Tampa Bay Lightning vs Florida Panthers Picks and Predictions April 30th 2025

Panthers Push Lightning to the Brink After Wild Game 4 Finish

The Florida Panthers are one win away from advancing to the second round of the NHL playoffs after a heart-pounding 5-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 4. The reigning champions stunned their rivals with a dramatic scoring surge in the final minutes, flipping a one-goal deficit into a commanding series lead.

Now trailing 3-1 in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference first-round series, the Lightning return to Tampa Bay for a must-win Game 5 on Wednesday night. Make sure to take advantage of this matchup with our Limited Time Offer

Momentum Shifts in Just Seconds

Tampa Bay led 2-1 with under four minutes remaining, poised to even the series on the road. But in a stunning 2-minute, 7-second stretch, everything unraveled.

• Aaron Ekblad capitalized on a defensive breakdown to tie the game.
• Just 11 seconds later, Seth Jones netted the go-ahead goal.
• Carter Verhaeghe sealed the win with an empty-netter, completing a rapid turnaround.

It was the first home win in the series and a reminder of how swiftly playoff hockey can change.

“Both teams had 11-second stretches that mattered. Unfortunately, theirs came at the end,” said Lightning coach Jon Cooper, referencing his own team’s earlier burst when Mitchell Chaffee and Eric Cernak scored 11 seconds apart in the second period.

Power Play Failure Haunts Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay’s chances faltered most during a five-minute major power play early in the third period, drawn after Florida’s Niko Mikkola was ejected for boarding Zemgus Girgensons.

Despite the opportunity, the Panthers’ penalty kill stood tall, limiting the Lightning to just one shot on goal during the extended advantage. Tampa’s power play is now 1-for-15 in the series, while Florida has cashed in enough to stay unbeaten in their last five playoff series after taking a 3-1 lead.

Ekblad’s Controversial Hit Fuels Emotions

A separate flashpoint occurred when Ekblad leveled Brandon Hagel with a high forearm hit. Hagel, dazed, exited under concussion protocol and did not return. Despite the hit, no penalty was assessed, sparking post-game frustration from Cooper.

“He is not playing (Wednesday) so there it is and you know why,” Cooper confirmed during a somber Game 5 update.

Ekblad, returning from a 20-game PED suspension, had already had a goal wiped out due to an offside challenge before redeeming himself with the late equalizer.

Panthers Stay Calm, Confident Under Pressure

Florida’s playoff poise was evident. Even trailing late, they showed no signs of panic.

“Belief is a dangerous thing,” said veteran winger Brad Marchand, who assisted on Anton Lundell’s opening goal. “We know Tampa’s going to throw everything at us next game, and we have to be ready.”

Their confidence, structure, and opportunistic play have them in full control as the series returns to Tampa Bay.

What’s Next: Lightning Must Dig Deep in Game 5

With their season on the line, Tampa Bay now faces elimination on home ice. They’ll need more than just power-play improvement — they’ll need discipline, defensive sharpness, and emotional control if they hope to force a Game 6.

The Panthers, meanwhile, are playing with the swagger of champions — and now they’re one win away from moving on. Check this game’s Predictions from The Best Expert Hockey Handicappers

Key Game 4 Stats Recap

Conclusion

Game 4 was a rollercoaster — a game the Lightning almost had in hand, only to see it slip away in 127 seconds. The Panthers now hold the cards and are just one step away from sending Tampa packing. Game 5 promises to be a fiery clash filled with urgency, pride, and playoff intensity. Check the Sports Handicappers Leaderboard for 2025 for reliable sports betting picks and in-depth handicapper performance data.