some goals along the way in this series. He has two goals and six points through the first four games and has been quite to push for the offensive line, which is playing currently at an expected goal rate of 52%.

Why Bet on the Florida Panthers?

If there’s one thing the Panthers have had major trouble with is the goaltender. They started off with Sergei Bobrovsky, who is the usually goalie for the team. In Game 1, he got scored five times. For Game 2, they changed him for Chris Driedger, who did slightly better in Game 2, but was horrible in Game 3. They changed him back to Bobrovsky, who was able to save Game 3. For Game, Sergei is beaten again and replaced midgame with Driedger.

The question is, who will take care of the net? It seems that the rookie Spencer Knight might be the one to do so. He was the starter in their practice on Sunday. So far, he’s only started four times with the Panthers and his record is small but great. He went 4-0-0, with a .919 save percentage and a 2.32 GAA. With just 20 years of age, this young player from Boston College could become one of those surprises for the team tonight and maybe the rest of their playoffs, if they stay in it.

Lightning vs. Panthers Betting Trends

• The Lightning 8-4 SU in the last 12 games.
• The Lightning are 4-1 SU in the last 5 games at home.
• The total went UNDER in 4 of Tampa Bay’s last 6 games on the road.
• The Panthers are 7-3 SU in the last 10 games.
• The Panthers are 11-3 SU in the last 14 games at home.
• The total went OVER in 7 of Florida’s last 10 games.

Lightning vs. Panthers Expert Betting Predictions

We have to say that the Lightning is definitely one of the top teams. They finished the regular season with a top five road record in the last three campaigns and have a good winning percentage on the road than at home. With the uncertainty in the Panthers’ net, Tampa Bay could seal the deal tonight and make it to the next round. If Florida puts their young goalie to defend, this could really shift one way or another. It will all depend on the performance.

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.