Game 1s have never been strong for the Florida Panthers, considering the fact they have not won the first game of a series since 1996.
The Tampa Bay Lightning played exactly the way one might expect them to, but the Panthers will bring their best effort in tonight’s battle.
See who has the betting edge in our NHL picks and predictions for Lightning vs. Panthers on Thursday, May 19.
Lightning vs Panthers Game 2 odds
This odds widget represents the best odds available for each betting market from regulated sportsbooks.
The Panthers opened up as -165 heavy home favorites and the line has moved slightly to -160. The total opened at 6.5 and hasn’t had any movement at the time of writing.
Use the live odds widget above to track any future line movements right until puck drop and be sure to check out the full NHL odds before betting to ensure you get the best number.
Lightning vs Panthers Game 2 predictions
Predictions made on 5/19/2022 at 1:30 p.m. ET.
Click on each prediction to jump to the full analysis.
If you're signing up for a new sportsbook for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, here are two of the best bonuses* available:
A) New users can bet $20 and get $200 in free bets with Caesars! Sign Up Now
B) New users can get two risk-free bets up to $2,000 at PointsBet! Claim Now
*Eligible USA locations only
Lightning vs Panthers Game 2 info
• Location: FLA Live Arena, Sunrise, FL
• Date: Thursday, May 19, 2022
• Puck drop: 7:00 p.m. ET
• TV: TNT
Lightning vs Panthers series odds
Lightning: -140
Panthers: +120
Lightning vs Panthers Game 2 betting preview
Key injuries
Lightning: Brayden Point F (Out), Erik Cernak D (Probable) Brent Seabrook D (Out).
Panthers: Mason Marchment F (Doubtful), Markus Nutivaara D (Out).
Find our latest NHL injury reports.
Lightning vs Panthers head-to-head record
Lightning: 1-0 SU, 4 goals for.
Panthers: 0-1 SU, 1 goal for.
Betting trend to know
The home team is 5-2 in the last seven meetings. Find more NHL betting trends for Lightning vs. Panthers.
Lightning vs Panthers Game 2 picks and predictions
Our side and total predictions are based upon our analysis of the line and total in this game. Our best bet is our favorite pick across all markets.
Moneyline analysis
The Florida Panthers did not bring their best effort in Game 1, but what they have shown all season long is how resilient they can be, but just because the Panthers did it in the regular season, doesn’t mean they will be able to be as resilient as they once were.
The playoffs are a whole different beast, but they should feel good knowing that they can take down the defending champions.
The focus for Florida tonight will be to win the first period and control the game from there. That starts with the Panthers' power-play unit, which has gone 0-for-21 in the postseason after dominating all season long.
That being said, even with their man advantage struggles, they were still able to find ways to score goals at 5-on-5 in their first-round matchup against the Capitals, so it’s not like their offense has been completely nonexistent.
The Tampa Bay Lightning played a fantastic game on Tuesday night and they know that Florida is going to bring everything they have. The difference in Tampa’s game was being able to convert on their power-play opportunities in addition to Andrei Vasilevskiy being strong in between the pipes.
We all know what Tampa is capable of, but this Florida team has continued to rise to the occasion when faced with a challenge. I see that happening again tonight — give me the Cats.
Prediction: Panthers moneyline (-160 at DraftKings)
Over/Under analysis
The offense may have not been all that it was cracked up to be in Game 1, but that's in large part to some strong goaltending.
The Florida Panthers had 3.49 expected goals, but Vasilevskiy was there to shut the door, but I don’t know if he will be able to hold this offense in back-to-back games on the road.
I think the Florida Panthers are due for an offensive outburst and everybody knows how good this Tampa Bay Lightning team is upfront.
Nikita Kucherov got going in Game 1, tallying a goal and an assist. When he is buzzing he is as dangerous as anyone else in the NHL.
The Panthers' top six were quiet in Game 1, but don’t plan on them staying that way, as this was the most productive offensive in the league this season.
Both teams should find the net early and often, sending this game Over the total.
Prediction: Over 6.5 (-115 at DraftKings)
Best bet
If you ask me, I think this is the Florida Panthers' game to lose. They know what's at stake if they, wanting to avoid going down 2-0 in the series with Games 3 and 4 both being played in Tampa Bay.
The Panthers will dig themselves in a very deep hole if they don’t find a way to win this game and sometimes in hockey the more desperate team is the right team to bet on.
Tonight should be the best effort that we’ve seen all year from the Florida Panthers and because of that, I think they win in regulation.
Pick: Panthers 3-way moneyline (-110 at DraftKings)
Did you know that if you parlayed today’s NHL Lightning vs. Panthers picks, you could win $48.00 on a $10 bet?
Use our NHL parlay calculator to create your own parlays and see their potential payouts.
