The storied rivalry for the Governor’s Cup will open up another chapter this evening when the NHL Panthers take on the Lightning in Tampa, Florida. Although the Bolts have had significantly more organizational success in their franchise history, the Cats actually own the edge in the all-time series with a record of 58-37-10 and 10 ties – their best record against any team. Florida stole the division crown last year and both teams have started their seasons 2-0. I expect this matchup to be the best it’s ever been this year.
- The Panthers are 4-1 in their last 5 games against the Lightning.
- The Lightning are 9-3 in their last 12 games at home.
- The total has gone OVER in 10 of the Panthers' last 14 games against the Lightning.
37-year-old Roberto Luongo (2-0, .957 save percentage) and six-foot-seven Ben Bishop are expected to start in net for their respective Florida teams. Luongo seems to be aging like a fine wine and has really stepped up against the Panthers’ cross-state rivals since arriving in Sunrise. The former fourth overall pick went 4-1 with a .942 save percentage against the Bolts last season and even posted a shutout for good measure.
There is a chance Andrei Vasilevskiy gets the start in net for TB tonight so I won’t get too in-depth on Bishop but the fact that Jon Cooper is conflicted on who to start tonight should be indication enough that he’s not confident in Bishop. The lanky Denver native has always had the propensity to give up big games and actually allowed four goals on 32 shots in his last appearance.
Coincidentally enough, both Tampa and Florida have faced the Devils and Red Wings in their first two games of the year and both remain unscathed. The only difference in their performances so far is that the Lightning have scored nine goals while allowing six and the Panthers have scored six while allowing just two.
Plus-money value for the Cats tonight is pretty tough to pass up.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Sportsbooks such as Sportsbook had the Tampa Bay Lightning as 108 favorites earlier today. The over under opened at 5 at Sportsbook for betting fans hoping to turn a profit on totals.
Odds Shark prediction models pick the Panthers to win this game 3.1-2.9. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NHL matchups here.
Florida Panthers vs Tampa Bay Lightning Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
2-0-0 Tampa Bay battles the Panthers, currently with a 2-0-0 mark. The OVER/UNDER records, important for totals bettors, are 1-0-1 for the Lightning and 0-1-1 for the Panthers. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Tampa Bay vs Florida injuries news.
The NHL Power Rankings at Odds Shark show the No. 5-rated Florida Panthers taking on the No. 18-rated Tampa Bay Lightning in this contest.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Florida won its last outing, a 4-1 result against the Red Wings on October 15. Bettors who backed the Panthers at -132 on the moneyline won on the day, and the total score (5) sent PUSH bettors to the payout window.
Tampa Bay was a 3-2 Sportsbook in its last match at home against the Devils. They won as favorites, while the total score of 5 made Sportsbooks of PUSH bettors.
- Florida is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Florida's last 5 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Florida's last 5 games on the road
- Florida is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay
- Tampa Bay is 10-3 ATS in its last 13 games
- Tampa Bay is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games
- The total has gone OVER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 7 games
- Tampa Bay is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games at home
Next Betting Matchups
Florida home to Washington, Thursday, October 20th
Tampa Bay home to Colorado, Thursday, October 20th
