Lightning vs. Panthers Game 2 Odds and Prediction: Tampa to Use Strong Defense to Shut Down Panthers

Game 2 between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers will take place on Thursday night in South Florida. The Lightning won Game 1 with a strong defensive performance.

The Panthers trail 1-0 in the series for the second time this postseason. In Round 1, they were able to rebound and win Game 2 over the Washington Capitals. This time, it will be a different challenge.

The Lightning held the Panthers to 1 goal on Tuesday night, and they ran away with the game late in the third period. Andrei Vasilevskiy was spectacular, stopping 33 of 34 shots. Tampa also found success on the power play, cashing in 3 out of 6 times.

The Panthers were able to find a lead in the first period, but were quickly shut down on offense. Heading into Game 2, they will use more speed and try to quicken the pace of the game.

The Panthers still get to host Game 2, and they are the favorite to rebound and even up the series.

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Florida Panthers Game 2 Betting Odds and Matchup Information

Matchup Information

• Matchup: Tampa Bay Lightning (1-0) vs. Florida Panthers (0-1)
• Venue: FLA Live Arena (Sunrise, FL)
• Date: Thursday, May 19, 2022
• Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
• How to Watch Lightning vs. Panthers Game 2: TNT

Lightning vs. Panthers Game 2 Odds

Odds are via our top reviewed and recommended sportsbooks.

BetOnline

• Puck Line: Lightning +1.5 (-192), Panthers -1.5 (+155)
• Over/Under: Over 6.5 (-118), Under 6.5 (-104)
• Moneyline: Lightning +138, Panthers -166

Bovada Sportsbook

• Puck Line: Lightning +1.5 (-175), Panthers -1.5 (+150)
• Over/Under: Over 6.5 (-115), Under 6.5 (-105)
• Moneyline: Lightning +145, Panthers -170

BetUS

• Puck Line: Lightning +1.5 (-177), Panthers -1.5 (+148)
• Over/Under: Over 6.5 (-115), Under 6.5 (-103)
• Moneyline: Lightning +135, Panthers -157

Defense is the Key to Championships

The Lightning have shut down two of the best offenses in the league over their past two games. In Game 7 against Toronto and Game 1 against Florida, they combined to block 42 shots and are taking away all passing lanes.

Andrei Vasilevskiy has stopped all but two shots in the past two games, and he is getting major defensive help from his teammates. He hasn’t been giving up rebounds due to the ability to see the puck into his glove. Tampa is preventing screen plays in front of the net, and Vasilevskiy hasn’t been challenged much.

Tampa Bay is starting to look like their championship winning teams from the past two years. They are holding the opposition to limited scoring chances, and the goals just aren’t there for the other teams to match the output the Lightning have.

The Lightning are frustrating the Panthers. Florida was forced to take six penalties in Game 1, resulting in three goals on the power play for Tampa.

Florida may be the favorite heading into Game 2, but with the way Tampa has played on defense, it’s going to be a long series for the Panthers. They will have to solve the problem quickly if they want a chance to dethrone the champs.

Lightning vs. Panthers Prediction and Best Bets

Lightning vs. Panthers Prediction: Lightning 4, Panthers 2

Lightning vs. Panthers Best Bets: Lightning on the moneyline (+145 at Bovada Sportsbook)

Tampa will use their strong defense and power play to overwhelm Florida in Game 2. The Panthers will be forced to adjust on the fly, and that’s when the Lightning will strike.

The Lightning are technically underdogs in this game, so the value is there on the moneyline. Their strong play as of late gives me confidence in this bet, and it’s one I would make sooner rather than later.