The Panthers are up 3-1 in the series and looking to send the Lightning home in a Game 5 matchup in Tampa Bay. The Lightning find themselves as slight -115 home favorites on the Moneyline with the game’s total set at O/U 5.5 goals on DraftKings Sportsbook. Unsurprisingly, the goaltender matchup is Andrei Vasilevskiy vs. Sergei Bobrovsky.
See below for a preview and best bet for tonight’s Game 5 matchup between the Lightning and Panthers.
Lightning vs. Panthers Game 5 preview, prediction
Florida has maintained full control of this series but will be without Aaron Ekblad due to suspension for an illegal hit on Brandon Hagel. His absence is a big blow but the Panthers also have the goaltending edge as Vasilevskiy has struggled, posting a 2.79 GAA and a .884 save percentage through four games. Bobrovsky has been better posting a 2.01 GAA and a .902 save percentage.
With Bobrovsky playing well and Tampa Bay without Hagel, tonight will be difficult. The Bolts played well in Game 4 but allowed two goals within 11 seconds and lost, 4-2. That’ll do it. Of the 16 postseason teams, they rank last in high-danger chances and 12th in 5v5 goal percentage. The once fifth-ranked regular-season power play unit has converted just 1-of-15 power play opportunities this postseason. The home-ice advantage could give the Bolts some life but they were out-scored, 8-2, in Games 1 and 2, so add that to the long list of disadvantages.
Lightning vs. Panthers Game 5 pick, best bet
It is tempting to take the Lightning at home but the Panthers have simply been a better hockey team at all levels of the ice. From goaltending to special teams to defense, Florida wins. It handled business in Games 1 and 2 and has the offensive firepower to outweigh Ekblad’s absence on the defensive end.
