Tampa Bay Lightning vs Florida Panthers Picks and Predictions April 24th 2025

Lightning Aim to Bounce Back and Even Series Against Panthers

After a tough 6-2 loss in Game 1, the Tampa Bay Lightning are heading into Thursday’s matchup with a renewed sense of urgency. With the Florida Panthers having snatched home-ice advantage in dominant fashion, Game 2 becomes a critical opportunity for the Lightning to reset, respond, and prevent a daunting 2-0 series hole.

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Game 1 Wake-Up Call

Tampa Bay was stunned by the Panthers in the opener — not so much by volume, but by efficiency. Florida scored six goals on just 17 shots, including three power-play tallies, turning a tightly contested series opener into a lopsided result.

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“In the end, we gave up six goals … We can sit here and dissect this game all we want. Bottom line is we lost. We’ll turn the page,” said Lightning coach Jon Cooper.

The penalty kill — usually a strength — was a glaring weak spot. Tampa’s defense couldn’t contain Matthew Tkachuk, who made a thunderous return from injury with two goals and an assist, extending his seven-game goal streak.

“That’s what you miss — competing, the fans, the battles, the chirps,” Tkachuk said after his big night. “I was just super grateful to be out there.”

Turning the Page: Tampa Bay’s Response

Despite the loss, there are some silver linings. Tampa outshot Florida and had moments of strong zone pressure. But the injury to forward Anthony Cirelli, who exited early in the second period, casts a shadow over Game 2. As of Wednesday, his status remains uncertain.

“We’ve got full faith in this group … everybody will look themselves in the mirror, and we’ve got to respond,” said veteran defenseman Ryan McDonagh.

Florida Finds Its Groove — And Gets Reinforcements

The Panthers were struggling down the stretch, but much of that had to do with resting injured stars. Now, it’s clear their strategy paid off.

Tkachuk looked rejuvenated, and the team was relentless on the forecheck and power play. If they replicate their special teams dominance, Florida could seize complete control of the series before returning home.

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Also looming large: defenseman Aaron Ekblad’s return from suspension is right around the corner. Thursday marks the final game of his 20-game ban, setting the stage for another boost in Game 3.

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What to Watch in Game 2

• Tampa’s Penalty Kill: The Lightning must fix the cracks in their PK to neutralize Florida’s dangerous power play.
• Vasilevskiy Bounce Back: Can the Lightning goalie tighten things up after allowing six goals on limited shots?
• Tkachuk’s Momentum: He’s been a postseason force — does he stay hot?
• Florida’s Depth: Can the Panthers’ role players continue outshining Tampa’s?

“I’m not a huge believer in momentum,” Panthers coach Paul Maurice said. “The puck drops and that’s your opportunity to change momentum.”