With just one game left before the Olympic break, the Tampa Bay Lightning are gearing up for a showdown that couldn’t be more fitting - a clash with their in-state rivals, the Florida Panthers. It’s the last regular-season meeting between these two, and if the trend holds, the road team might have the edge once again. Each matchup this season has ended with the visitors skating away with the win.
Tampa Bay comes into this one riding a hot streak. They've rattled off four straight wins and have taken eight of their last ten.
It’s the kind of stretch that suggests this team is finding its rhythm at just the right time. The offense is clicking, the defensive structure looks sharper, and Andrei Vasilevskiy is starting to look like the Vezina-caliber goalie we’ve seen in years past.
On the flip side, the Panthers just snapped a four-game skid with a solid win over the Bruins - a much-needed confidence boost heading into this rivalry tilt. But overall, they’ve been treading water lately, going 5-5-0 in their last ten. That’s not exactly the form you want when facing a surging Lightning team, especially with bragging rights - and momentum heading into the break - on the line.
Tonight's game is set to stream exclusively on ESPN+ and Hulu in the U.S., while Canadian viewers can catch it on Sportsnet and TVA. And for fans of high-tempo, physical hockey, this one should be must-watch. These teams don’t like each other, and it shows every time they share the ice.
Projected Lines: Tampa Bay Lightning
Forwards:
- Hagel - Guentzel - Kucherov
- Bjorkstrand - James - Goncalves
- Girgensons - Gourde - Holmberg
- Douglas - Finley - Sabourin
Defense:
- Moser - Raddysh
- McDonagh - Cernak
- Hedman - Carlile
Goaltenders:
- Vasilevskiy
- Johansson
Tampa Bay’s top line of Hagel, Guentzel, and Kucherov has the potential to be electric. Kucherov continues to be the offensive engine, and with Guentzel’s scoring touch and Hagel’s two-way game, this trio could be a handful for Florida’s top defenders. Keep an eye on the second line as well - Bjorkstrand and Goncalves bring speed and creativity, while James adds a physical edge.
On the back end, the Lightning’s blue line looks deep and experienced. McDonagh and Cernak form a shutdown pair that can eat minutes, while Hedman continues to be the steady presence that anchors the group. Vasilevskiy gets the nod in net, and if he’s in form, he can be the ultimate difference-maker.
Projected Lines: Florida Panthers
Forwards:
- Luostarinen - Lundell - Reinhart
- Greer - Bennett - Tkachuk
- Verhaeghe - Rodrigues - Marchand
- Vilmanis - Schwindt - Samoskevich
Defense:
- Forsling - Ekblad
- Mikkola - Balinskis
- Hovorka - Petry
Goaltenders:
- Tarasov
- Bobrovsky
Florida’s forward depth is impressive, especially with the top six featuring names like Reinhart, Bennett, and Tkachuk. That second line, in particular, can be a wrecking crew - heavy on the forecheck and dangerous around the net. The addition of Marchand to the third line adds a veteran presence who can still stir things up and chip in offensively.
Defensively, Forsling and Ekblad will likely draw the toughest assignments, especially with Kucherov and Guentzel buzzing. In net, the Panthers have options, but Bobrovsky remains the veteran anchor. If he gets the start, he’ll need to be sharp against a Lightning team that’s been generating high-danger chances with regularity.
Final Thoughts
This one has all the makings of a classic rivalry game - playoff-style intensity, star power on both sides, and a lot at stake heading into the Olympic pause. Tampa Bay is surging, Florida is trying to steady the ship, and both teams know what a win here would mean.
Expect a physical, emotional game with momentum swings and plenty of jawing between whistles. And don’t be surprised if special teams play a major role - both squads have the firepower to make you pay on the man advantage.
The Sunshine State rivalry is alive and well. Buckle up.