The Florida Panthers (19-12-2) travel to face off against the Tampa Bay Lightning (17-13-5) on Wednesday, December 27th. This game will be played at Amalie Arena in Tampa. Both team’s come into this one having won their previous games. Puck drop is set for 7:00 ET.

Florida Panthers vs Tampa Bay Lightning

The Florida Panthers Are Coming Off A Win

As they head into their game vs. the Lightning, the Panthers have a 19-12-2 record thus far. While playing at home, their record stands at 10-5-0, and they have 9-7-2 mark on the road. In the Eastern Atlantic division, they are currently 3rd, and in the Eastern conference, they come into the game sitting 5th. Florida comes in with 12 wins with a margin of more than one goal this season and lost 10 games by multiple goals. Their overall puck line performance is 16-17.

In their last game, the Panthers were the hosts against the Golden Knights, and they came away with a 4-2 win. In the opening period, the Panthers couldn’t find the net on offense, but they rebounded with two times in the second period and two goals in the third. Florida’s two power-play goals contributed to their total of 4 goals. Their offensive performance came with 42 shots on goal and 11 giveaways.

Florida came in as the favorites with a -1.5 goal advantage and, as a result, recorded a win against the puck line. The over/under line for the game was 6.5, and it concluded with a combined total of 6 goals.

The Tampa Bay Lightning Are Coming Off A Win

So far this season, the Lightning have an overall record of 17-13-5. Currently, they are 10-3-3 at home and carry a four game home win streak into the game. This record has them sitting 4th in the Eastern Atlantic division and 8th in the Eastern conference. Tampa Bay heads into the game with 12 wins by more than one goal, and lost 13 games by multiple goals. Their overall puck line record this season is 17-18.

In their most recent matchup, the Lightning played against the Capitals and won with a score of 2-1. Offensively, the Lightning got off to a good start by scoring one time in the first period, but that was the extent of their scoring for the game. All two goals came at even strength. They finished with 20 shots on goal and had 5 turnovers.

Tampa Bay’s straight-up victory didn’t translate to covering the puck line in the game, despite being favored by -1.5. Combining for 3 goals, the game finished below the over/under line of 6.

Florida Offense Breakdown

Offensively, the Panthers come into the game at 2.9 goals per contest placing 25th in the NHL. In terms of shots on goal per game, they are in 2nd position in the league. The Florida offense is ranked 21st in power play goals. As for shorthanded goals, they find themselves at 29th in the NHL.

This season, the Panthers’ have an over/under record of 13-20-0. Throughout the season, they have played 20 games that did not exceed the 6.5 over/under line. On average, their games are averaging 5.5 goals per game.

Tampa Bay Offense Breakdown

For their offensive performance, the Lightning come in averaging 3.3 goals per game this season, which is 5th in the NHL. In the category of shots on goal per game, they are 9th in the league. Looking at how the Lightning’s offense is performing during power plays, they are 1st in power play goals and 30th in shorthanded goals.

So far, the Lightning have an over/under record of 16-17-2. Coming into the game, they have played 18 games that went beyond the 6.5 over/under line. Their games, on average, had 6.8 goals per game.

Florida Team Defense

Defensively, the Panthers are currently 28th in goals allowed. On average, opponents are taking 26.8 shots per game against Florida. They also are 13th in shutouts, coming in with 2 shutouts.

Tampa Bay Team Defense

Tampa Bay defense takes on the Panthers ranked 6th in goals allowed. On average, opponents are averaging 30.9 shots per game against Tampa Bay. They alsso are 5th in shutouts, with 3 shutouts.

Panthers vs Lightning Trends

• Across the Panthers last five road games, the team averaged 2 goals per game while allowing 2. Their record vs the puck line in these contests was 2-3, while going 2-3 straight-up.
• Across the Lightning last three home games, the team averaged 3 goals per game while allowing 3. Their record vs the puck line in these contests was 1-2, while going 2-1 straight-up.
• The last three games that Tampa Bay was the underdog, they have an puck line mark of 1-2 while going 1-2 straight up.
• Spanning across their last five games as the betting favorite, the Panthers have gone 1-4 vs the spread. Their overall record in these games was 1-4.

Panthers vs Lightning Prediction

When it comes to a moneyline wager, I’m going with the Lightning to defeat the Panthers while playing at home. Given the current moneyline odds at -114, I’m placing a wager on the Lightning to win outright.

My recommended pick for the puck line is to take the Panthers to cover. Even if the Lightning win straight-up, this one should be close throughout and the Panthers should cover the puck line.

For those looking at the over/under line set at 6.5 goals, our expectation is that this game will surpass that mark, and we suggest making a bet on the over.

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All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

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* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.