The Tampa Bay Lightning return home for a crucial Game 5 showdown against the Florida Panthers, trailing the series 3-1 and on the brink of elimination. After dropping Game 4 in a tight 3-2 finish, Tampa has no margin for error if they hope to extend their playoff run.
The Bolts, powered by Nikita Kucherov’s elite production and backstopped by Andrei Vasilevskiy, now face the pressure of defending home ice.
Florida Panthers, meanwhile, are eyeing a first-round upset behind the steady presence of Aleksander Barkov and red-hot Sergei Bobrovsky in goal.
This one promises to be physical, gritty, and loaded with postseason drama. Can Tampa Bay’s offense awaken? Or will Florida’s balanced attack close it out on enemy ice?
Check the best NHL betting strategy here.
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📊 Where To Watch Lightning vs. Panthers? (April 30, 2025)
- Date: Wednesday, April 30, 2025
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Amalie Arena – Tampa, FL
- TV: ESPN2
- Live Stream: Fubo
📊 Betting Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Puck Line | Over/Under |
| Lightning | -112 | -1.5 (+180) | Over 5.5 (-110) |
| Panthers | -108 | +1.5 (-220) | Under 5.5 (-110) |
🧊 Series Recap
| Game | Winner | Score |
| 1 | Panthers | 4-2 |
| 2 | Lightning | 3-1 |
| 3 | Panthers | 6-2 |
| 4 | Panthers | 3-2 |
| 🏁 | Series Lead | Florida 3-1 |
📈 Betting Trends
| Stat | Lightning | Panthers |
| Games over 5.5 total goals | 48 | 43 |
| Combined average goals/game | 3.6 | 3.0 |
| Combined opponent goals allowed/game | 2.6 | 2.7 |
| Lightning as moneyline favorite | 41-22 | – |
| Panthers as moneyline underdog | – | 8-9 |
🔑 Key Players to Watch
Lightning
- Nikita Kucherov: 37 G, 83 A, 120 PTS
- Brandon Hagel: 35 G, 55 A, 90 PTS (day-to-day)
- Andrei Vasilevskiy: 38-20-5, 2.18 GAA, .921 SV%
Panthers
- Sam Reinhart: 39 G, 42 A, 81 PTS
- Aleksander Barkov: 20 G, 51 A, 71 PTS
- Sergei Bobrovsky: 33-19-2, 2.40 GAA, .906 SV%
🏥 Injury Report
| Team | Player | Status | Notes |
| Lightning | Brandon Hagel | Day-To-Day | Upper Body |
| Lightning | Oliver Bjorkstrand | Out | Lower Body |
| Panthers | — | — | No injuries reported |
💰 Prop Bets to Watch
- Kucherov to Score a Goal: +120
- Barkov Anytime Assist: +135
- Over 5.5 Goals: -110
- Vasilevskiy Over 28.5 Saves: -115
🔗 Same Game Parlay (ClutchBuzz Special)
- Kucherov to Record 1+ Point
- Panthers +1.5 Puck Line
- Over 5.5 Total Goals
Odds: +360
🔮 Final Lightning vs. Panthers Prediction
The Lightning won’t go quietly at Amalie Arena. With their backs against the wall and Vasilevskiy in net, they find a way to force Game 6.
💥 Lightning 4, Panthers 2
Pick: Lightning ML (-112)
Total: Over 5.5 (-110)
